Height of a Chandelier Above a Table

Whether it's dripping with cut crystal, hand-forged from blackened iron or made from a prized set of deer antlers, a pretty chandelier hanging over a dining table is the crowning glory of the room. With all the drama and attention a chandelier commands, hanging it correctly is important. While there is no hard-and-fast rule dictating the exact height at which a chandelier must hang, there are guidelines and pointers to take into consideration. Does this Spark an idea?

Hanging a Chandelier Over a Standard-height Table

If you hang your chandelier too low, it will be in the way of diners. On the other hand, if you hang it too high, it will lose visual impact and won't properly illuminate your table. The top surface of a standard-height table is about 30 inches from the ground. You should hang your chandelier so that there is about 30 to 34 inches between the tabletop and the bottom of the chandelier, which gives you plenty of clearance for tabletop flower arrangements, candlesticks and serving dishes and also gives you and your guests an unobstructed view of each other when you're sitting at the table.

Hanging a Chandelier Over a Counter-height Table

With counter-height dining tables rising in popularity, homeowners who purchase them may find they need to raise their dining room chandeliers slightly. The top of a counter-height dining table is approximately 35 to 36 inches from the floor; therefore, a chandelier that was installed over a 30-inch-tall table should be raised about 6 inches for a counter-height table. By the same token, if you install a chandelier based on a counter height table and then put a standard table in its place, the chandelier will seem too high and will need to be lowered slightly.

High Ceillings

While hanging your chandelier 30 to 34 inches above your tabletop is a good rule, that measurement is based upon 8-foot ceilings. Designers recommend raising your chandelier's height slightly, about 3 inches for 9-foot ceilings, and adding another 3 inches for 10-foot ceilings. If your ceilings are 9 feet or taller, get a larger chandelier with two tiers, which will help to fill and visually balance the space above your table.

Other Considerations

Factor in your chandelier's's style when determining how high or low to hang it over your table. Because there is no hard-and-fast rule, sit at your table while a friend holds your chandelier at various heights. The right height is one that you feel comfortable with and like the looks of and that allows ample room for eye contact, serving dishes and floral arrangements. Another consideration is the light itself. For example, if your chandelier has bowl-shaped glass shades, hang it so that you or your guests cannot easily look inside it and see dust, crumbs or bugs that have met their demise.

Counter Stool Vs. Bar Stool

While counter stools and bar stools have some distinctions, in terms of their use in the home setting these two seating modes can have some overlap. The descriptive characteristics of each fall into three fundamental categories: purpose, height and style. The householder can use both types for enhanced seating solutions particularly in compact living areas. Does this Spark an idea?

Counter Stool: Purpose

A counter stool's purpose is providing a space-saving solution in smaller household areas, particularly with regard to food preparation and consumption, although these stools have applications to other areas of the home, as well. Generally, these seating solutions are used in association with kitchen islands, counter-height tables, counters with overhangs, or gathering tables. Sometimes, however, individuals use them as dcor elements in living rooms or other rooms where they entertain guests, often as part an overall seating plan that includes more traditional seating, as well.

Counter Stool: Height

Counter stool height is the primary distinction between the typical counter stool and the typical bar stool. Counter stools range from about 24 inches to about 27 inches measured from floor to the top of the seat. For most accommodating seating, you should select counter stools whose height allows 12 inches clearance between the counter's bottom edge and the top of the counter stool seat.

Counter Stool: Style

You can find quite a selection of different styles of counter stools. Some have very simple designs; others are made to look like tall dining room chairs. The materials counter stools come in include laminate, wood veneer, genuine wood and metal.

Bar Stools: Purpose

The original purpose of a bar stool, obviously, is for use in a public bar that served alcoholic beverages. As small space living became more common, however, bar stools made the jump from the public barroom to rooms in the home. As with counter stools, bar stools offer space saving solutions for compact living spaces. In contrast to counter stools, in-home uses of bar stools include use in game rooms, with breakfast bars, or---true to their origin---in association with an in-home bar.

