What’s the Difference Between Bar-Height vs. Counter-Height Outdoor Furniture?

Originally Published on May 11, 2020. Last Updated on February 27, 2024.

When choosing tables and stools for your outdoor oasis, deciding which style and heights fit your setup best can be challenging. Your goals for your outdoor space will ultimately determine the style of set you choose.

In this blog, we go over the three standard heights for tables and stools, the uses for counter and bar heights, and offer a few furniture suggestions to create your outdoor haven.


Bar-Height vs. Counter-Height vs. Dining-Height

Bar-height vs. Counter-height vs. Dining-height Seating
Comparison: Dining, Counter, & Bar Height Furniture

Bar-height tables and stools are typically 40-42 inches tall, while counter-height tables and stools are usually 34-36 inches tall. Bar-height furniture is typically 6 inches taller than counter-height furniture.

Dining-height tables and stools are typically 17-30 inches, making them 4 to 12 inches shorter than counter or bar furniture.

Styling Tips

  • Leave about 9 to 13 inches from the seat of the stool or chair to the table’s underside: This measurement ensures optimal comfort, allowing guests to slide in and out their chairs comfortably. If the chair or stool has arms, be sure to account for those in the height measurement.
  • Position your chairs or stools about 24 inches apart from each other: This guideline helps prevent overcrowding so that everyone can enjoy each other’s company without bumping elbows.

Bar-Height Furniture

Chinoiserie 5-Piece Bar Set in Sand - Martha Stewart by POLYWOOD Outdoor Dining
Featured: Martha Stewart by POLYWOOD Chinoiserie 5-Piece Bar Set in Sand

Pros

  • Bar tables are the same height as outdoor bar ledges, letting you extend your serving space.
  • Bar sets are great for tall family members who need more legroom.
  • Many styles include footrests to accommodate shorter guests.
  • Ideal for smaller settings because tables take up more vertical space than horizontal.

Cons

  • Tall tables and chairs can be tricky for small children to sit at safely.
  • Bar sets are not conducive to creating accessible spaces.

Best For

Choose bar-height furniture to maximize limited dining space or accommodate above-average-height family members.

POLYWOOD Signature 3-Piece Bar Set
Signature 3-Piece Bar Set

POLYWOOD Palm Coast 5-Piece Round Farmhouse Bar Set
Palm Coast 5-Piece Round Farmhouse Bar Set

POLYWOOD Modern Adirondack 9-Piece Farmhouse Trestle Bar Set
Modern Adirondack 9-Piece Farmhouse Trestle Bar Set

Traditional Garden 9-Piece Nautical Trestle Bar Set

 


Counter-Height Furniture

POLYWOOD Outdoor Dining - Braxton 5-Piece Nautical Trestle Arm Chair Counter Set in Mahogany
Featured: Braxton 5-Piece Nautical Trestle Arm Chair Counter Set in Mahogany

Pros

  • Counter sets are perfect for balconies because they sit at just the right height to get a clear view over railings. 
  • This furniture fits taller family members who need more legroom.
  • Footrests are common additions to counter seats, aiding shorter guests.
  • You can place these tables next to your outdoor kitchen counters for extra serving space.

Cons

  • Counter-height furniture isn’t the best option for accessible spaces.
  • Small children may need help getting into and out of the seats.

Best For

These sets complement second-story settings and extend the serving space of outdoor kitchen counters.

POLYWOOD Lakeside 5-Piece Farmhouse Round Side Chair Counter Set
Lakeside 5-Piece Farmhouse Round Side Chair Counter Set

Martha Stewart by POLYWOOD Chinoiserie 5-Piece Round Counter Set
Chinoiserie 5-Piece Round Counter Set

POLYWOOD Lakeside 7-Piece Counter Set
Lakeside 7-Piece Counter Set

POLYWOOD Modern Adirondack 9-Piece Farmhouse Counter Set with Trestle Legs
Modern Adirondack 9-Piece Farmhouse Counter Set with Trestle Legs

 


Dining-Height Furniture

POLYWOOD EDGE 7-Piece Modern Outdoor Dining Set in Black
Featured: EDGE 7-Piece Dining Set in Black

Pros

  • Dining-height furniture better facilitates accessible outdoor spaces. 
  • Kids can typically get in and out of dining chairs without help.
  • Dining furniture is more common than bar and counter products, offering more styles, material types, and sizes.
  • Dining chairs sit low enough to the ground that most adults  can rest their feet on the floor.

Cons

  • Taller guests may not have enough legroom beneath the table to sit comfortably.
  • Dining sets take up more horizontal space and may not suit smaller settings.

Best For

Dining sets are the most inclusive of the three furniture heights and offer the widest selection, making shopping and styling easy.

POLYWOOD La Casa Café 5-Piece Round Farmhouse Dining Set
La Casa Café 5-Piece Round Farmhouse Dining Set

POLYWOOD Vineyard Curveback Adirondack 5-Piece Nautical Trestle Dining Set
Vineyard Curveback Adirondack 5-Piece Nautical Trestle Dining Set

POLYWOOD Lakeside 7-Piece Farmhouse Trestle Dining Set
Lakeside 7-Piece Farmhouse Trestle Dining Set

POLYWOOD Traditional Garden 9-Piece Farmhouse Trestle Dining Set
Traditional Garden 9-Piece Farmhouse Trestle Dining Set

17 thoughts on “What’s the Difference Between Bar-Height vs. Counter-Height Outdoor Furniture?

  1. I am a height of 5″5 and have followed your mentioned guide, yet I cannot find any suitable desk for my need. Am I simply too short of having a nice desk? My back hurts frequently and I urgently need help to assist my posture.

    1. Hi Steve,

      Thank you for reaching out! To assist with preventing back pain, we have found it useful to make sure that you have the ability to rest your feet on a stool or footrest and to also use a pillow for lumbar support. I hope this helps!

      All the best!

  2. My current counter top stools are 29 inches. They are too short because the counter top is 44 inches high. It seems that a bar stool about 35-36 high inches might work. What do you suggest? Thanks. Neal Nettesheim

    1. Hi Neal,

      Thanks for your question! Unfortunately, we do not currently manufacture a Bar Chair that has a seat height of 35-36 inches. All of our Bar Chairs/Stools will have a seat height of approximately 30 inches. We apologise for the inconvenience!

      Thanks!

    1. Hi Carole,

      We’ll pass your suggestion along to our Design Team. You never know what they will manufacture next!

      Thanks for reaching out!
      Ashley

  3. I need a saddle stool that is close to 26 “ , also need it with cloth seat grey with white or grey wood!!! Need it for bathroom

    1. Hi Patricia! While the seat is not cloth, you might enjoy our Traditional 24″ Saddle Counter Stool. This style of stool is available in both Slate Grey or White.

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