Your Cart
You have no items in your shopping cart.
Have a saved cart? Click here to retrieve it.
Mor Furniture furniture for less
Financing page
Shopping cart
Search
Home/Mor Furniture Blog/Buying Guides/What is the Standard Dining Chair Height?
Blog bannerBlog banner

What is the Standard Dining Chair Height?

If you're in the process of redesigning your dining room, it's essential to know how much space certain furniture will take up, including things like what is standard dining chair height? Picking the proper dining chair height for your table and eating space is crucial to creating an inviting area for everyone, including the family who will use the space daily as well as friends and loved ones who will gather on special occasions. Whether you select standard chair height for the seats in your space or go with another option, will depend on the rest of the furniture you purchase, the way you intend to use the room most frequently, your style and aesthetic, and more.

Come into a Mor Furniture for Less showroom near you today to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable design associates. Schedule a private concierge appointment for individualized attention and assistance, or browse the floor at your own speed choosing the pieces you like best. Or, shop online either by way of virtual appointment or page browsing. When you shop the selection at Mor Furniture for Less, you can't go wrong!

Our design associates are here to help you each step of the way along your dining room decorating and furnishing journey. And, we're happy to assist with every other room in your home as well. We can answer key questions, such as "what is standard chair height?" and "what type of upholstery is best for the needs of my family?" Start your dining room decor adventure today, and keep reading to learn more about standard chair height, the proper dining room ratios, and so much more.

What Is Standard Dining Chair Height?

Many shoppers who come through our doors are surprised to learn that there is a standard chair height for kitchen and dining room seating areas. Additionally, there are other uniform heights as well, including counter height and bar height seating. Which one you choose will depend on various factors in your space. The most important thing to remember is that you never want to mix seating heights with table heights. For example, a standard height chair should always go with a standard dining height table–never with counter or bar height pieces.

Standard chair height for kitchen and dining spaces is approximately 18 inches, from the ground to the base of the seating area. This is because standard dining table height is about 30 inches off the ground, and you want to be sure there is enough room between the body that is seated and the bottom of the table. This configuration leaves about a foot of space between the chair seat and the table, allowing for diners to cross their legs and move about freely without feeling cramped, crowded, or knocking their knees on the furniture.

You may occasionally see standard dining chair heights that reach up to 23 inches. Whether this height will work for you will depend on the diners who use your space most often. People with longer legs, for example, will likely require the shorter chair height of 18 inches to ensure they have enough space for comfort.

Other Dining Chair Heights

While shopping for kitchen and dining room furniture pieces, it's likely that you'll see tables and chairs with other heights noted. Most frequently, you'll see counter height sets as well as bar height sets. These are both taller than your standard dining chair height, and you never want to mix and match pieces that are set for different heights. This can cause poor posture, physical pain, accidents and injuries, difficulty moving or reaching items on the table, and more.

  • Counter height chairs are approximately 24 inches off the ground, designed for use with counter height tables that measure 35 to 39 inches high.
  • Bar height chairs (or stools) are approximately 28 inches off the ground, designed for use with bar height eating spaces that measure 40 to 42 inches high.

Like standard chair height, the measurements may vary by a few inches in either direction but are considered industry standard and uniform across brands and manufacturers.

How to Choose the Right Dining Chair Height and Style

Knowing which height chair to choose for your space can seem like a challenge, but there are a few rules of thumb to go by. First, if you're just buying dining chairs and you already have a table or eating area, measure that first. Find out how high your table is, whether it's standard, counter, or bar height, and then buy the appropriate height seating to match.

If you're buying an entirely new kitchen or dining room set, though, you have a little more leeway to decide which height will work best for your unique needs and style.

Keep these tips in mind when browsing pieces and sets:

  • Many people consider standard height chairs and seating to be the most formal and traditional of the three options. If you're creating a formal space with traditional decor, standard height may be the best option.
  • Alternately, counter and bar height are considered more modern. If you're looking to put together a space that feels more casual, less stuffy, and a little more edgy or fun, consider these two seating and dining heights instead.
  • Standard dining chair height is thought to encourage seated conversation, while counter and bar height are great for quick and informal gatherings. Think of the types of holidays, parties, and get-togethers you host most often and which of these settings is the most conducive to your events.
  • Counter height allows you to have more prep or storage room in your dining area. If you're looking for furniture that gives you extra space for small appliances or cooking, this height may be best.
  • Standard height chairs and dining sets are better for areas that have more physical space. If you're looking for a dining set and chairs to go in a small area, such as an apartment or a small breakfast nook, counter or bar height may be better. If you're furnishing a whole separate dining room, standard height may be the most appropriate.

These days, dining sets of all different heights are available in a variety of styles. Whether you're looking for something modern, industrial, farmhouse chic, rustic, or transitional, you're likely to find the set in several different options. Which is best for you depends on your personal style, preferences, and use of the space.

When You Need to Mix and Match

Sometimes, customers find themselves in a situation where they need (or wish) to purchase a dining table and chairs separately, instead of as a set. People are often left scratching their heads when the specific items they want to buy don't note whether they are standard, counter, or bar height. But still, finding the correct seating height is imperative to bringing together your space.

The golden rule to follow is that there should always be 12 inches between the seating space of a chair or stool and the bottom of the table. More space than that will leave diners at an awkward height when sitting, and less may leave them cramped and uncomfortable. Measure your table first to see how far off the ground it sits and then go from there if you find yourself in this situation.

Shop Mor Furniture for Less Today

For the very best selection in kitchen and dining room furniture, and the absolute best deals around, shop Mor Furniture for Less Today. We guarantee your full satisfaction and offer exclusive customer perks and bonuses such as our Double the Difference Guarantee, limited warranties on virtually all new furniture, free shipping on home accents, and so much more. Plus, get your new furniture your way when you choose either free warehouse pick up or white glove delivery available at real-people prices.

Our design associates are here to answer any questions you may have during your shopping experience, including the common question "what is standard chair height?" For furniture knowledge and advice you can trust, turn to Mor Furniture for Less. Let's turn your house into a home.

RELATED ARTICLES