20 Inch Seat Height Dining Chairs

20 Inch Seat Height Dining Chairs

Standard table and chair heights vary between countries and companies, so it's important to check supplied dimensions before buying furniture online, or take your own measurements. You can also contact your contractor to take measurements of your space and offer recommendations on the best dining table height and size for your design.

Matching your table and chair height is important for guests to have space to move their elbows and cross their legs. Below we list the general standard table and counter heights for dining, kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms and more. You can also read how to calculate the best table size for your room, or how to calculate office and desk chair heights.

What Is Standard Table Height?

There is no exact industry standard for table height, although many companies produce furniture in line with average table and chair heights sold in their country.

In any case, doing your own measurements and calculations are important, especially if you're trying to match table and chairs from different suppliers. If you're opting for custom furniture, below we explain in detail how to calculate table and chair height are below.

Different rules apply if you are measuring your ergonomic desk and office chair heights.

	Average Table Height Range	Standard Table Height (inches)	Standard Table Height (cm)
Standard dining table height	28–30 inches	30 inches	76cm
Standard kitchen table height	28–30 inches	30 inches	76cm
Standard counter height	34–39 inches	36 inches	91.5cm
Standard bar table height	40–43 inches	42 inches	106.5cm
Standard coffee table height	18–20 inches	20 inches	51cm
Standard side table height	22–30 inches	25 inches	63.5cm
Standard console table height	24–42 inches	30 inches	76cm
Standard nightstand height	24–28 inches	25 inches	63.5cm
Standard office desk height	28–30 inches	29 inches	73.5cm
Standard bathroom counter height	30–36 inches	32 inches	81cm

What Is Standard Chair Height?

Similar to table height, there is no definite industry standard for chair heights.

Chair heights generally range up to 17–19 inches (43–48cm) from the chair leg to the top of the seat. Stool heights range from 16–23 inches (40–58cm). These chair heights are standard to fit under tables from 28–30 inches (71–76cm). You should also account for any apron (support beam) under the table.

For comfortable seating, it is recommended to allow at least 9–13 inches (23–33cm) between your table or counter and the chair seat, with 12 inches (30.5cm) being a spacious allowance. This allows guests to comfortably cross their legs under the table.

If you are measuring a desk chair, read our office article.

	Average Chair Height Range	Standard Chair Height (inches)	Standard Chair Height (cm)
Dining table chair heights	17–19 inches	18'	45–50 cm
Kitchen table chair heights	17–19 inches	18'	45–50 cm
Desk chair heights	17–19 inches	18'	45–50 cm
Counter chair heights	24–26 inches	24'	61cm
Bar chair heights	28–32 inches	30'	76cm

Calculating Standard Table & Chair Heights

Below are some examples of comfortable chair heights to match certain standard dining heights. For more space, consider stools or benches as a seating choice.

Standard Dining Table Heights	28 inches	29 inches	30 inches	32 inches	36 inches	40 inches	42 inches
Standard Chair Heights	15–19'	16–20'	17–21'	19–23'	23–27'	27–31'	29–33'

How to Measure Table Height

Standard table height measurements are taken from the floor to the top of the table or counter. This means you need to consider a lower chair height if you have a thick table top or overhanging counter.

How to Measure Chair Height

Standard chair heights are measured from the chair legs to the top of the seat surface. You do not include the height of the chair back or armrests in your measurements unless you plan to slide chairs fully under the table or counter.

If you are choosing chairs with armrests, allow around 7 inches (18cm) between the armrest and the underside of your table or apron.

Bench seating is measured in the same way. The ADA sets a standard bench seat height of 17–19 inches (43–48cm) above the floor.

Standard Dining Table Height

The standard dining room table height is around 28–30 inches (71–76cm), measured from the ground to the tabletop surface.

Formal dining tables tend to be closer to 30 inches, while informal dining table heights average around 29 inches tall. Older tables also tend to be lower, around 28–29 inches.

Varying the height of a standard dining height can feel unnatural, however slight. This is sometimes caused by placing a very thick table top onto a standard base height, so considering these aspects is important when deciding measurements for any custom furniture.

Low Dining Table Height

If you opt for lounge-style or low seating – with seat heights below 16 inches (40cm) – you can fit a lower dining table height of around 26 inches (66cm).

Standard Kitchen Table Heights, Islands and Counters

Kitchen table heights are the same as dining table heights, around 30 inches (76cm).

