Chairs - Bar or Balcony Height - Which To Pick
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  • Writer's pictureBenton Purtle at Tropicraft

Chairs - Bar or Balcony Height - Which To Pick

Updated: Oct 11, 2022


Tall dining counter and chairs in a walled garden.
Elevate your dining game, one piece at a time.

Finding the correct height for the bar or balcony chairs is important for the aesthetics of the space. It is just as important as finding the appropriate design because it dictates comfort and the surrounding views. To determine the right size, you need to consider the type of chair, the height of the surface and the chair's dimensions.

The following steps may help in the process. Let's get started!



First Step: Take Built-in Bars and Other Fixed Elements Into Account


The first and foremost step while selecting the chair size is to keep in mind the area you want to place it. Many homes have built-in bars installed in them, and most of the time, builders build them with no regard to furniture size. That is why it is important to understand the size of such elements to find the chair of the correct size. You have to:

  • Measure the bar clearance and ensure that the bar stool or chair will be underneath without pinching your fingers.

  • Measure the height to the top of the bar to find a bar chair with a comfortable height. Standard practice is choosing a seat with 9 to 12 inches of clearance from the surface.

  • While taking measurements leave enough room for the bars or other fixed elements in the house.

Second Step: Take Material & Height of Railing Into Account

HDPE dining table and chairs, outdoors.
Durable polywood dining furniture with a spectacular view.

The material and height of the railings impact the selection because it plays a key role in the view one gets while sitting at the table. If the railing material is solid like stucco and has a heavy pattern, it can obstruct the view if the furniture sits too low. However, if there is enough space between railings and the pattern is simple, even low-height chairs will provide the perfect view.

Hence, it is best to go with a height higher than railings if the material is obstructive. As for materials like glass and cable, you have the liberty to choose whatever size you want.


Third Step: Do Not Compromise on Comfort

Four tall ipe dining chairs with a matched dining table.
Teak & ipe hardwoods, polywood, aluminum...you've got your pick of the litter.

Comfort should always be a priority, and all the steps above ensure that. However, the type of chair itself also plays a critical role in the seat's comfort. Bar chairs or tools have the advantage of height, and their seats usually sit between 29 to 31 inches. However, some people might find it too high, or sometimes uncomfortable for long sitting periods. You would start getting sensations in the legs after some time, especially if you're not tall enough to reach the ground with your feet.

On the other hand, Balcony chairs are not as high as bar height chairs, but offer maximum comfort. Your feet are always grounded, and the seating itself is often cushioned. However, because these chairs are not as large as bar tools, the view might get obstructed.

So, it is up to you to select the chair according to your preference. However, the applications of these two types of chairs vary greatly, which must also be kept in mind.


Fourth Step: Identify The Right Number of Chairs

Several chairs in a set are unlikely to cause crowding problems when placed outside. However, when these chairs have to be placed inside the home, it is important to understand the dimensions and the number of chairs that can be placed. Purchasing more than the required chairs will make the space congested, which can be very uncomfortable.

The number of chairs depends on the size of the real estate, and you can find the ideal number by considering the space between them while taking measurements. You must leave at least six inches of space between the two chairs and the end of the bar if the chairs are 16 to 18 inches wide.

For chairs that are as wide as 19 to 22 inches, there must be a space of 11 inches between two chairs. It will ensure that space is not congested, and every chair covers enough space to allow comfortable seating and rising.


Final Thoughts

The selection of chairs is a taxing and tricky task. In addition to finding a suitable design, you also have to look for the dimensions of the space and chairs to make them fit in the space. Comfort should be the top priority, so take all measurements accordingly. We hope this piece has helped. Thanks!


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