Renovating
9 Household Heights to Keep as a Reference
Find out a glance what the typical heights for counters, tables, chairs, shelves and lights are
I have had hours of meetings throughout the years about the right height for countertops, tables, pendant lights and more. Some heights are standard, while others may be specific to a client’s request. Here I’ll talk about some of the more common heights and how they might affect your design decisions. Use this as a guide but remember there will always be exceptions. Don’t be afraid to ask your contractor or designer for examples or even a mock-up to help you visualise your space.
Counter and bar stools
Counter stools are standard at 61 centimetres. Bar stools are typically 76 centimetres. These two dimensions refer to the top of the seat to the floor. Counter and bar stools can be backless or have a seat back. Swivels are also available. If you opt for a counter or bar stool with arms, make sure the arm fits underneath the counter and clears any cabinet details, like corbels.
Counter stools are standard at 61 centimetres. Bar stools are typically 76 centimetres. These two dimensions refer to the top of the seat to the floor. Counter and bar stools can be backless or have a seat back. Swivels are also available. If you opt for a counter or bar stool with arms, make sure the arm fits underneath the counter and clears any cabinet details, like corbels.
Dining tables
Dining tables and even casual eating tables are standard at 76 centimetres. Some older, vintage tables are about 74 centimetres. I think 76 centimetres is best, even for tall people. Dining chair seat height is typically 43 to 48 centimetres. If you would like armchairs, make sure you check any apron details on the table to ensure the chairs fit comfortably under the table.
Dining tables and even casual eating tables are standard at 76 centimetres. Some older, vintage tables are about 74 centimetres. I think 76 centimetres is best, even for tall people. Dining chair seat height is typically 43 to 48 centimetres. If you would like armchairs, make sure you check any apron details on the table to ensure the chairs fit comfortably under the table.
Bathroom counters
The standard height for bathroom counters is 86 to 89 centimetres. If you have a built-in vanity, such as the one shown here, the vanity should drop down to 76 centimetres to accommodate a regular chair. Regular chairs have a standard seat height of 43 to 48 centimetres.
The standard height for bathroom counters is 86 to 89 centimetres. If you have a built-in vanity, such as the one shown here, the vanity should drop down to 76 centimetres to accommodate a regular chair. Regular chairs have a standard seat height of 43 to 48 centimetres.
Shelves above a desk
For an office or workspace with open shelves or uppers, 53 to 60 centimetres is standard for shelf placement above the top of the desk. This is high enough to clear most computer screens and even accommodate undercounter lights.
For an office or workspace with open shelves or uppers, 53 to 60 centimetres is standard for shelf placement above the top of the desk. This is high enough to clear most computer screens and even accommodate undercounter lights.
Sconces above a sink
I think light from two directions is best for a bathroom. Overhead light can come from a ceiling fixture or can lights. Forward lighting typically comes best from sconces set at around 84 to 90 centimetres above the sink. Again, very tall people may require them to be higher.
10 Lighting Ideas to Refresh Your Bathroom
I think light from two directions is best for a bathroom. Overhead light can come from a ceiling fixture or can lights. Forward lighting typically comes best from sconces set at around 84 to 90 centimetres above the sink. Again, very tall people may require them to be higher.
10 Lighting Ideas to Refresh Your Bathroom
Coffee tables
Most coffee tables are finished out at around 46 to 50 centimetres high. This allows for comfortable legroom in relation to sofas and chairs.
Most coffee tables are finished out at around 46 to 50 centimetres high. This allows for comfortable legroom in relation to sofas and chairs.
Kitchen hoods
These are tricky, because hood heights can vary by manufacturer. The standard hood height is about 76 to 84 centimetres, but consider your own height. If you are a very tall person and need extra room to avoid head bonks, then consider a streamlined design without bulky details. The primary function of the hood is to eliminate odours and food particles in the air. Therefore, the hood must be mounted at a height that maximises its effectiveness.
Here’s what to look out for when selecting a kitchen hood
These are tricky, because hood heights can vary by manufacturer. The standard hood height is about 76 to 84 centimetres, but consider your own height. If you are a very tall person and need extra room to avoid head bonks, then consider a streamlined design without bulky details. The primary function of the hood is to eliminate odours and food particles in the air. Therefore, the hood must be mounted at a height that maximises its effectiveness.
Here’s what to look out for when selecting a kitchen hood
Pendant lights above an island
The size of pendants themselves may vary according to ceiling height, but typically I like to see pendants about 100 to 109 centimetres above the finished counter. I prefer a slightly higher pendant for no overhead distractions. The number of pendants will vary according to the size of your island, but two to four is typical.
TELL US
Are there any measurements in your home you wish you could change? Share in the Comments below.
The size of pendants themselves may vary according to ceiling height, but typically I like to see pendants about 100 to 109 centimetres above the finished counter. I prefer a slightly higher pendant for no overhead distractions. The number of pendants will vary according to the size of your island, but two to four is typical.
TELL US
Are there any measurements in your home you wish you could change? Share in the Comments below.
Kitchen counters are typically set at around 91 centimetres finished, including the countertop material, although I have set them at 94 or 97 centimetres for tall clients. The height for a bar or dual-level island is typically 106 to 109 centimetres.