I’ve had hours of meetings throughout the years about the right height for countertops, tables, pendant lights and much more. Some heights are standard, while some may be specific to a client’s request. Here I will discuss a few of the more prevalent heights and how they may affect your design choices. Use this as a guide but remember there will always be exceptions. Do not be afraid to ask your contractor or designer for cases or possibly a mock-up to assist you visualize your distance.
Natural Balance Home Builders
Kitchen counters. Kitchen counters are typically set at approximately 36 inches finished, including the counter material, although I’ve set them at 37 or 38 inches for tall clients. The elevation for dual-level island or a pub is typically 42 to 43 inches.
Platinum Series by Mark Molthan
Counter and pub stools. Counter stools are standard at 24 inches. Bar stools are typically 30 inches. Both of these dimensions refer to the top of the chair to the floor. Counter and pub stools could be backless or have a chair. Swivels are also offered. If you opt for a counter or bar stool with arms, be certain that the arm fits underneath the counter and clears any cupboard details, like corbels.
Mendelson Group
Dining tables. Dining tables and even casual eating tables are typical at 30 inches. Some older, classic tables are 29 to 291/2 inches. I believe 30 inches is greatest, even for tall people. Chair seat height is typically 17 to 19 inches. If you would like armchairs, make sure that you check any apron details on the table to guarantee the seats fit comfortably under the table.
Meredith Ericksen
Toilet counters. The standard height for bathroom countertops is 34 to 35 inches. If you have a built-in vanity, such as the one shown here, the vanity should fall down to 30 inches to adapt a normal seat. Seats have a typical seat height of 17 to 19 inches.
Melissa Lenox Design
Shelves above a desk. For an office or workspace using open shelves or uppers, 22 to 24 inches is standard for shelf placement above the top of the desk. That is high enough to clear most computer screens and even adapt undercounter lights.
CBI Design Professionals, Inc..
Sconces above a sink. I believe light from two instructions is ideal for a bathroom. Overhead lighting can come from may lights or a ceiling fixture. Forward lighting typically comes in sconces set at 33 to 36 inches above the sink. Again, very tall people may need them to be higher.
Tiffany Eastman Interiors, LLC
Wainscoting. Tile or wood wainscoting in baths is set to standard elevation at 45 to 48 inches. This typically allows for your own vanity or cupboards to be placed only under for a clean, uniform appearance.
Jerry Jacobs Design, Inc..
Coffee tables. Most coffee tables have been finished out at approximately 18 to 20 inches. This allows for comfortable legroom with regard to couches and chairs.
Kitchen hoods. These are catchy, because hood heights may vary by producer. The standard hood height is 30 to 33 inches, but consider your height. If you are a really tall person and need more room to avoid head bonks, then consider a compact design without bulky particulars. The primary function of the hood is to remove odors and food particles in the air. Hence, the hood has to be mounted at a height which maximizes its effectiveness.
Venegas and Company
Pendant lights above an island. The dimensions of pendants themselves might vary according to mid height, but typically I like to see pendants 40 to 43 inches above the finished counter tops. I prefer a slightly higher pendant for no overhead distractions. The amount of pendants will be different based on the size of your island, however two to four will be average.
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