Remodel in progress

I think it really comes down to personal preference. We are in the process of completing a new construction and decided to put the hearth approx. 8" off the ground. I feel that it acts like more a safety barrier in a sense, and a small child won't be able to walk directly onto the hot hearth. I attached a picture of mine in case you were curious what it looked like.

Above photo is the inspiration photo, though obviously I'm not wedded to the hearth height. We've been planning on one brick tall for months now but that was because I thought we had to for some reason. Now I'm torn.

I'd say either flush with the floor or high enough to use as a seat. The one brick high type of hearth just seems like a tripping hazard.

Flush with floor. II had young kids with a fireplace and isid keep pillows in front of the hearth. I was always worried about an injury..

totally agree with queenvictorian. In your situation, I would definitely go flush.