Why the Optimal Table Height is So Important

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a dining table or a desk: the table height has to be right. A desk at the wrong height can – like an office chair with the wrong seat height – promote back and neck pain, tension, poor posture or even a herniated disc. But the right table and chair height is not only important when working: In order to be able to sit and eat comfortably at the dining table, the optimal height of the dining table and chairs is also important. Which is the right table or seat height for you depends primarily on your height. In this article you will find out the optimal height for the desk and dining table in order to be able to eat or work comfortably and in a way that is easy on the back. To see carpets for terraces and balconies, please check proindustrialfans.

The right desk height

Many spend a large part of their working day at a desk. The optimal table height is therefore just as important as the height of the chair you sit on while you work. Whether you want to adjust the height of your desk at home or you want to determine the best height for your office desk: your back will thank you after just a few hours, and even more so in the long run.

In principle, it is very easy to determine the optimal table height. An important aspect is the distance between the seat and the top edge of the table: this should be around 27 to 32 cm. This gives you enough space to cross your legs while sitting without banging your knees on the table. In addition, with chairs with armrests, you should make sure that the armrests fit under the table and do not hit any crossbars that may be on the table.

Your height is the most important factor in determining the optimal height of your desk. For example, the DIN standard ISO 5970 recommends a standard table height of 76 cm for people between 172 and 186 cm tall. Many high-quality office chairs and desks are height-adjustable and can be brought to the appropriate height. With the help of the made-to-measure furniture configurator, you can also have your desk planned and made to the optimum table height for you with just a few clicks. Finally, you simply adjust your office chair to the correct seat height. The great thing about it: You not only determine the dimensions of your new desk individually, but also choose the design and decor according to your wishes!

Optimal Table Height

Below you will find an overview of the recommended seat and table heights:

height seat height table height
113 cm 30 cm 52 cm
128 cm 34 cm 58 cm
143 cm 38 cm 64 cm
158 cm 42 cm 70 cm
173 cm 46 cm 76 cm
187 cm 50 cm 82 cm

Desk and Seat Height Calculator

Enter your height below to calculate your optimal table and seat height.

How wide and deep should your desk be?

The standard dimensions for the size of a desk are 160 x 80 cm. Basically, of course, the following applies: the wider the table, the more space you have to work and for other work materials. For example, if you need two monitors, it makes sense to choose a wider table. A depth of 80 cm ensures sufficient distance to the screen or screens.

From desk to bar table: height-adjustable desks

Do you also like to work standing up from time to time? Or is your desk also used by someone else? Then a height-adjustable desk is best. You can drive one of these up or down electrically. The desk height can usually be adjusted between 64 and 130 cm, so that there is the right height for everyone.

To determine the optimal height for a bar table that you use for work, simply stand up straight and bend your arms at right angles. Then measure the distance between the floor and your forearms. Now you know the optimal height for working while standing. Such an electrically height-adjustable table is ideal if the table is also used by other colleagues. So everyone can easily set the ideal height for them.

Tip: switch between standing and sitting frequently while you work – it’s good for your back!

The optimal dining table height and seat height

Several people usually come together at a dining table, so the optimal table height cannot be determined by just one person – everyone should be able to sit and dine as comfortably as possible at the table. Therefore, you should choose an average value of the people who mainly use the dining table to find the optimal height of the dining table. The height is usually between 73 and 79 cm.

As a reminder: the optimal seat and table heights depending on the body size

height seat height table height
113 cm 30 cm 52 cm
128 cm 34 cm 58 cm
143 cm 38 cm 64 cm
158 cm 42 cm 70 cm
173 cm 46 cm 76 cm
187 cm 50 cm 82 cm

Also make sure that there is 27 to 32 cm between the seat of your chairs and the top of the table. If you already have dining chairs and just need a new table, it makes sense to adjust the height of the table to the height of the seat. Do your chairs have armrests? Then measure beforehand whether they also fit under the table.

How deep and wide should your dining table be?

After you have determined the optimal table height, the right dimensions of the table top are also important when choosing the ideal dining table for you. The depth and width of a dining table should primarily be based on the spatial conditions, but also on the number of people who will be sitting at it regularly. Plan at least a width of 60 cm and a depth of 40 cm per person – so everyone has enough freedom of movement.

Tip: Add about 20 cm to the depth so that you have enough space for bowls, pots and decorations in the middle of the table top.

We give you the opportunity to design tables for the kitchen, dining room or study according to your own ideas. Plan writing or dining tables individually according to your dimensions and the design that best suits your style of living , your wishes and requirements! Thanks to our assembly service , your new table will enrich your home with the optimal table height, without any stress for you.