Bar Stools: Height

The bar stool tends to be taller than a counter stool, often from 29 inches to 30 inches; although you can find bar stools that are in the range of counter height stools. Some experts recommend the 24 inch size stool as a multi-faceted solution for children's seating. This size works well to give children good seating for things like homework and games, as well as for eating meals set out on top of a kitchen island or other surfaces compatible with stool-style seating.

Bar Stools: Style

As with counter stools, bar stools come in a range of styles to suit any taste. Two particular distinctions with bar stools, stemming from their origin, include that some swivel making them easier to get onto and off of; and some have backs and arms. If you choose a bar stool with arms, you need ensure adequate clearance between the top of the arm and the underside of the table or counter with which you will use the stool.

Wheelchair Picnic Table Specifications

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), many products need to be manufactured or altered to meet the needs of people in wheelchairs. Some picnic tables are designed to accommodate persons in wheelchairs, and the ADA provides specifications for table height and leg clearance necessary. In addition to picnic tables, the park walkways and access paths must also be ADA-compliant. Does this Spark an idea?

Table Height

Table tops must be at least 28 to 34 inches tall. This height also applies to counters and picnic tables. Some of the handicapped picnic tables include lip-type extensions on the top that go beyond the seating benches, so the person in the wheelchair can roll up and sit at the end of the table.

Leg Clearance

The amount of leg clearance that the ADA specifies is at least 27 inches high, 19 inches deep and 30 inches wide. Since the table top height requirement is 28 to 34 inches, the depth requirement allows 1 inch for the thickness of the table top.

Access

The access path or walkway to the picnic table needs to be a surface that a wheelchair can roll on easily. Concrete, crushed rock or asphalt are surfaces that provide little resistance for wheelchairs. If the picnic table is at a different elevation than the parking lot or yard in which it sits, the pathway should be free of steps or door thresholds higher than 3/4-inch.

How to Lower the Height of a Table

The standard leg height for a dining room table is 29 inches. In some cases, this may be too tall, particularly if the chairs for the table sit too low. Instead of buying new chairs to fit the table, lower the height of a table. You can lower the height of any table, provided the table has wooden legs. If you are trying to shorten a table with metal legs, you need to have welding and machining experience, or get in touch with someone who does. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure how tall you want your table to be. Subtract this amount from the current height of the table. This is how many inches need to be removed from the legs. Write down this figure.

2

Remove the legs from the table. This makes it easier to cut them to the desired size with a table saw or a circular saw. If the table has fixed legs, use sawhorses to suspend the table in the air and hold it steady while you cut the legs to the necessary height.

3

Mark the legs where you need to cut. Using the measuring tape, measure how many inches need to be removed from the legs. Use masking tape to mark the top of the cut line. Work slowly, and make sure your tape is level before proceeding.

4

Make your cuts. Work slowly and do not cross the masking tape line. Wear safety goggles when working with saws and wood to avoid injury. If you are using a hand saw, work slightly below the cut line since the edges will be ragged; these need to be sanded down later.

5

Determine how level the legs are before sanding. Sand the bottom of the legs until they are flat. Sand the bottoms using a medium-grit sandpaper. Check as you go to make sure the bottoms are level before proceeding.

6

Apply rubber end caps to the legs. This covers up any rough edges that may be left over from sanding and protects your flooring.

What Is the Standard Height of a Dining Table?

Depending on the activity, an important factor in the comfortable use of a table is the height of the table top. Dining tables and their respective heights have evolved over time, from formal seating at a standard height table to more casual counter and bar dining. Does this Spark an idea?

Standard Dining Table

The standard height of a dining table is between 28" to 30" above the floor.

Counter-height Table

A counter-height table or kitchen island counter top is typically 36" above the floor. While kitchen counter tops are a comfortable height to stand and work at, it is also popular to sit at the counter for casual dining and interaction with activities in the kitchen.

Bar-height Table

Bar height tables are between 40" and 42" above the floor. This height of table is often seen in informal cafe dining or bars.

Outdoor Dining Table

The height for outdoor dining tables are the same as for standard dining tables, between 28" and 30" above the floor.

Chair Heights

The comfortable height for a dining chair seat is 10" to 12" below the height of the dining table. A typical dining chair is 18" to 20" high at the seat. A bar-height stool or chair is between 30" and 32" high at the seat.

