Everything You Need to Know About Chair Heights

There are three basic heights for chairs, each designed to fit with a corresponding dining room & kitchen space. They are, from shortest to most tall, standard Dining chair, Counter and Bar stool height.

Standard Dining Chair Height

What A Room Furniture - Standard height dining chair

The seat of a Standard height chair will be at about 18 to 22 inches from the ground, its matching standard dining table height standing at 28 to 32 inches. These seats usually have taller backs than the other sizes, and are often designed and built with arms. Also known as “side” chairs, Standard chairs represent the typical height in the context of a dining room setting.

Standard Counter Stool Height

What A Room Furniture - Counter height dining chairs

Moving slightly upward, a Counter height chair (or “stool”) is the perfect fit for a counter-height table, which is usually 34 to 36 inches tall. At two feet off the ground, the stool is also compatible with kitchen counters. There are a number of options to consider when choosing these stools. For instance, they’re available with backs and without. Also you may want a swivel seat that turns a full 180 degrees.

Naturally, you’ll need to consider how you will use the chairs in the context of room availability. Backless stools and swivel seats are helpful in cramped quarters. If space is at a premium, armless is the way to go. Be sure that any counter height stool you select has a foot rest, necessary for comfort as to not leave legs dangling.

Standard Bar Stool Height

What A Room Furniture - Bar height stools

Finally, for those who prefer the comfort of their local neighborhood bar is – appropriately – the tall Bar style, standing at approximately 28 to 33 inches from top to bottom. In relation to a 40 to 42 inches bar table surface, the size, unique swivel action, foot rests and easy manual twirling make them a great choice for entertaining since people sitting at this height can converse comfortably with those who are standing.

No matter which of the three sizes is used, there should always be a distance of at least nine to thirteen inches between the seat and the table’s underside. This will ensure the comfort of nearly everyone – even those of large stature. And that’s by universal design, allowing us to rest in a relaxed seated position, regardless of a chairs’ proportion.

Also to consider about other chair sizes:

Accent Chair & Armchair Size Differences

Accent Arm Chair

Modern accent arm chair come in a variety of sizes to fit different spaces and design styles. Here are some common sizes for accent chairs:

Standard size: These chairs are usually around 32 inches wide and 36 inches deep. They are a good choice for an average-sized room and can be placed next to a sofa or used as standalone seating.
Oversized or extra large: These chairs are larger than standard size and can be up to 40 inches wide and 45 inches deep. They are a good choice for larger spaces or for use as a focal point in a room.
Mid-size or petite: These chairs are smaller than standard size and can be around 28 inches wide and 32 inches deep. They are a good choice for smaller spaces or for use in a bedroom or den.

It's important to measure the space where you plan to place an accent chair and consider the size of the chair in relation to other local furniture in the room to ensure a good fit.

Choosing the right home office chair size

Office chairs come in a range of heights to accommodate different users and home office setups. The height of an office chair is important for proper ergonomics and comfort, as it should allow the user to sit with their feet flat on the floor and their knees bent at a 90-degree angle.

Adjustable office chairs typically have a height range of 16 to 21 inches from the seat to the floor. The ideal chair height will depend on the user's height and the height of their desk or work surface. A general rule of thumb is to have the chair's seat pan at a height that allows the user's feet to be flat on the ground and their thighs to be parallel to the ground when sitting.

To determine the appropriate chair height for a specific user, measure the distance from the floor to the top of their desk or work surface and subtract about 12 inches. This will give you a rough estimate of the ideal chair height. It's always a good idea to try out a chair before purchasing it to ensure a comfortable and ergonomic fit.

Additionally, it's important to consider the type of work being done and the user's specific needs when selecting an office chair. For example, if the user spends a lot of time typing at their desk, they may prefer a chair with a higher backrest and adjustable lumbar support to help maintain good posture. On the other hand, if the user primarily uses their chair for meetings or conference calls, they may prefer a chair with a lower backrest that allows them to lean forward and engage with others more easily.