Table Heights for Furniture Design

Standard Sizes for Custom and DIY Furniture Builds: Tables, Desks & Cabinets

Previously, I wrote a post outlining sizing for seating in relation to seat height, width, angle of the back, etc. This post continues the details on standard sizes for custom and DIY furniture builds relating to tables, desks and cabinets, and the reasoning behind some of the sizes.

Dining Tables

Dining tables can be any length or width desired but there is generally one consistent height: from the floor to the top of the table, it is 30″. This measurement is so that the arms can rest comfortably on the surface (except at dinner time – no elbows on the table!) without feeling awkward.

table heights for furniture design dining tables

End Tables & Coffee Tables

The length and width of end tables and coffee tables can vary but the height is consistent at 18″, the same as the seat height of a chair or sofa (though some end tables can be a bit taller). This is a preferred height so that a lamp on an end table is at the right height for illuminating a book or magazine, and also so that a beverage or snack on the table is within easy reach.

table heights for furniture design end and coffee tables

Console Tables

Console table heights are different… The height of a console table is generally 36″ from the floor to the top of the table or cabinet. This is because console tables are generally used for storage or display, and are meant to be a focal point in a room.

table heights for furniture design console tables

Desks

Desks follow the same height rule as a dining table which is 30″ from the floor to the top. A desk also has the be the perfect height to rest arms on the surface without being fatigued, especially when typing on a computer!

table heights for furniture design desks

Storage and General Use Cabinets

Storage and general use cabinets are also 30″ from the floor to the top. These cabinets are not meant to stand out in a room like a console table but they are still functional pieces of a room!

table heights for furniture design storage cabinets

Night Stands

Night Stands are usually the lower in height than end tables. The height of a night stand can range from 18″ to 22″ from the floor to the top. It is easier to turn off a lamp or grab a glass of water from a night stand at a lower height, especially when laying down (so you don’t have to get up after you’ve made yourself comfy, am I right?).

table heights for furniture design night stands

table heights for furniture design chart

I’ve created another cheat sheet to keep handy when designing furniture. Have questions about standard sizes for custom and DIY furniture builds relating to tables, desks and cabinets? Leave a comment below!