Counter Height or Bar Height: Which One Is Right For Your Space?
When shopping for new furniture, there can be a lot of overwhelming choices, decisions, and options. One of those decisions that has to be made is whether you need bar or counter height chairs for your space. Here, we will guide you through the differences between bar and counter chairs, the dimensions for each one, and how you can decide which one is most appropriate for your home along with a few design tips to keep in mind. Let's get into it!
There are three different heights for dining area seating:
Dining height: Dining height is what you would see around a normal dining table. For the most part, dining height chairs and dining tables share a standard measurement. Dining tables are usually 28"-30" whereas dining chairs sit about 18"-23" from the ground. Be sure to double check your own measurements!
Counter height: Counter height is the middle dimension between the three seating options. Counter height is the most popular height between counter and bar due to the fact that most kitchen islands in homes and apartments utilize this furniture standard.
Bar height: Bar height would be the next common seating height. As you might have guessed, this is what you might find when you are sitting at the local honky tonk down the road! We're from Texas, we couldn't leave out a good honky tonk reference!
How to differentiate between Bar and Counter height?
The best way to differentiate between bar and counter height chairs or stools is by looking at the height. It's a simple way to tell them apart since bar is always taller than counter, however, it is not that easy when you are shopping for furniture online. The best practice if you are shopping online is to look at the dimensions. The graphic below is a quick and easy way to view the standard dimensions for bar and counter height chairs.
| Category | Measurements |
|---|---|
| Standard Counter Height Top | 35"- 40" |
| Counter Height (Seat to Floor) | 24" - 27" |
| Standard Bar Height Top | 41" - 43" |
| Bar Height (From Seat to Floor) | 28" - 30" |
Dimensions are measured in inches. Visual representation depicted below. Might not be to scale.
Note: Allow for about 8" of knee clearance from the seat to underside of the surface, regardless of seat height.
Our final word of advice: Always measure and measure again! Utilize this informational blog as well as the dimensions listed on every product page to ensure you are on the path to an easy furniture buying experience.
When it comes to design and style, we always say that it is up to the consumer to decide what works best in your home. However, if you ever want help or guideance, please reach out to us and we can offer any expertise we can in order to help make your dream home become a reality.
We hope this article has been beneficial to you in guiding you through the tedious task of counter versus bar height chairs. We know it can be confusing sometimes, which is why we are here to help in your home furnishing process!
Now you know, so shop below!
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