In the Know | Table Heights Explained
Our table catalogue is split up into 6 different types (Coffee, Side Dining, Desk, Console, Poseur) with an extra category for those that stack, fold and flip. To make it as clear as possible, below is a breakdown of what makes a table applicable for each category.
It is important to take the height of tables into consideration when specifying seating as it will impact the comfort of guests. For example, a user must be able to get their knees beneath the surface of the table when sitting on the stool or chair provided. If the seat has armrests, these also need to sit beneath the surface of the table so that it can be tucked away when not in use and slide close enough for the comfort of diners. Not only this, but if the armrests are upholstered, constant friction against the table will cause damage which could be avoided.
Coffee / Low
300 - 520 mm
Coffee tables are the perfect partner for lounge chairs and sofas. To get the right height for a coffee table you must consider the height of the seat of the lounge chair or sofa. Whilst the seat will not be pushed beneath the table, it will sit alongside it and so a table that is too low or too high will not only look out of place but also be impractical for purpose. We recommend a table of between 300-520mm.
Side / Occasional
550 - 600mm
Side tables and occasional tables are made to be flexible. They don't have furniture pushed underneath their top, yet they often stand against a piece of furniture, whether it be a chair or a sofa. This means that the right height is integral to the piece of furniture fitting into the interior scheme and looking like it belongs. We suggest that side and occasional tables should be between 550-600mm depending on the collection of furniture that they are accompanying.
Console
640 - 680 mm
A console table is another example of a table usually used on its own without the accompaniment of a chair, and so there is more leeway when it comes to specifying a height. They are placed against walls or the backs of sofas and so the height will be dependent on the product that it is placed with. However, as a general rule of thumb, we supply console tables between 640-680mm. If you are in need of a console table of a different height, get in touch and our team will help you find something appropriate.
Dining
740-760mm
Arguably the most important table of them all - the dining table must be at the right height for guests to sit and use their cutlery comfortably. Because of this, the boundaries for a dining table's height are a much smaller range than certain other tables. An average dining chair is 500mm and the ideal gap between seat and table is 260mm, so we recommend a table height of 740-760mm.
Desk
710 - 760 mm (or adjustable)
The way that we all work is ever-changing, so desk heights are much more up to personal choice than other types of table. That being said the height of a desk is very similar to the height of a dining table, but for optimum comfort when using a keyboard or writing, a desk can get away with being slightly lower. Many desk chairs are height adjustable so this helps to find the perfect ratio. We also supply desks that have height-adjusting properties so that you can sit or stand at the very same desk. When sitting, the ideal height should be between 710-760mm.
Counter Height / Poseur
760-900 mm / 980 - 1100 mm
The average height of a bar stool is 750-810 mm so a Poseur table must be of a height for an individual to sit on a bar stool and get their knees underneath the table. For this, we recommend a poseur table of 980-1100mm in height. Many of our stools come with the option of counter height which means that a slightly lower table is appropriate for use, between 760-900mm.
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