How to Build a Tall Table

Changing from the monotony of everyday design adds breadth to home dcor. One way to stray form the ordinary is by changing up the ergonomics of furniture design. Not only does a tall kitchen table alter the visual impression of a space, it also increases ambiance. There are three main heights broadly used in kitchen table design, 30 inch, 36 inch, and 42 inch. The 30-inch design is standard, functional, and ordinary. When building a taller table, the size of the chairs to be associated with it will ultimately determine the height of your tall table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Divide the table top and cut the removable leafs. Determine how many leafs you wish to have. Draw a thin, straight pencil line for each cut line for the leaf panels. Using the skill saw, accurately cut the leaf panels free from the greater table surface.

2

Assemble the apron frame and attach the frame to the table posts using the leg to skirt hardware. Cut the skirt frame width to 4 inches narrower than the overall table top surface width. Cut the skirt frame length to 4 inches shorter than the shortest desired adjustable table top surface length. Cut the length side skirt planks directly in half; when the completed table is in its shortest position, these planks will be touching and separated when adjusted out.

3

Sand all table pieces incrementally from 80- to 220-grit smoothness.

4

Place the table with the top surfaces down on a clean sheet of cardboard; do not include the leaf planks at this time. Align and attach the table leg and apron frame to the table top segments. Install the adjustable table leaf hardware.

5

Apply wood stain and lacquer to suit the overall design theme.

What Is the Difference Between Pub & Bar Tables?

Pub and bar tables are dining tables deriving their names from commercial restaurant furniture used in British pubs or bars. Some designs have become adopted as home furnishings in the United States. The terms pub and bar table are not used consistently; however, some standards have been established by the United States furniture industry. Does this Spark an idea?

Types of Dining Tables

When planning the purchase of a table for your dining room, kitchen, bar or patio, you need to know the standard dimensions of the four main types of dining tables sold in the United States: the regular dining table, the cafe table, the pub or bistro table (the terms are used interchangeably), and the bar table.

Dining Tables and Cafe Tables

Dining and cafe tables are distinguished from pub and bar tables by their height. Both types are 28 to 30 inches high to accommodate regular dining chairs. Dining tables generally have larger tops than cafe tables. Oval shapes range from 36 to 72 inches, rectangular tops from 60 to 80 inches. Definitions overlap; smaller dining tables may also be called cafe tables, especially models with round and oval tops. Cafe tables are always small with tops of 36 to 48 inches. A cafe table may also be called a "cafe pub table."

Pub/Bistro and Bar Tables

Pub/bistro and bar tables share small tops but differ in height to be used with either counter or bar stools. Pub/bistro tabletops range from 34 inches to 36 inches to be used with 24- to 26-inch counter stools. Bar tabletops range from 40 to 42 inches, matching 28- to 30-inch bar stools. Bar tables match the height of a bar. Bar tables are sometimes called "tall pub tables."

Standard Dimensions

According to Bill Kovalich of WoodBin.com: "Most standards used by commercial furniture designers are based on average-sized people. That is, they try to accomodate 90 percent of the population ... in the United States, furniture for women is built for the majority whose heights range from 5-foot-2 to 5-foot-8; for men, the majority range is 5-foot-8 to 6-foot-2; for unisex (men and women combined), the average used is 5-foot-8. If you do not belong to the average group, consider an adjustable-height pub/bar table.

Planning Your Dining Arrangements

Pub and bar tables are suitable for intimate dining and where space is limited. Plan the height of your chairs to match your table. Nine to 13 inches of leg space between seat and table top is considered most comfortable. Standard bar tables or pub/bistro tables will seat no more than two to four guests. Allow 28 to 30 inches of seating space per person or 24 to 28 inches between chairs.

British Pub or Bar Tables

Britain table terminology is different. Pub furniture manufacturers sell many sizes and shapes of tables under the name "pub table." Most are dining-table height to be used with regular chairs. They are sold and categorized according to style, such as the traditional Wellington, refectory and shaker tables. "Poseur" tables--bar tables with very small round tops to place drinks on--are popular in British bars.

