Bar Height and Counter Height Dining Tables - Products & FAQ
What is the Difference Between a Standard, Counter Height, and Bar Height Dining Table?
Learn the height and application differences between our standard, Amish-made dining tables and our hardwood counter and bar height pub tables.
Table height is an important factor to consider when designing your new Amish dining set, entertainment space, or business seating layout. Standard, counter, and bar height tables have unique physical dimensions and seating requirements that make them suitable for various events and spaces. While the most popular is our 30” high standard dining room tables, counter and bar tables are more appropriate for other areas.
The proper chair or stool height coordinates with the proportions of the table, to ensure guests have enough leg room. Chair or stool height is measured from the floor to the top of the seat. When selecting dining room chairs or bar stools to complete your table, we recommend allowing a comfortable 8-12” between the top of the seat and the bottom of the skirting. Also, position the chairs and stools about 24” apart from each other to avoid overcrowding.
Bar Height Tables
Bar height tables are otherwise known as pub, gathering, or standing tables. They are named as such because they are commonly found in bars and restaurants. Standing at 42” tall, they are perfect for entertaining guests at home since those seated remain very close to eye level with those standing. Bar height tables typically have a smaller footprint than traditional kitchen tables. Plus, many of the tables are designed to help you further save space by incorporating drawers or storage solutions into the base, as seen with the Barrow Butterfly Leaf Pub Table.
We recommend using our tallest 30” seat pub chairs or stools with your pub height table. Bar height stools with armrests provide some added comfort. Armless bar stools allow for easy access to the table and don’t take up very much space. Backless stools take up even less space, as they easily slide under the table.
Please note, some of the tables at Countryside Amish Furniture can be ordered in both bar and counter heights.
One fun way to use bar height tables within the home is to buy two or more square wooden pub tables and place them near one another. When having a family-style meal, you can pull the two of them together for a single, consistent surface. However, if you’re hosting a party and want to encourage mingling, you can separate them for more of a “bar” feel.
Counter Height Tables
Our kitchen counter height tables stand 36” tall. Probably the same height as your kitchen bar or island countertop, these tables are casual and allow you to converse with others in the room. Sticking with the same height for your kitchen island and table offers a harmonious work surface or ideal buffet space. Guests may also feel more comfortable socializing around counter height tables since there is less distinct height difference between people sitting and standing. They can fit in small spaces, breakfast nooks, or entertaining spaces with ease. Pair a 24” bar counter height chair or counter stool with your Amish made table.
Standard Dining Room Tables
Countryside’s standard dining room tables measure 30” tall. Standard height tables are more common and available in several more styles, sizes, and even hardwood types. Most people prefer these tables as they are more comfortable sitting around because their feet can easily touch the floor. While dining chairs vary in size, most wood seats measure 17-18” high, while upholstered seats are 19-20” tall. Another benefit of standard dining height tables and chairs is that they are handicap-accessible.
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How Do I Choose the Best Table Height?
There is no universal truth about which height is considered best. To find the answer that best suits your family, consider how you will be using your dining and entertaining space.
Where Bar Height Tables May Be Best Suited: Bar height tables feel inherently fun, unique, and adult, particularly because they’re more commonly seen “out” in eating establishments rather than inside homes. For this reason, they may fit perfectly within households that like to host parties and prefer a contemporary feel to traditional decor. A few bonuses of bar height tables? The elevated top can help act like a subtle divider and make space for built-in storage underneath.
Where Counter Height Tables May Be Best Suited: Counter height tables and chairs are great for relaxing and enjoying a casual gathering. Compared to bar height tables, their seating may be easier for smaller children to access (though not with the ease found with standard height chairs). One could argue that counter height tables provide a family-friendly twist on the bar height tables!
Where Standard Height Tables May Be Best Suited: There are good reasons most families opt for standard height tables, starting with the fact that they’re more universally accessible no matter people’s physical abilities. What’s more, their shorter stature is more accommodating to greater length and width. So, if you have a larger dining room and frequently host communal meals, a traditional dining table may be ideal solution.
Countryside Amish Furniture Has You Covered
No matter whether you seek a bar height table or a more standard dining set, we offer ample choices representing various styles, from French Country to Contemporary. Best of all, you can highly customize the design–choose from multiple sets of dimensions, as well as the wood and stain, themselves!
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Bailiegh Basham is Lead Sales & Marketing Strategist at Countryside Amish Furniture. She's been a team member since 2014. Bailiegh is deeply passionate about furniture design and home decor.