How high is a dining table?

The standard dining table height

Almost every dining table stands between 74 and 76 cm high, measured to the top surface. That is no coincidence: it suits most dining chairs, with a seat height of 45 to 48 cm. Our Mortex tables are 75 cm high, right in the middle.

A coffee table is a different story: it is much lower and follows the seat of your sofa. More on that in How high and how big should a coffee table be?

The 30 cm rule

What really matters is not the height of the table on its own, but the gap to your chair. Ideally there are 28 to 32 cm between the seat and the top of the table. Your elbows rest comfortably on the table and your legs have room.

Already have chairs? Measure from the floor to the highest point of the seat, without a cushion. Add 30 and you know roughly how high your table should be.

Legroom under the top

Height is also about what happens under the top. A table with an apron or frame under the top takes space away above your knees. Our tables stand on a single central leg or plinth, with no frame underneath: your legs get the full height and nobody bumps into a table leg.

If your chairs have armrests, check that they slide under the top. With a 4 cm thick top at 75 cm, about 71 cm stays free under the edge.

Tall or short

If you are tall, a higher seat with a 76 cm table often feels better. If a child or someone shorter sits with you, a cushion helps more than a lower table: the table stays right for everyone else.

Not sure? Send us the seat height of your chairs and we will check it with you before we make your table.

What about the size?

Besides height, size decides how well a table works. Allow 60 to 70 cm of table edge per person. How that works out for a round or oval table is explained in A round table for 6 people and A table for 8 people.