DIY Kitchen Island from IKEA

The kitchen, one of the busiest areas in any home, is typically short of space, especially in apartments, condominiums and smaller residences. If you have more floor space than counter and shelf space, a kitchen island may be a space-creating solution for you. IKEA, the ready-to-assemble home goods retailer, has several models of kitchen islands for purchase; but you can make an attractive, utilitarian and less expensive kitchen island using a couple of IKEA Lack side tables, a butcher block top and adhesive. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Acquire and assemble two IKEA Lack side tables. Make sure they are put together correctly and are sturdy.

2

Stack the two IKEA Lack side tables together, one on top of the other.

3

Secure the tables together by putting an adhesive square on the bottom of each of the legs of the top table. Make sure the table legs of the top table line up exactly with the table legs of the bottom table. Press the top table tightly to the table top of the bottom table so that the adhesive sticks and holds well.

4

Line the outer edge of the top table with adhesive squares, and put several squares in the middle as well. Press the butcher block top tightly to the top of the top Lack side table to affix it well to your newly formed island. Place something heavy on top of the butcher block overnight to set the adhesive.

5

Attach the drawer handle to one horizontal edge of the top IKEA Lack table. Use this for a kitchen towel rack or a cart handle to push the island as a mobile work cart.

6

Turn the island upside down and rest it on the butcher block tabletop. Attach a rolling caster to the bottom of each table leg. Turn the island upright and lock the casters so the structure doesnt roll.

7

Attach the cup hooks either under the drawer handle in a horizontal row or along one side of the island. Hang kitchen utensils or small pots and pans on the hooks.

How to Make a Card Table Bar Height With PVC

Card tables offer a readily available, inexpensive and convenient way to provide a temporary surface on which to dine, play cards or serve food. However, they only come in a standard table height which is much lower than the standard bar height, making it awkward and unprofessional to use as a bar for a special event. Thankfully, PVC pipe provides an inexpensive remedy to this problem when cut to a certain size and used as risers. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure your PVC pipe to 40 inches, which is standard bar table height, mark and repeat until you have the same number of measured PVC pipe as your card table's legs. Make a mark on each pipe for how far down and how wide the table leg's brace is.

2

Cut the PVC pipe to the 40 inches length, then cut a slit for fitting around the card table leg braces. This will allow the pipes to slide all the way up to the underside of the table, adding stability.

3

Unfold the table's legs and sit each one into its corresponding PVC pipe sheath. Make sure each leg fits snugly into the brace slit to ensure that it is level and stable.

The Average Height of a Sewing Table

A well-designed sewing room has three table stations: a sewing table, a cutting table and a pressing table. Each of these stations has its own requirements for the comfort of the sewing person working in that area. Often, both cutting and pressing tables are used while a person is standing and should be taller. Sewing tables are used with the sewing person sitting so that she can operate a foot pedal as well as use both hands at the same time. Does this Spark an idea?

Tables

When you are planning the height of a sewing table, it is important to consider the primary person using it. Most sewing table heights are based on a person 5 feet 3 inches tall. However, the average ranges from 4 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 3 inches, and of course you may actually be taller than 5 feet 3 inches. The suggested table height for the average 5-foot 3-inch person is around 28 inches. The reason the height is variable is because the table height depends on more than just the person's height.

Machines

Sewing machines for home use have been sold for over 100 years. The majority of these machines have been portable machines that are self-cased. These machines vary in height depending on their design. Few of these machines are under an inch from the table to the sewing surface. This means that the sewing surface or table of your actual sewing machine is based on the height from the table to the foot of the machine, and this can vary up to 4 inches. This means the average sewing table height for a 5-foot 3-inch tall person is 28 inches less the height of the machine-to-table measurement.

Chairs

Fitting the sewing machine table to an appropriate chair includes the same issues as table height. At minimum, the chair needs to swivel and be able to tuck under the table top surface so that no part of the leg touches the underside of the table. If more than one person is using the sewing table and machine, and they have a disparity of height, determine the best height for the taller person and select a chair that can adjust upward for the shorter person.

