The standard bar height from the floor to the top of a bar top (excluding the bar rail) should be 42”. This allows for a standard 30” high bar stool to seat you comfortably at your bar.
The Cons to Bar Height Seating
For families with small children, you’ll want to note with a raised, bar height countertop, the seating has to be taller, averaging around 30” off the floor. This stool height can be tricky for small children to use. Some also look at the raised, bar height counter as additional clean-up due to the fact you are wiping down two countertops.
Dura Supreme Cabinetry kitchen design by Studio M Kitchen & Bath, Plymouth, Minnesota.
The Pros to Bar Height Seating
As I mentioned earlier, the advantage of this increase in height is that it can conceal any clutter or dirty dishes from view. This is a fantastic option to consider if you have a very open floor plan.
Dura Supreme Cabinetry kitchen design by Lang’s Kitchen & Bath, Inc., in Newtown, Pennsylvania. Photography by Linda McManus.
The bar height counter can also act as a sort of room divider, separating the kitchen from the rest of the space. The raised top also allows for family and guests to interact with the cook without actually being in the work area.
Dura Supreme Cabinetry kitchen design by designer Stephanie Frees of Plain and Posh Distinctive Cabinet Designs, Westmont, Illinois.
Another consideration with an elevated countertop is the potential for the counter to become a drop spot for mail, keys, and screens which may lead to visual clutter.
Dura Supreme Cabinetry kitchen design by Bella Domicile, Fitchburg, Wisconsin.
How To Measure For Your Barstool
FAQ
What is the proper height for a bar top?
How tall should a homemade bar be?
What is a comfortable bar height?
What is the average height of a bar top table?
How tall should a bar be?
The trick comes down to finding the right height for a bar. The standard bar height is 42 inches tall, but you can customize a bar for a specific height. You can find bars that measure closer to 36 inches, and that is the standard height for a counter table.
How high should a kitchen bar be?
In general, the standard bar height is 42 inches, but kitchen bar height does vary. Some bars are 36 inches high — the height of a regular kitchen counter — while others feature a raised element that brings part of the counter up to the standard bar height.
How tall should a bar stool be?
The standard bar stool height is between 28 and 30 inches. The standard height of a commercial bar is typically 42 inches. This height is considered the ideal height for customers to comfortably rest their elbows while standing at the bar. The bar top width should be at least 24 inches, and the depth should be 20-30 inches.
What is the standard bar counter height?
The standard bar counter height is 42 inches. The standard bar counter width is between 18 and 24 inches. The standard bar stool height is between 28 and 30 inches. The standard height of a commercial bar is typically 42 inches. This height is considered the ideal height for customers to comfortably rest their elbows while standing at the bar.