Standard Table Height Guide

Heights for different types of table are broadly standard (although some many vary by a centimetre or two). We list these heights below.

Things to keep in mind when buying hospitality tables:

Allow enough depth between the underside of the table top and the seat of the chair (also maybe allowing for the depth of a 'drop-down' table edge) for diners to sit comfortably, be able to cross their legs and generally not feel constrained.

Take care that the arms of armchairs can fit under the table top - otherwise you will not be able to push your chairs tidily under the tables.

Some table bases can be reduced in height (due to the fiddliness of doing this, the reduction usually needs to be at least 10mm) 

Table heights by type

Poseur table height - 1100mm

Poseur tables, another name for tables that are high enough to sit at using a bar stool, have to give sufficient height above a bar stool seat; they also need to have substantial stabilising bases.

Dining table height - 760mm

If the height of dining tables vary by more than a centimetre or two, they can feel unnatural. We do see dining tables that are too high, usually caused by placing a thick table top on a standard base.

Console table height - 760mm

Console table sare often pushed against a wall, used as a station from which to serve. They are normally the same height as dining tables.

Low dining table height - 660mm

Low dining tables are needed when some styles of lounge chair are chosen, perhaps if the seat heights are below 400mm.

Lamp and side table height - 600mm

Lamp and side tables are used beside lounge seating, useful for drinks, so their heights will depend on the height of the lounge seats.

Coffee table height - 460mm

Coffee tables are usually infront of sofas and lounge chairs. They are usually used for magazines, drinks and sometimes food, although they are typically too low to comfortably eat at.

We consider these measurements to be standard table heights

What seat height suits a standard table?

If you want the diner's legs to fit under the table you must leave 250-300mm of space between the top of the chair seat and the bottom of the table top. Read our blog on seat heights for a diagram that will show you what seat height will result in a comfortable fit when paired with one of the above tables. 

It's worth noting that the seat heights will decrease if the seat is upholstered, because soft seating tends to compress by around 20-40mm when sat on. This means you will have a little more gap flexibility with upholstered chairs than you would with non-upholstered ones, but it is best to stay within the 250-300mm space to be on the safe side.