However, if you want seating for a kitchen island or counter, you should consider a taller height. Counter table heights are usually set at 34–39 inches (86–99cm), with 36 inches (91.5cm) being a standard size. Read more on how to calculate the ideal bar or counter stool height.

Standard Console Table Height

Console tables are often pushed against a wall or behind a sofa, so these aspects influence the standard console table heights. In general, a console table should be no taller than the sofa back height, or up to 1 inch (2.5cm) below.

For entry console tables and buffet consoles, aim for around 33 inches (84cm). Otherwise, console tables are typically the same height as dining tables (28–30 inches).

TV consoles are typically higher. For optimal TV viewing height, measure around 42 inches (107cm) from the floor to the TV's center, then calculate your ideal console height. This matches a sofa seat height of 18 inches, plus 24 inches which is the general eye-level of an adult in a relaxed seating position.

Standard Coffee Table Height

Coffee tables are usually set at around 18–20 inches (45–50cm) high, to create a comfortable balance between standard sofa and chair heights.

Otherwise, the standard coffee table height is usually the same height as the cushions on your soft, or within 1–2 inches (2.5–5cm) lower.

Other design rules include leaving a walkway space of 12–18 inches (30–45cm) between your coffee table and sofa, plus choosing a coffee table that is around two-thirds the length of your sofa.

Standard Nightstand Height

There is no standard bedside table height as it is typically in line with the height of the mattress. However, the most common bed height is around 25 inches (63.5cm), and most nightstands range between 24–28 inches (61–71cm). Tables don't have to be identical heights, but should be within 2 inches (5cm) of each other to create visual balance.

From a laying position, it is more comfortable to raise your arm than lower it. For this reason, the average nightstand height is measured to line up with the top of your mattress or up to 2–6 inches (5–15cm) higher.

Standard Side Table Height

Side tables are functional furniture pieces used for lounge seating or hallways, so measurements change depending on surrounding furniture and the function, for example, setting down a drink or placing a lamp.

Standard side table heights are usually designed to be equal to or just below the height of sofa armrests, which are around 25 inches (63.5cm), although this varies widely so exact measurements are important. Most side tables are between 22–30 inches (56–76cm).

A general rule is keep your side table height to within 2 inches of the sofa armrest height; for example, if a sofa arm is 24 inches high, an appropriate side table height would be 22–26 inches. although if you can't find an appropriate side table height for your sofa, aim for shorter rather taller, to make it easy to set a drink or book down.

If you plan to use the side table for a lamp, choose a side table height so that the base of the lampshade isn't higher than eye level when seated next to it. If the lamp won't be at an eye-level, consider a side table height that works with surrounding furniture, lamp size or ceiling height.

There are exceptions where taller side tables can work, for example, if there is a set of side tables where at least one is below the armrest height, or the side table serves another function in a high-ceiled room or hallway.

If your sofa has no armrests, calculate the standard side table height in line to where the arms would be, or choose a table at the same height as the seat height.

Standard Bathroom Counter Height

If you're installing a bathroom counter, the standard height is around 34–35 inches (86–89cm). If you plan to install a built-in vanity, you may consider lowering it to the standard 30 inches to fit chairs with a seat height of 17–19 inches.

Bathroom vanity cabinets are usually a standard height of 32 inches (80cm), although range from 30–36 inches. Newer, modern vanities are sometimes higher, starting at 36 inches (91cm), referred to as 'comfort' vanities because you don't need to bend to wash your hands.

The Americans with Disabilities Acts sets the minimum and maximum standard vanity heights at 29–34 inches (with built-in sinks).

Standard Bar Table Height

Bar tables range in height from 40–43 inches (102–109cm), although 42 (107cm) is a typical standard bar table height. You can comfortably customize a bar table height up to 44–47 inches (112–119cm) for a modern look, although consider a higher bar stool height as well. We provide a table of standard bar stool heights.

Office Tables and Chairs

The ideal ergonomic height for each person in the office depends on their body measurements. We explain more in our article on how to calculate your ideal office desk and chair heights.

Custom Table and Chair Heights

If you're having trouble matching table and chair heights from standard furniture collections, consider custom furniture as a solution. Custom wooden furniture, for example, can be easily adapted to fit with modern chair designs or vice versa.

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PAROTAS is a team of carpenters, designers and architects who focus on producing sustainable wooden furniture. We use certified and sustainably sourced wood from Mexico. Contact PAROTAS to ask about your custom wood furniture or design project.

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20 Inch Seat Height Dining Chairs

Source: https://parotas.com/en/standard-table-chair-heights-guide/