Cutting and Ironing

Sewing tables also include cutting and ironing tables. In most cases, the person sewing stands up for both of these activities, so the table heights for each activity is higher than for actual sewing. If an ironing board is used while the sewing person is sitting, then the surface height should be between 24 and 28 inches. If the ironing and cutting tables are used while standing, then the surface should be between 36 and 40 inches tall.

How to Build a Kitchen Island Table

Most people could use a little more counter top space in their kitchen. Islands are a great way to go, but custom can be extremely expensive and kits don't always look so good. Here's an alternative that's equally functional and great looking. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

The Plan

1

Measure your kitchen. Translate the layout of your kitchen to graph paper, using the biggest scale possible that still fits on one page.

2

You must have enough room between your cabinets and the table to work. Thirty-six inches is nice, and anything less than 30 is too cramped. Also make sure you have enough room to open any appliances (e.g., refrigerator or dishwasher) and any doors.

3

Try it out on the graph paper. Think like the chef. If you're not the primary cook in your home, bring that person in on the process. It will save you grief later. Also remember, the kitchen island table should be at least 24 inches wide.

4

Now that you've agreed upon size and positioning, move on to section 2.

Building your Kitchen Island Table

5

Cut 5 3/4-inch lumber to length for top. For example: if your kitchen island table is 60 inches long and 35 1/2 inches wide, you would cut 6 planks to 60 inchs long.

6

Sand the long 1 3/4 edges of the planks you just cut.

7

Attach the planks together using either pocket screws or biscuits and clamp making sure all edges and both top and bottom are flush. If you are pocket screwing, clamp before screwing together. If you are using biscuits, clamp after. Set the top aside to dry/set.

8

Make cuts for the frame:
- cut (4) legs to 34 1/4 inches high
- cut (4) 2 3/4 inch x 3/4 inch planks to length (if your top is 60 inches x 35 1/2 inches and your legs are 3 inches x 3 inches make this cut 50 inches long).
- cut (4) 2 3/4 inch x 3/4 inch planks to length (using the above example these will be 25 1/2 inches).
- cut (1) 2 3/4 inch x 3/4 inch plank to length (using the same example this will be 30 inches).

9

Sand all surfaces. If the top is ready, remove the clamps and sand the top and all edges.

10

Turn the legs upside down and attach (2) longer and (2) shorter 2 3/4-inch x 3/4-inch planks flush with the top. Using the above example you will now have a 56 inch x 31 1/2 inch box with the legs at the corners. Make sure you are square.

11

Attach the 30 inch-long 2 3/4-inch x 3/4-inch plank across the center of the frame (3/4-inch side up and down) using pocket screws. Make sure it is flush with the top.

12

Attach the other (2) longer and (2) shorter planks to the legs with the top the planks 9 1/4 inches from the bottom of the legs. Make sure you are level and square.

13

Cut the 5 3/4-inch x 3/4-inch planks to length for the shelf. Use the jigsaw to cut in around the legs. Make the shelf equal to the dimension of the frame. Sand the shelf planks. Attach using pocket screws.

14

If you are painting or staining the Kitchen Island Table one color, skip to Step 11. If the top and the frame are to be separate colors, stain or paint now. Let dry.

15

Set the top face down on the floor. Use cardboard or a sheet to prevent scratching the surface. Set the frame upside down on the top. Make sure you are centered and square. The top will be 2 inches longer and wider on each side. Attach using pocket screws. If you haven't painted or stained the table, do it now.

16

Flip the kitchen island table over and set in place.

17

Invite some people over so you can show it off.

How to Increase Table Height

You purchased a beautiful table that will fit with your dining chairs perfectly. You get it home to find out that the deal of the century had a major flaw--the table is too short for your chairs. Before you put it up for sale on Craigslist, try raising the height of your table. With a few tools and little know-how you may turn a disaster into a one of a kind piece of furniture that will seat your family for years to come. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Decide how much you need to raise your table height. Typical table height is 30 inches. For our example, let's say you wanted to raise it to 37 inches, the typical bar height, to fit a tall set of dining chairs or stools.

