Counter height dining table and chairs

8 years ago

Both my husband and I are retired, tall (5’10” and 6’3”) Our lifestyle is casual as is our dining room (our kitchen is not an eat-in kitchen).

We’ve been looking at new dining room tables and was surprised to find it is easier for us to sit on and get off a counter height chair.

But my concern is for our “shorter” friends and family. Do any of you have a similar height table and do you find it difficult to move the chair (“scoot” it) under the table?

The table we are looking at has chairs with arms. I’m wondering if armless might be easier to maneuver?

Or should we just skip the whole idea?

Skip the counter height; you’ll regret it.

Go for counter height!

Featured Answer

erinsean

8 years ago

We have them...my legs go to sleep sitting on them....They are at our counter bar and I only eat there, never sit and drink coffee or read. We are just average height people 5 foot 3 to 6 foot. People that I know, had the counter size table and chairs for less than a year and then sold them.

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Comments (6)

PRO
Barnes Custom Builders
8 years ago
If you like it and don't entertain often - go for it. As someone that is shorter, I dislike sitting at high tops at restaurants as it is harder to get up/down, and my legs swing.

For a snack or drink I think it's fine, but for eating an actual meal I prefer regular height tables.
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chiflipper
8 years ago
How about a small "tall" table just for the two of you?
PRO
Nanke Signature Group
8 years ago
Ergonomics is certainly something to prioritize by!

If counter height is most comfortable for you two, that would be the dimensional recommendation for your table and chairs. There are stools which adjust between dining height and counter height so that may be an option for when you are entertaining or have guests over:

https://www.rejuvenation.com/catalog/collections/industrial-chair-stool

It may even be wise to choose an adjustable table as well so comfort can be tailored to your comfort needs throughout the years.

Happy shopping!
Judy Mishkin
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
how high are your ceilings?

we were visiting friends that had a high top to the side. it filled the space too much. one is accustomed to seeing a certain about of airspace in a room, a high top even for 4 people really takes over.

if your ceilings are 10' or more it might all work out. i didnt think theirs looked good, their ceilings were probably 9'.

as far as short friends. i'm 5'1 and i dont mind sitting at a high top in a restaurant for a burger. i'd not want to eat a long dinner at one. i'd certainly not want to spend 2 hours at one in someone's home. so if you are trying to subtly lose a few (short) friends, this is the way to go.
Linnie
Original Author
8 years ago
Our ceilings are 9 feet. Reading all these varied comments, which I so appreciate, I’ve decided to get a regular table and chairs. We do linger at the table with coffee and dessert after dinner and would hate to think others were uncomfortable. We also use the current table playing cards and playing Bananas, etc. I wish we had a breakfast nook for a small counter height table just for us. Thank you all again. You saved us from a costly mistake!