When considering seating in a kitchen or bar area setting there three basic kitchen seating heights that can be used; Table Height, Countertop Height, and  Bar Height. With each of these heights, there are general rules as to how much knee space is required for comfortable seating. The taller the height of the countertop, the less knee space is required.

Table Height Seating

The final choice would be the standard table height, which is approximately 28″ – 30” off the floor. A standard dining table height requires about 18” of knee space. If you are considering some type of lowered counter to mimic table height, make sure to allow for the additional knee space. When shopping for seating, a 18″ – 23” high chair or stool will work the best. 

Dura Supreme Cabinetry Kitchen by West Chester Kitchen & Bath Designers Essence Design Studios
Dura Supreme Cabinetry Kitchen by West Chester Kitchen & Bath Designers Essence Design Studios

Design by Danielle Bohn CMKBD of Creative Kitchen Designs, Inc., Alaska. Photography by Dave M Davis Photography.

Counter Height Seating

When you move up to counter height which is level with the standard base cabinet height, approximately 36” off the floor the ideal knee space is 15” deep. Depending on the type of countertop material, this depth may require the use of countertop supports like a corbel. When shopping for seating, a 24” high chair or stool will work the best. 

 

This kitchen has an American take on Scandinavian interior design style. The design features the slab Dash cabinet door style with wood plank-like details in a rustic oak texture mixed with a shaker door style in white paint. This kitchen island offers seating for four plus a kitchen sink across from the cooktop.

Design by Studio M Kitchen & Bath, Minnesota. Photography by Spacecrafting Photography.

Dura Supreme design by Russell Fogle of 1st Choice Cabinetry, Inc., Boise, ID. Photography by Greg Scott Photography.

Bar Height Seating

 If you opt for bar height seating at 41”- 43″ off the floor, the recommend knee space is 12” and the stool height would be 30”. With this countertop height, it is also a good idea to consider the ages and abilities of those that would be sitting at a higher counter. Small children and tall stools sometimes are not the best combination.

Dura Supreme cabinets by McKenzie Architectural Kitchens, Arizona. Photography by Scott Sandler.

Which Countertop Height & Overhang Will You Choose?

Choosing the right countertop height and overhangs are design choices that require some thought. Your local Dura Supreme Designer can help go over the options and help you find the kitchen seating option that’s best for your home. Use our Find a Showroom Tool to find a designer near you and start the conversation.

Mandi Juskiewicz the Senior Design & Marketing Specialist for Dura Supreme Cabinetry. A content developer and blog author for the company.

Mandi Juskiewicz is the Sr. Design & Marketing Specialist for Dura Supreme Cabinetry with 20+ years of experience in graphic design, web design, multi-media communications, photography, online trends, and social media technology along with 10+ years of experience with Dura Supreme Cabinetry.  Her accolades include the distinction of being named “Kitchen Cabinetry Marketing Specialist of the Year 2019″ in the 2019 Content Creator Awards held by Corporate Vision Magazine (CV Magazine) and achiever of the Houzz Influencer Award.

Her role at Dura Supreme allows her to curate the “best of the best” designs, cutting-edge products, and fabulously functional Dura Supreme kitchens across the country and feature them here for inspiration and design ideas!

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