Counter Height Tables And Chairs
Pub Height and Counter Height Furniture Guide
By Bill Kelly
The confusion, the wasted time and headaches must stop when it comes to pub height and counter height furniture shopping! My wife and I caused ourselves a boat load of aggravation not long ago when we purchased a pub height table set online. It was not the fault of the online vendor, it was our fault. We thought we knew what we were doing and, as it turns out, we didn't. With just a bit of research we could have saved ourselves the headache and the time. I felt foolish for not doing some simple homework so now I'm telling you...
The term "Pub Height," when discussing furniture, is often used to describe a furniture item (be it chair, stool or table) that is taller than the normal height of a typical kitchen table. When looking into purchasing furniture the inaccurate use and misunderstanding of this term can lead to costly mistakes and a big headache.
First let's go over the terminology that is used in the business. When discussing the heights of tables and chairs the terms "seat height" and "table height' are used. Seat height is the measurement from the floor to the top of the seat of a barstool or chair. Table height is the measurement from the floor to the top of the table. This is important to note when shopping for tables especially as some tables can be quite a bit thicker than others. Something to keep in mind!
There are actually three different height classifications of tables, chairs and stools that are all often referred to as "pub height." The first is called Counter Height which has a seat height range of 24 to 26 inches and typically will work well with table heights of 35 to 37 inches tall. The name Counter Height is taken from the typical height of a standard kitchen counter (roughly 36 inches).
The second height classification is called Pub Height or Bar Height. The seat height in this class is typically somewhere between 29 and 31 inches and goes well with table heights in the 41 to 43 inch range.
The third classification is called, not to creatively, Extra Tall. You've probably seen Extra Tall tables and chairs maybe at your favorite bar or event hall. This height range is sometimes called Commercial Height depending on the area. An Extra Tall stool or chair will have a seat height of 33 to 35 inches and should work well with tables measuring from 44 to 46 inches.
You may have noticed from the above numbers that there is an easy way to remember what heights work with what. If you allow for roughly 12 inches between the seat height and the table height you should be in pretty good shape. Be sure to take into consideration an unusually thick table top. If you are dealing with a heavy wooden table a few inches thick keep it in mind when measuring seat heights and choosing chairs.
Hopefully this little article will save you at least some time and maybe some money or the hassle next time you're shopping for furniture!
December 4, 2010
6:16 am
we have a pub style high table and chairs as our set and my 20 month old gets up into his booster seat with no problem. I didn’t teach him this, he just climbed up all on his own, the chair legs have a ” railing” and makes it easy to climb. They are also very heavy, so he doesn’t tip it over.
December 4, 2010
12:07 pm
Does anyone know who sells pub set (1 counter-height table and 8 chairs) in a traditional style? e:Queen Anne
in Northern Ontario?
December 4, 2010
4:15 pm
Little kids and counter height tables?? Do you have one with small children – 2 and under?
We are buying a house and really want to get a counter height table for our dining area…but are concerned about our one year old falling off of the higher chairs when she is old enough to come out of the high chair and sit in the chair without a booster seat.
Does anyone have a tall table and chairs, and how do your kids do in them? Our daughter is very squirmy and I don’t think it is going to change any time soon!
We have a booster seat that she can grow into, I guess I am just wondering about how kids that are a little older do? Like when they are too big for the boosters?
December 4, 2010
4:19 pm
you can get a booster seat the buckles onto a regualr chair to keep her from falling.
December 4, 2010
5:49 pm
check this home furnishing directory for products.
http://www.creativehomeinterior.com
December 4, 2010
8:10 pm
young kids and counter height tables?
I really like those modern tables that are higher and have the high chairs with them. I obviously would only want ones that have heavy sturdy chairs so they dont tip over though. but do any of you have this type of table and do your young children adjust well? Or do they keep falling off the chairs and you have to get a shorter kitchen table and chairs? NO TROLL COMMENTS NO RUDE COMMENTS
December 4, 2010
10:32 pm
counter top high tables? what type of seating ?
im doing a little on line dining table shopping, and i see some tables come in a “counter top height”. what type of chairs do you pair with a table this height?
December 4, 2010
10:39 pm
These chairs are typically called stools, or bar stools. They come in various highths, with and without backs.
December 4, 2010
11:04 pm
What is your opinion of having a counter-height dining table?
I’m searching for a dining furniture set for my home which would include the table, chairs, and some sort of buffet or hutch. I’ve seen a few sets where the table is counter height and the chairs are actually “bar stools.”
Does anyone have experience using these higher dining tables and chairs? And what are your opinions of them? Are there any benefits or shortcomings when compared to traditional dining furniture?
December 4, 2010
11:31 pm
I had a breakfast bar with bar stools and it was practical in the mornings and at lunch time as could get the food put out on the bar in a hurry. But i would never want to sit down to a family meal at the breakfast bar. It was an effort to get on the stools and down again.