Glossary
Counter height
Furniture built to the taller end of standard, such as bar stools and bar tables, that suits long legs better than dining or standard-height pieces.
Counter height describes furniture, most often bar stools and bar tables, built taller than standard dining height, typically in the range of 34 to 39 inches for tables and stools sized to match. It sits between standard dining height and true bar height, and is a common choice for kitchen islands and casual seating.
For a tall person, counter height pieces are often more comfortable than standard dining furniture because they leave more room for long legs underneath without the knees hitting the tabletop or the underside of the counter. Standard dining chairs and tables, by contrast, are sized for average proportions and can feel cramped for a taller frame over a long meal.
When shopping, match the stool height to the table or counter height rather than choosing each separately, since the two need roughly a 10 to 12 inch gap between seat and tabletop for comfortable knee clearance. Extra tall bar stools go a step further than standard counter height and are worth checking specifically for very tall users or unusually tall counters.
Where this comes up
- Best Extra Tall Bar Stools for Tall PeopleBuying guide
- Best Tall Bar TablesBuying guide