When planning your outdoor space, one of the most common questions is whether bar-height or counter-height furniture is the better fit. In this guide, we’ll walk through the key measurements, best use cases, and styling tips to help you confidently compare bar-height vs. counter-height options.
In This Article
Comparing Bar Height, Counter Height & Dining Height
The tallest of all alfresco furniture, bar-height stools typically stand 28–32 inches high, from floor to seat, and bar tables range between 40 and 42 inches tall.
Counter-height tables are a little shorter, at 34–37 inches high, and seat heights are usually 24–27 inches tall. Bar furniture is typically six inches taller than counter furniture.
Dining furniture sits the lowest to the ground, about 4–12 inches shorter than bar and counter pieces. The average seat height is 16–20 inches, and tables stand 28–32 inches tall.
Styling Tips
- Position your chairs or stools about 24 inches apart. This guideline helps prevent overcrowding so everyone can sit comfortably without bumping elbows.
- Leave about 9 to 13 inches between the top of the seat and the table’s underside. This measurement ensures optimal legroom—anything less would result in cramped thighs. If the chair or stool has arms, be sure to account for those in the height measurement.
Bar-Height Furniture: Dimensions & Benefits
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 bar-stool-height styles include footrests to accommodate shorter guests.
- Ideal for smaller settings because tables take up more vertical space than horizontal space.
- Styles like bar-height stools with backs offer more comfort for extended seating.
Cons
- It may be tricky for small children to sit safely at tall tables and chairs.
- 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.
Counter-Height Furniture: Dimensions & Benefits
Pros
- Counter sets are perfect for balconies because they are just the right height to allow a clear view over railings.
- This furniture fits taller family members who need more legroom.
- Footrests are common additions to counter-height stools, aiding shorter guests.
- Counter-height kitchen tables can usually sit flush with outdoor kitchen countertops to offer 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.
Dining-Height Furniture: Dimensions & Benefits
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, and it offers 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.
Choosing the Right Furniture Height for Your Patio
Knowing the difference between bar-height vs. counter-height furniture is important for picking the right pieces to fit your space when furnishing a small balcony, designing an outdoor kitchen, or setting up a relaxed dining area.
Each option offers distinct advantages in style, comfort, and function—it's just a matter of what works best for your space.
