Seat height, table height, armrests: the dimensions that matter in contract furnishing
Anyone furnishing restaurants or hotels knows the problem: guests complain about uncomfortable seating positions even though the furniture looks right. The cause usually lies in incorrect proportions between chair and table. A seat that is too low combined with a high table top leads to tense shoulders, while a seat that is too high leaves feet dangling. In the commercial sector, a few centimetres determine comfort and dwell time.
Standard dimensions for seat height and table height in the hospitality sector
The standard height for dining tables is 74 to 76 cm. This corresponds to a seat height of 45 to 47 cm. This combination provides a distance of 27 to 30 cm between the seat surface and the underside of the table, the so-called movement space for the thighs. With dining tables featuring aprons or central supports, this value is reduced, which must be taken into account when selecting chairs. Bar stools for counter seating follow different rules: at a counter height of 105 cm, the ideal seat height is 75 to 80 cm.
Armrests: when they hinder and when they help
Armrests increase seating comfort but can limit flexibility. The armrest height is decisive: it should be 18 to 22 cm above the seat surface and fit under the table top. Many establishments choose chairs without armrests for the main dining area to allow denser seating arrangements. For lounge areas or hotel rooms, armchairs are standard. The width between the armrests must be at least 45 cm so that larger guests can sit comfortably.
Seat depth and backrest for longer stays
Seat depth describes the length of the seat surface from front to back. For restaurants and conference rooms, 40 to 45 cm is common. Seats that are too deep prevent contact with the backrest, while those that are too shallow leave the thighs without support. The backrest height should be at least 45 cm above the seat surface to support the lumbar region. For Chairs used in banquet seating, a lower backrest may suffice as the dwell time is shorter.
Calculating upholstery thickness and seat firmness
Upholstery reduces the effective seat height by 2 to 4 cm, depending on firmness and body weight. For commercial use, a density of at least 35 kg/m³ is recommended, preferably 40 kg/m³. Upholstery that is too soft fatigues quickly and loses its shape. Seat firmness must match the duration of use: in quick-service restaurants with short dwell times, upholstery may be firmer, while in hotel lobbies or cafés it should be more yielding.
Distance between rows of chairs and passage widths
There must be at least 50 cm between the table edge and the backrest of the next chair so that guests can stand up. Service aisles require 80 to 100 cm, main aisles 120 cm. These values also apply to conference rooms and canteens. When planning spaces, the chair depth including backrest should be factored in: standard dining chairs measure 85 to 95 cm in depth, armchairs up to 110 cm.
Related categories: Chairs and Dining Tables.
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