Finding space for a dining set in a small kitchen can be a challenge. Standard height kitchen tables and chairs simply take up too much precious real estate. However, the solution may be easier than you think. By embracing the bar height table trend, you can maximize every inch while enjoying a relaxed and stylish dining experience.
Counter height kitchen table sets, typically ranging from 36 to 39 inches, offer the perfect proportions for easy conversation and interaction. Paired with comfortable bar stools featuring an open leg design, these space-saving furnishings foster an intimate dining area without feeling cramped. Beyond dimensions, bar height kitchen tables also tout versatility, quality craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics that standard sets just can’t match.
Height Difference
Standard kitchen tables generally measure about 30 inches tall–fine for a formal dining room but awkward in tighter quarters. To comfortably tuck your legs beneath that standard height, chairs need to be at least 18 inches deep. Bar height kitchen tables, on the other hand, stand anywhere from 36 to 39 inches off the ground. This allows for more leg room when seated, with less need for large, bulky chair designs.
Facilitates Easy Conversation
The taller table height also facilitates better eye contact and easier conversation. When seated at a standard 30-inch table, most people need to hunch over to avoid staring down at their plate. This makes communicating across the table more difficult and less comfortable. At a counter height around 38 inches, you can sit upright with proper posture while still seeing everyone’s faces.
Relaxed Experience
The relaxed experience of a bar height kitchen table also lends itself to casual gatherings with guests. Pulling up a bar stool instantly feels more fun and communal. And when entertaining, counter height table sets cater to mingling and drinking over the multicourse formal dinners standard sets accommodate.
Comfort Factor
Bar stools come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and styles to pair beautifully with your kitchen’s decor. But when choosing the seats for your high-top sanctuary, comfort reigns supreme. Well-cushioned and supportive bar stools complement the spacious proportions.
Ergonomic Leg Room
The most important factor is an open leg design to allow proper leg room beneath the apron of a bar height kitchen table. Generally, you’ll want around 27 inches of clearance from the floor to the seat’s bottom edge. This ergonomic dimension allows you to relax and enjoy your time without uncomfortable bending of knees or awkward angles hindering blood flow.
Padded Seats & Backs
Thick, padded seats provide essential comfort for lingering in the kitchen, especially given minimal back support from most bar stools. Seek out a cushion depth of at least a few inches to prevent the hard edge from pressing into the back of your thighs. Low or mid-back styles offer lumbar support without overwhelming the simple, airy aesthetic coveted in contemporary kitchen decor.
Space Saving Design
Lacking square footage doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice having a dining area. The compact footprint of a bar height kitchen table set squeezes into narrow floor plans that leave standard sizes out of the equation. With a small but mighty bistro set, tiny home and apartment dwellers can carve out a designated spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or casual dinner without cluttering their limited kitchen real estate.
Maximizes Valuable Floor Area
Precious space in any city studio or galley kitchen gets maximized by the strategic dimensions of your typical bar height dining collection. Since the chairs tuck neatly under the table, you can push the set flush against the wall when not entertaining to free up valuable real estate. Then simply pull them out when you’re craving that Corner Cafe ambience without leaving your abode. The minimalist footprint also handily transitions into a laptop-friendly workspace during off hours.
Incorporates Unused Vertical Space
The impressive height of a bar table also presents the opportunity to incorporate overhead storage into your layout. Install suspended shelves or cabinets to take advantage of the unused vertical space above the table instead of limiting storage to ground level. Open shelving works beautifully for displaying cherished tableware while closed cabinets provide discreet housing for less eye-catching items.
Multi-Functional Style
Far from a one-trick pony, the uniqueness of bar height kitchen table sets lies in their chameleon-like ability to transform to meet your needs. Seamlessly switching from a rustic breakfast nook to modern mixology station to homework command center, these adaptable furnishings earn their keep in small dwellings.
Entertaining Guests
With their Space Age silhouette, bar height kitchen tables infuse any tasting party with playful pops of futuristic flair. Arm guests with funky highball cocktails instead of the usual wine glasses so they can circulate freely with drinks in hand.
Storage & Serving Stations
Build in storage space below for barware essentials like bottles, shakers and glassware so everything remains conveniently hidden but close at hand. Or dedicate the expanse to culinary pursuits like rolling out fresh pasta dough for an Italian feast with amigos. Lidded baskets stowing pantry goods keep items accessible yet tidy.
Material & Design Options
Once reserved predominantly for restaurants and eclectic lofts, bar height kitchen tables now occupy prime real estate in stylish homes thanks to the array of on-trend materials and designs available. While weathered barn wood and earthy stone exude homespun charm, sleek metal and gleaming glass infuse rooms with urbane sophistication.
Mix of Traditional & Modern
Of course, not all bar height kitchen tables strictly adhere to one style or another. Many beautifully straddle both camps to infuse spaces with the ideal blend of original and contemporary elements. Cylindrical steel bases grounded by an organic wood surface, for example, send a stunning mixed message. deta
Customization
Seeking something truly unique to your personality or decor? Custom-built bar height kitchen tables provide the ideal creative outlet, allowing you to choose everything from shape to finish for a completely personalized piece. Work with skilled artisans to realize your vision through quality craftsmanship and specially sourced materials built to stand the test of time.
Shopping Considerations
Not all bar height kitchen tables live up to the same standards, so keep these key considerations in mind while browsing options:
Standard Sizing
As a starting point, look for standard 36- to 42-inch height and 36- to 48-inch widths for the most versatile fit. Having these general dimensions already worked out makes pairing existing bar stools far easier than an odd size.
High-Grade Craftsmanship
Shoddy construction leads to wobbling tragedies, so beware flimsy materials like particle board or plastic posing as wood. Opt for solid hardwood frames reinforced by corner blocks or metal crossties underneath for superior stability and longevity.
Protected Investment
Manufacturer warranties not only protect against defects but also offer peace of mind for larger financial investments. Look for at least one year of coverage but ideally limited lifetime warranties on crafted pieces built to become family heirlooms.
Stylish Kitchen Updates
Ready to replace that dated dinette set with on-trend bar height hotness? Here’s some visual inspiration before taking the plunge:
Modern Industrial
Exposed piping, galvanized finishes and sleek lines elicit an urban loft vibe. Concrete or wood marries the hard edge with organic warmth.
Modern Glam
What’s more posh thanuptimeless Lucite? The transparency plays beautifully off glittering metallics for a glitzy mod vibe with crystal overhead lighting.
Farmhouse Chic
White-washed wood always evokes breezy cottage charm but tailored upholstery and matte black bases keep the look freshly modern.
Eclectic Mixing
Make a personalized style statement by pairing complementary designs for your table and bar stools. Mix a bold graphic print seat with earthy woven base and modern glass top.
Still waffling between standard and bar height kitchen tables? Let us provide the final push:
- Counter height tables encourage interaction and ambiance in otherwise cramped quarters
- Carefully chosen bar stools provide comfort for hours of lingering over food and drinks
- Small dimensions contrast with big style and multi-functional versatility
Designers, urban dwellers and professional chefs agree–when designed and coordinated properly, everything about bar height dining sets feels easy, breezy. No longer confined to dark, kitschy basements, these contemporary furnishings make surprisingly swanky additions to modern kitchens and dining rooms. It’s no wonder the bar height movement receives such lofty praise!