2

Buy enough pre-turned furniture legs from your local home center to extend each leg on your table. Stores generally have a variety. Choose legs that best match your table. You will also need a inch dowel for each leg, plus stain or paint to match your existing table.

3

Turn your table upside down and remove any casters, glides or foot protectors. Casters may require a wrench, while nylon and metal glides can be removed with a hammer and a wide wood chisel. Simply place the chisel against the edge of the glide and tap it into the seam between the glide and the leg. Lever the glide loose and away with the chisel. Hold onto these. If your new legs don't have them, reuse them.

4

Mark the center of the leg and drill a inch hole two inches deep parallel with the table leg. Repeat with all table legs. Fit a four inch piece of inch thick wood dowel in each leg. Put a few drops of wood glue in each hole then tap the dowels firmly in and allow them to dry.

5

Cut your new pre-made legs to length using a miter or handsaw. For our example cut them seven inches long, but you can adjust as needed. Mark the top of each cut leg in the center and drill a inch hole two inches deep. If you have a vise, clamp a pre-made leg in it, with a rag wrapped around the leg to protect the wood, which will make the job easier.

6

Place a few drops of wood glue in the bottom of each hole, then fit them onto the dowels. Put a little wood glue on the flat bottom of the existing table legs and tap the new extensions firmly on until they meet the bottom of the old legs. Use a damp rag to remove any excess glue. Allow the glue to dry completely, then stain or paint the legs to match.

How to Measure Bar Stool Height

Bar stools are not just for local pubs, pool halls and other such establishments. They can also be used for sitting at a counter or table in your house. Measuring the height of both the bar stools you plan on using and the height of the counter or table that will be associated with the stools ensures that you and your guests will be comfortable while sitting, and that the stools do not look out of place while resting next to the table or counter. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Stand the bar stool upright on a flat floor. This ensures the stool is not tilted in any direction, which could lead to a wrong measurement.

2

Place the measuring tape on the side of the stool's seat. Hold the top of the measuring tape at the very top edge of the side of the stool.

3

Extend the measuring tape straight down to the ground. Tilting the tape in any direction leads to an inaccurate measurement.

4

Read the dash mark on the tape that is closest to the portion of tape touching the ground. This is the height of the bar stool.

How High to Hang a Chandelier Over a Counter Height Table

Selecting the right modern decorative lighting for your home is important, particularly if you want your home to look updated and well maintained. One modern trend is to position small chandeliers over bar areas. These miniature chandeliers are sometimes called chandelettes and they range in diameter from 9 to 12 inches. Often this style of miniature chandelier is grouped over bars or islands for added impact. It is important when you place your chandelier or chandelette grouping to position your lights at the correct height. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the distance between the top of your countertop and the ceiling. If your ceiling is from 8 to 10 feet from the floor then the height portion of your ceiling volume will support two small size chandeliers or a single medium to large chandelier.

2

Measure the distance from the center point of where you want to position the new chandelier to the closest wall, wall height cabinet or end point in each direction. An end point may be the end of an island or peninsula. What you are looking for is the natural width area over which the chandelier dominates. This will give you the width portion of your ceiling volume measurement. If you have an island that is 4 by 6 feet and your chandelier relates to the island then you may have enough ceiling volume for two 8 to 10 inch chandelettes or a single 12 to 14 inch chandelier.

3

Calculate your fixture size by adding the dimensions of your island or bar width together. Example: a 4 by 6 foot island can handle a single 10 inch fixture but an island is surrounded by walkways that usually measure 7 or more feet. This additional volume is visually available to you in positioning your fixtures and it allows you to double your fixtures with two small chandelettes. While the fixtures will primarily relate to the island and hang over the island, they will also light the walkways all the way to the cabinets or walls.

4

Measure up from the bar top 30 to 32 inches. It is a good idea to take a yardstick and tape a piece of paper centered at 30 inches that is the height and width of your intended fixture. Stand the yardstick up on the counter and stand (or sit) at the bar. Have each family member stand on the other side and see if the fixture would potentially block the view of a person sitting across the counter. Move the fixture (yardstick) upward to open the view. This is particularly important if you entertain frequently or have tall family members or guests. Your objective is to position the fixtures low enough to be dramatic and high enough not to obstruct the view from one side to the other.

