Standard Table and Chair Heights In The UK
Standard furniture heights might not seem like the most exciting topic, but just you wait - we’re going to tell you exactly why this is something you should be concerned with when shopping for your new tables and chairs.
Have you ever slid onto a bench at a restaurant only to find your knees touching the underside of the table? How about tucking your desk chair under your desk only to realise the arms don’t fit?
Whether it’s a too-tall bar chair or an uncomfortably low coffee table, we’ve all felt the effects of a poorly chosen piece of furniture. There’s a lot of choice out there, and each different size has a place somewhere. In this guide, we’ll be taking you through what’s available, what’s the standard, and when is best to diverge from the norm.
Standard Table Heights in the UK
The table below shows the standard table heights for each type of table, plus the average range you can expect to find. Never assume a table is the standard size - always check!
|
Standard Table Height |
Average Height Range |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dining Table Height |
30 inches |
76 cm |
28 - 30 inches |
71 - 76 cm |
|
Coffee Table Height |
16 inches |
40 cm |
16 - 20 inches |
40 - 50 cm |
|
TV Stand Height |
18 inches |
46 cm |
12 - 24 inches |
30 - 60 cm |
|
Side Table Height |
20 inches |
51 cm |
18 - 24 inches |
45 - 60 cm |
|
Desk Height |
29 inches |
73 cm |
28 - 30 inches |
71 - 76 cm |
Standard Dining Table Height
The height of a dining table is measured from where it sits on the floor to the tabletop, and in the UK, this height generally ranges from 71 to 76 cm. The most common height is at the top of this spectrum at 76 cm - it’s found that this height suits most people comfortably, including both children and adults.
There should be a clearance of at least 25 cm between the underside of the table and the top of the chair seat to allow for a comfortable amount of legroom. This means you should also consider the thickness of the tabletop, particularly if you are considering a hardwood dining table. Some of our solid wood dining tables have a tabletop thickness of up to 3 inches, which is why these particular tables tend to be 77 cm tall.
If you have taller or shorter family members, you may want to choose a table on the taller or shorter side to allow for maximum comfort.
Standard Coffee Table Height
Coffee tables are measured in the same way as dining tables, from the floor to the tabletop. You’ll find many different numbers when searching for standard coffee table heights, which can vary from shorter models at 40 cm to taller at 50 cm. The ideal coffee table height for your living room depends on the size of your other furniture, as well as your personal preference for coffee table height.
The key to choosing the perfect coffee table height is to find the ideal size for providing easy access to the surface while maintaining a comfortable and proportionate relationship with the surrounding seating furniture, typically sofas and armchairs. A coffee table that is too high can make it difficult to reach items on the surface, while one that is too low can disrupt the visual balance of the room.
To achieve the most harmonious arrangement, aim for a coffee table that is slightly lower than the sofa cushions, ideally between 1 and 2 inches shorter. This allows for a seamless transition between seating and reaching for drinks, remotes, or other items placed on the coffee table.
Standard TV Stand Height
Standard TV stand heights in the UK can range greatly, from around 30 cm at the lower end of the spectrum to over 60 cm for smaller TVs. The ideal height for a TV stand depends on the size of the TV and the height of the seating furniture in the room.
In general, the centre of the TV screen should be at eye level when the viewer is seated, which is typically around 107 cm from the floor. If you’re taller or shorter and would like the height of your TV to be adjusted accordingly, use a tape measure to find your eye level when seated on your sofa.
The size of a TV is usually measured diagonally, so the table below includes the height of many common TV sizes. You should consider measuring your own TV yourself, as the diagonal measurement doesn’t include the frame - only the screen. Based on the below TV heights, we’ve included some suggested TV stand heights which would put the centre of the TV at 107 cm above the floor. You should also take into consideration the legs on the TV if you’re placing it atop the stand, or how much space you’ll be leaving between the TV and the stand if you’re mounting it on the wall.
|
TV Size |
TV Height |
Suggested TV Stand Height |
|
|
32” |
40 cm |
62 - 65 cm |
|
|
40” |
50 cm |
52 - 55 cm |
|
|
50” |
62 cm |
40 - 43 cm |
|
|
60” or more |
75 cm |
27 - 30 cm |
|
This Reclaimed Solid Wood TV Stand is 63cm high, perfect for this smaller TV.
Standard Side Table Height
Standard side table heights in the UK typically range from 45 - 60 cm from the floor to the tabletop. This height is considered ideal for providing a convenient surface for placing drinks, books, or other items while maintaining a comfortable relationship with the surrounding seating furniture. A side table that is too high can make it difficult to reach items on the surface, while one that is too low can appear unbalanced and out of proportion with the rest of the room.
The perfect side table height for your room depends on how you’ll be using it. If the table will be used as a bedside table, you should aim for a height which is level with the top of the mattress, or less than 10 cm taller. This same rule can be used for side tables placed in the living room next to chairs - align the tabletop with the top of the cushion to ensure comfortable use.
