Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Bar Height Tables

Stamford Kitchen traditional kitchen

We are in the market for a new kitchen table and chairs.  I get anxious making decisions like this, so I start researching the heck out of things. 
I love a square table.  BUT . . I'm having a hard time finding one that is not a Bar Height Table.  This used to be a deal breaker for me, but I'm second guessing myself.  We don't have an island that we can chairs up to and sit at.  As I've poured through inspiration pictures, I haven't really found any with this type of table. 
So, sound off, please.  Saddle stools, similar to the picture above, can be found at morebarstools.com. My sister had these in an old home and I kind of liked them. What do you think?  Is it a fad?  My children getting up and down really isn't an issue - they can handle it.  Do you like them?  I'd love to hear!  The more the better!

28 comments:

onlymehere said...

My daughter has one and I have to say I prefer a regular height table, but then again, I'm shorter at 5'4". I don't like having my feet dangling or on a chair rung. I have a bar height table though in my sewing room and it makes the best cutting table ever for sewing! Perfect height for cutting and very comfortable on the back, I just never sit at it for the reasons stated above. Good luck with your decision.

Michelle said...

We have a bar height and I have to say that I'd prefer a regular. When we move, we're going to use the table for either games or a craft room because it's perfect for both of those, and get something at a regular height.

Laurel H. said...

The bar stools offer no back support, and the dangling legs (mentioned above) is hard on the legs, so you will find that you do NOT sit and linger. The regular height table and chairs is most definitely the way to go.

Lisa @ Pulsipher Page said...

We recently bought a new kitchen table. It's a higher bar height style. My hubs and I both don't like it. It's just not comfortable. We find ourselves not wanting to sit there. Big mistake!

Erin said...

I have never seen a bar height table that I liked, until you posted this picture. I love the length of this table and I think it works because it doubles as an island. I don't like bar height tables in dining rooms. The proportions seem off to me. Good luck finding the right table!!

rebecca @ older and wisor said...

Hate 'em. I don't like having to "climb" onto a chair, and they idea of pulling in extra seating should you ever have a party is out the window. I understand in the photo that the height works, since they are using it as an island. But for everyday dining? Meh.

MonikaC said...

I love bar height tables, but find them impractical with small children.

Emily said...

So, here's my thought (not having one myself). I like counterheight tables (but don't love bar height tables because I'm 5'6). When I was considering one (counterheight) many people told me they were impractical for children and that when I had a high chair I'd regret having a counterheight table. And now I'm reconsidering. They're much easier to slide into b/c the seat is at bum level. And with space saver high chairs (though you're past that stage) the baby can be at your height - and easier for you to feed standing. Anyway - I love them and think it's an awesome replacement when you don't have a seatable island. I picture making Christmas cookies with my kids at one in my future life :)

Emily said...

Also, I'm in love with that inspiration photo. Thanks for finding it, I just saved it to my "future kitchen" inspiration file.

Michelle @ Ten June said...

Well I can tell you one thing- I LOVE that inspiration photo!! We thought about a bar height square table and had problems finding one that wasn't too modern looking. And I don't have kiddos- I can see how difficult that would get. Good luck with the hunt!

Chris said...

We have a tall table, and we love it. I love that when we have extra guests, we just pull over the bar stools and everyone is accommodated. We used a high chair that strapped to a chair, and it was fine. If you find one you like, I say go for it!

Simply LKJ said...

My daughter has one in her apartment, but she's a college student...they like that kinda thing. I love the inspiration photo however!!

Nikki said...

I'm just going to read all of the comments. I've been trying to decide what we need in our breakfast room.

Jen said...

We have a counter height table - is that what you mean? I think bar height is higher - ours is 36" and is the same height as our kitchen counters. That said, we love it. The chairs have backs, and are actually pretty comfortable to sit in. We bought it when I was pregnant with #4, and it was so much easier to sit down and get up :) The kids have never had a problem, they just scramble up and down. They take up more visual space, but that's a separate issue for us in our tiny kitchen...

Erin said...

I'll agree with the majority - we prefer a regular height table. In fact, we just sold our bar height (with 8 chairs) so that we could purchase a model home consigned gorgeous table (from here in Denver). And after about two minutes with the new regular height table, we are already in love and wish we would have made the change years ago! Bar height is less comfortable, awkward, and definitely takes up visual space- which we didn't like. Best of luck on your decision!

Sixty-Fifth Avenue said...

Loving that picture! I think if you were to use it as an island/table it would be great. We eat at our kitchen island every day.

Sixty-Fifth Avenue said...

Love your blog design btw!

Leigh said...

I like bar hight, they look cool and I think they work as a second table but are too uncomfortable to be a primary table. I want the main dinning room table to be really comfy because my family will stay and chat for hours.

Meliss said...

I wanted one forever, until I got one. It was beautiful to look at but I really prefer sitting at a regular height table.

Whitney said...

From experience-- you've seen my kitchen table-- I don't LOVE my table. It's bar height and we kind of have a love hate relationship. It's great because I'm tall, you can see the tv while sitting at the table(not a major plus for me, but jake likes that!) I don't like how it makes my kitchen feel that much smaller. I've actually thought about selling mine.

Kylie said...

We have a counter height table and love it! Our chairs have backs and cushions and are very comfy. Someone above mentioned dangling feet, but ours also have a bar to rest your feet on. And the table offers storage in the middle since it's higher up. We store centerpiece decor. Ours is round kinda like the CB one here: http://mobile.usablenet.com/mt/www.crateandbarrel.com/furniture/dining-tables/belmont-black-high-dining-table/s503145?ispdp=true&un_jtt_redirect

Jesse {GoodGirlGoneGlad} said...

I love the thought of it. And this photo sure makes it look gorgeous. Look forward to seeing what you decide. =)

Ashley | Domestic Fashionista said...

I lean more towards the typical height table. I think the bar look is fun for a bar or island. But for everyday eating I prefer to be closer to the ground. ;) I am a squirmer so being high up and not having back support would drive me nuts! But to each his own. If you love it...I say go for it! It is your house! Good luck! I am sure you will make a perfect choice either way! ;)

xxoo
Ashley

Katie said...

LOVE bar height tables, especially in open spaces. I saw several at Ashley's last summer, and I think Hemispheres has some too. Good luck!

Jennie said...

I don't like sitting at these kinds of tables. Makes me feel like a little kid. I won't be buying one because when we do have friends over, we like to hang out around the table. Doesn't feel possible with these kinds of stools without leaning on the table the whole time.

Anonymous said...

It looks awesome as an island in you're inspiration photo but I wouldn't use it as a regular dining table. Consider kids, parents and I especially think of my grandma. I can just hear her irish lilt, "sure now, u think i'm going to be able to haul myself up there, do you?" Never forget about grandma! LOL

Anonymous said...

At this point furniture manufactures are not looking at bar height tables as a fad but more "the standard". The industry demand is due to new home construction with much higher ceilings than in the past. Taller tables bring the eye up and make interior design more in line with the scale of the room. Where does that leave us folks who have older homes with shorter ceiling heights? Scouring Craigslist and antique stores unfortunately as companies move away from standard height dining sets.

Paint It Forward said...

I am having the same dilemma. I HAVE a regular table for eating meals and that area is just outside the main kitchen area. I also want a "counter height" island but find most of them too bulky or too small.

I absolutely LOVE this idea in the photo - a little more work space when I need things and great place for snacks and homework in the kitchen and AWAY from the TV! This is a great idea!!
Im sold!

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