Height of End Tables

End tables are decorative and practical pieces of furniture typically placed next to living room sofas and armchairs. Their height is based on the common tallness of sofa and chair arms to make access to the tabletops easy. The table elevation also allows the best positioning of lamps for reading. Does this Spark an idea?

Standard Table Height

Although end tables can be between 20 and 30 inches tall, the typical height for an end table is 24 inches, a size determined by the ordinary height of the arms of sofas and living room chairs. The customary height of the arms is between 32 and 34 inches, and end tables are made 8 to 10 inches lower to provide easy access to them while adjacently seated. Taller and shorter end tables also disturb the visual flow of the room and create an uncoordinated look with the other living room furniture.

End Table Uses

The uses for end tables are both decorative and useful. Display framed photos or art, a decorative hand-carved box or a collection of small curios on the table surface. Keep car keys, remote control devices and books you are reading handy on an end table. End tables can also showcase a houseplant, or you can place a reading or ornamental lamp on the table.

Styles and Types

End tables can match the style of the living room furniture or make bold accent statements with dissimilar designs and colors. If all the other furniture in the room is angular, soften the look with a round, an oval or a curvy-edged table. Conversely, an end table with clear, sharp angles gives a modern touch to rooms overwrought with puffy overstuffed chairs and sofas. To lighten a dark room, choose tables made from light-colored woods, and use dark wood end tables to tone down rooms decorated in bright or primary colors. End tables made from curved wrought iron, glass, marble or brass give the decor a modern flair. If space is limited, consider a set of stacking end tables that can be tucked into a corner when not in use. End tables with drawers provide storage for coasters, CDs, DVDs and magazines.

Other Table Heights

Just as end tables are designed to provide easy access to items while seated on a sofa or chair, other tables are built to accommodate other needs. Coffee tables are typically between 12 and 18 inches high to offer easy access to items while seated and provide a makeshift footrest. Kitchen tables are usually between 28 1/2 and 30 inches tall so accompanying chairs fit underneath and a seated person is at an appropriate level with the tabletop.

How High Should a Kitchen Table Be?

Choose a table height to suit your needs.

Standard Height

According to woodworking and design websites, the standard height for a kitchen table is 28 inches to 30 inches high, with 29 inches being the most common. Purchasing or building a table at a standard height should allow most chairs to fit comfortably at the table.

Personal Preference

Personal preference, height and any special needs, such as wheelchair access, should dictate the final choice on table height. For instance, the United States Access Board guidelines state that the tops of tables accessible for those in wheelchairs should be 26 inches to 30 inches from the ground. Those who are taller or shorter than average height might want to consider a custom-built table to ensure comfort and ease of use.

Bottom Line

Industry standards are a good starting point when deciding on table height. However, factors such as height and special needs should be considered to ensure that you purchase a table that is the best fit for you.

Standard Kitchen Countertop Height

Kitchen counters serve as more than places to store appliances. You prepare food, wash dishes and perform other duties at the counter and its height makes a big difference in your ergonomic comfort. Standard heights have been adopted for the different countertop surfaces in the kitchen but your personal preferences and needs may make alternative measurements preferable. Does this Spark an idea?

Standard Countertop Height

The standard countertop height in a kitchen is 36 inches high. Cabinetry and appliances are designed to fit this height and average-sized people will find this a comfortable work height. This specific measurement is not exact; tile or stone countertops may add to one inch to the height, while Formica or other materials come closer to the ideal height.

Lower Countertop Height

Many shorter people find the standard counter height too tall to work at comfortably. A different height measurement can be built into the kitchen work surfaces but it requires custom work to fit the cabinets and appliances. A rule of thumb for determining proper countertop height is that, when resting your hands on the countertop, your elbows are bent at a 45-degree angle. Many people of less than average height find 32 inches to be a comfortable work-surface height.

Taller Countertop Height

People who are taller than the average person find themselves bending over to work at the standard counter height. For these cooks, raising the height a few inches to a more comfortable 38 or 39 inches improves their ergonomic comfort in the kitchen. Custom cabinets are required to accommodate a lower or higher height but your comfort in kitchen duties may make the expense worthwhile.