Standard Desk Height
The standard desk height in the UK is typically 73 cm. This height is considered to be comfortable for most adults, as it allows people to sit with their elbows bent at a 90-degree angle with their wrists straight when typing or writing.
However, it is important to note that individual height and preference can vary, so it is important to find a desk that is the right height for you. If you are taller than average, you may want to consider a desk that is higher than 73 cm, and vice versa.
You should also consider the type of chair you’ll be using at your desk. Typical swivel desk chairs with arm rests need plenty of space underneath the desk, or the arm rests may knock against the side of the table. Desk chairs are often adjustable, and some people prefer to set them lower or higher, so this should also be taken into consideration.
Like with dining tables, legroom is important when choosing the perfect desk height. This is why some of our chunkier desks are taller than the average desk height of 73 cm.
This Desk with Natural Steel Hairpin Legs is 75 cm tall.
Standard Chair Heights in the UK
Now you know all about standard table heights, it’s time to talk chairs. Below is a table which contains the standard chair heights in the UK, plus the average height ranges:
|
Standard Chair Height |
Average Height Range |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dining Chair Height |
18 inches |
46 cm |
17 - 19 inches |
43 - 48 cm |
|
Desk Chair Height |
18 inches |
46 cm |
17 - 19 inches |
43 - 48 cm |
|
Bar Chair Height |
30 inches |
76 cm |
28 - 32 inches |
71 - 81 cm |
|
Bench Height |
18 inches |
46 cm |
17 - 19 inches |
43 - 48 cm |
Standard Dining Chair Height
Standard dining chair heights in the UK typically range from 43 to 48 cm from the floor to the seat. This height is considered ideal for providing comfortable legroom and ensuring that diners can sit comfortably at the table without feeling cramped or having to strain their necks to reach their food.
The ideal chair height for a particular dining table will depend on the height of the table itself. Like we mentioned earlier, the general rule of thumb is that there should be a clearance of at least 25 cm between the underside of the table and the top of the chair seat.
Some people may prefer a chair that is slightly higher or lower than the recommended height. It is also important to consider the style of the chair when choosing one. A chair with arms may need to be slightly lower than a chair without arms in order to allow for comfortable armrest clearance. In this case, chunkier tabletops like the one pictured below may be best accompanied by armless dining chairs.
This Solid Wood 3” Chunky Dining Table is 77 cm in height, which means it’s best accompanied by dining chairs of around 47 cm in height.
Standard Desk Chair Height
Standard desk chair heights in the UK generally adhere to ergonomic recommendations to promote comfort and productivity, especially in office environments. Typically, the height of a standard desk chair in the UK ranges between 43 and 48 cm from the floor to the seat’s surface.
This range accommodates various desk heights and allows individuals to maintain a proper sitting posture with their feet flat on the floor and knees at a 90-degree angle. Adjustable chairs are common, as these enable users to customise the height of the chair to their specific needs.
The perfect desk chair height for you depends on your personal preference, as well as the height of your desk. Chunky desks made from reclaimed hardwood may also mean there is less room beneath the desk for armrests, so you should take this into consideration when shopping for desk chairs.
This Vanity Desk with Natural Steel Hairpin Legs is 75 cm tall and is accompanied by an armless chair which measures 44 cm from the floor to the seat.
Standard Bench Height
Standard benches for dining tables in the UK usually have heights ranging from 43 to 48 cm, which is the same as regular dining chairs. The height of a dining bench is measured from the floor to the top of the bench, and, like with dining chairs, the same rule applies about providing at least 25 cm of legroom.
At the same time, to create a truly comfortable dining experience, you should make sure not to make the bench too low, either. A low bench may mean guests have to stretch to use the dining table, which is uncomfortable. Once again, personal preference comes into play when choosing the perfect table bench, as you may want a higher or lower seat depending on your height.
This Reclaimed Wood Bench in Belgium Grey is 45 cm in height, which is the perfect height for this custom-built 75 cm high dining table.
Handmade Furniture with Custom Dimensions at The Bespoke Carpentry Co.
Here at The Bespoke Carpentry Co. we offer an extensive range of solid wood furniture that celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of natural materials. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans who take pride in their work, ensuring you get a product that not only looks stunning but also stands the test of time. Each piece is made-to-order, which means we can create the furniture according to your specific dimensions - whether you’re going to adhere to the standard heights or not!
The Bespoke Carpentry Co. offers a wide array of solid wood furniture including:
- Dining tables
- Coffee tables
- Desks
- TV Stands
- Outdoor Furniture
- Shelves & Shelving Units
- And much more!
Browse our range of solid wood furniture online today or alternatively get in touch to discuss your furniture requirements with our friendly and knowledgeable team.
