IMO 42” high tables are really not comfortable for full on dining all the time . 30” stools are awkward for shorter people to use and for kids are really dangerous. I find a 36” high table and 24” stools a more comfortable option

Great comments from both parties above. Partricia Colwell Consulting I thank you for mentioning the height issue for kids & shorter guests. I have been focused on just the two of us.

Ave picture shows what is there now which is standard dining height. and the "bar" height counter is about 6 ft. away from the dining table.

Thanks for the photo...nice view! One thought I have is that a higher table will somewhat impede your view from the kitchen. I don't know about you, but I find I spend about four times as much time (at least!) working in my kitchen than I do eating at my dining table. I am also blessed with a great water view, and I think I enjoy it more when I'm working in the kitchen than I do when I'm eating and chatting at the table.

To add to the height issue of stools...it's not just kids and shorter people, but also anyone with mobility issues, arthritis, bad back, knees, hips, etc. Though people who enjoy our bar stools really do love them....I almost feel sometimes that I should be talking about happy hour and half-price appetizers when I'm "serving" from the other side of my kitchen bar. :)

More good points to consider! We are always casual/informal in our living, so the happy hour/small plates things works for us at the "bar" counter. That is also part of my leaning toward a pub height table and comfy chairs. After all the insightful comments, I'm starting to lean back toward a counter height or standard height.