Wheelchair- Accessible Counter Height

A kitchen counter designed for wheelchair access requires a different counter height. The arms of a standard wheelchair are 29 inches high, so an ideal work height is 32 inches. The countertop design may allow for adjustment of this height to accommodate the comfort of the cook.

Kitchen Island Height

A popular feature in many kitchens is the island with the eat-in bar. The bar is raised above the 36-inch height of the counter surface so that tall bar stools can be used as seating. The height for this eating surface is usually 42 inches.

Kitchen Table Ideas

An attractive dining room table is nice for formal occasions, but most family meals take place at the kitchen table. Your kitchen table can be as creative and unusual as your personal style. It only has to be big enough to fit your family and small enough to fit in your kitchen; the rest is up to you. Does this Spark an idea?

Pedestal Table

In a small kitchen table, the legs take up a considerable part of the room, limiting how many people can sit there. Maximize a small kitchen space with a pedestal table that only uses one central leg instead of four legs around the edge. If you are going to be cramming a big group around the table, place a lazy Susan in the center of the table and carefully organize the dishes and condiments to fit easily around it. That way, everyone will be able to easily help themselves without the difficulty of moving dishes around on a crowded table.

Decoupage Table

Turn a plain wooden kitchen table into a work of art with decoupage. Lightly sand the table with medium grit sand paper and paint it the color of your choice. While the table is drying (it should be left overnight or longer) cut out pictures, strips of decorative paper, photographs and sections of newsprint to decorate the table. After the table has dried, lay the paper strips down onto it to experiment with a layout. Pick up one piece of paper, lightly paint the bottom of it with decoupage medium and place it back down. Then, paint a layer of medium on top of it. Keep pasting pieces down until the table is completely covered. Paint a second layer of decoupage medium over the table to preserve it and let it dry for a day.

Mosaic Table

Add a bit of Moroccan flair to your kitchen with a mosaic table. Assemble tiles into a picture, geometric pattern or abstract design covering the whole table. Alternately, use tiles to draw lines, spirals or other shapes across the table, leaving most of the surface bare. If you have kids, make an interactive mosaic table. Glue large square tiles around the table in a border, then fill the center of the table with small square tiles in a variety of colors. Kids can use the small tiles to make their own designs and the large tiles will prevent them from falling off the table.

How to Convert Standard Height Tables to Cafe Height

Cafe tables are a common sight these days, from coffee shops to restaurants to home kitchens and dining spaces. New tables are quite expensive, and recycling your old wooden table to get the cafe height is one way to keep a piece you love and get the new feel you want. A standard table is typically 28-to-30 inches high from the floor to the table top. Cafe, or bar-height tables are between 40 and 42 inches high, so you will need to extend your table legs by between 12 and 14 inches. Choose a table with straight legs, as angled legs are not safe to extend. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Choose bolt-in prefab table legs in a style that matches your table. These legs are designed to thread into a threaded pocket in the bottom of a table to replace damaged legs. Make sure your legs are at least 12 inches long. Select T-bolts with the same thread as your table leg bolts.

2

Paint or stain your legs to match the table. Use a fine bristle brush to apply two coats of semigloss latex paint, or all-in-one stain and finish. Work in long straight strokes with the grain. Spread the finish as evenly as possible to prevent runs and drips. Allow the label-recommended drying time between coats and allow the legs to dry completely before installing them.

3

Turn your table upside down. Remove the nylon glides, or metal nails in the foot of the legs with a chisel and hammer. Tap the chisel under the edge of the nail and pry it up to remove it.

4

Drill a 5/16-inch hole in the center of each table leg, keeping your drill in line with the angle of the table leg to a depth of 1 inch. Blow the dust from the hole. Drive a T-bolt into each hole. Tap the T-bolt in, then anchor it by twisting clockwise with a large, flat-blade screwdriver.

5

Measure and cut your legs to length, cutting off the bottom end to the desired height on a miter saw. Thread the bolt of a leg into each T-bolt and tighten them by hand.