Although there are standard sizes, there are times when table heights can and will differ. It’s not unusual to find that the height of a table can vary by a centimeter or two – in fact it’s hardly noticeable as a height difference. If you want, it is possible to reduce the height of some table bases. It’s important to note, however, that the reduction usually needs to be at least 10mm.

A Few General Guidelines For Buying Tables

When buying tables for your hospitality business, such as a restaurant or a hotel, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. These things have more to do with the preferences of your patrons or guests who will be using the table.

For instance, if you’re purchasing a dining table, an important consideration is to make sure that the height (and depth) of the table allows enough space for diners to sit comfortably. They should be able to cross their legs if they please and not feel constrained due to the height of the table.

Another consideration to keep in mind when purchasing tables along with armchairs is to make sure that your armchairs can fit snuggly under the tabletop. If you’re not careful about this, your chairs will only take up more precious floor space in your restaurant or hotel. The chairs won’t fit neatly under the tables when you’re winding up business at the end of the day, especially if you’re in the restaurant business. Let’s take a look at some table types and their heights.

Table Types - In Order Of Descending Heights

Poseur Table Height - 1100mm An essential piece of furniture for any modern hospitality business, Poseur tables add that sense of style and versatility to the overall décor. They can be seen close to the bar and complement other bar-side furniture such as bar stools. These tables should be high enough for patrons to sit at nearby bar stools and have sufficient height above the seat so they can place their drinks there. Poseur tables also need to have substantial stabilizing bases to make sure they can withstand the impact from a slight brush or an accidental push.

Dining Table Height - 760mm

The heights of dining tables need to be just right in the 760mm range for it to feel natural. More than a centimeter or two of variable height and they begin to feel unnatural. We’ve seen some dining tables that were too high and it’s usually the case when a thick tabletop is placed on a standard base. Try avoiding custom or pre-made dining tables with thick tabletops that don’t match the base.

Console Table Height - 760mm

Console tables can be found pushed against a wall at restaurants or breakfast bars, used as a serving station for food and drinks. They’re usually the same height as dining tables and may be the perfect place to put a few decorative pieces of décor.

Low Dining Table Height - 660mm

Low dining tables are, as the name suggests, lower than normal dining tables. They’re best used when you purchase a special and unique style of lounge chairs for your hospitality business. They’re perfect for lounge chairs whose seat heights are below 400mm. Your decision to get this kind of dining table depends upon the type of restaurant or hotel ambience or atmosphere you’re aiming for.

Lamp And Side Table Height - 600mm

Lamp and side tables can be used besides lounge seating or on bedsides at hotels. They’re perfect for drinks or to keep essential items like purses, wallets or phones when your guests call it a night at the end of a busy day. When buying these tables, do consider the height of the lounge chair seats or the beds that they will be placed next to. That is a deciding factor for the height of these tables.

Coffee Table Height - 460mm

Coffee tables can be found, usually, in front of sofas and lounge chairs. They’re best for storing magazines, drinks and even food. They might not be the perfect place to eat comfortably, however, because of their lower height.

What Seat Height Suits A Standard Table?

For a diner's legs to fit under the table, a space of at least 250-300mm between the bottom of the tabletop and the top of the chair seat must be left. Seat heights will decrease for upholstered seats – the soft seating tends to get compressed by around 20-40mm when someone sits on it. You’ll have a little more flexibility with upholstered seats and chairs than you would with non-upholstered ones. Just to be safe however, keep within the 250-300mm seat height range for your chairs.