Originally, counter-height dining sets were designed for eat-in kitchens to provide more counter space. And allow one to consume a quick meal on the go.
Their popularity allowed their expansion into dining areas, open-concept areas, and entertainment rooms.
But what is the difference between a counter-height and a regular dining set? The answer is height. A counter-height table top is approximately 36 inches in height. As opposed to the 30-inch height of a regular table top.
Read on to discover the pros and cons of counter-height dining sets.
Pros
Entertainment
Those with a passion for hosting would benefit from investing in a counter-height dining set.
Often there are not enough seats for everyone at large gatherings. A counter-height dining set allows space for party guests to eat, socialize, and place their food and beverages at the table without the use of a chair. Naturally, this encourages people to get up and move around, which livens up the atmosphere tremendously.
Additionally, a higher countertop translates to higher seats. Therefore, the height gap between sitting and standing guests is reduced, creating a sense of ease and comfort.
Easy Fit
The surface area of a counter-height dining set is small and compact. Therefore, for those with limited space in their kitchen or outdoor area, making this addition to your home enhances any casual meeting area in your residence.
Another way this dining set design allows for an easier fit is that this furniture item often has detachable and foldable pieces
A counter-height extendable dining table is a great example of a transformer table that can be folded, unfolded, removed, and extended, depending on the circumstances.
Family Values
Decide whether you purchase a counter-height dining set based on the individuals who live in your home. Ensure that the design of your home suits your family.
Those who work from home can stand up and walk around more easily with this type of table. Tall family members often struggle with legroom and discomfort as a result. They will find that a higher tabletop and seating arrangement provides ample space for their long limbs.
Take into account children and pets. A highchair, which often towers over everyone else at a regular dining table, can now fit into the space more inclusively. Food is also less accessible to pets if they tend to beg during mealtime.
Aesthetic and Maintenance
Counter-height dining sets have become incredibly trendy in the past decade due to their stylish, modern, minimalistic, and sophisticated feel.
They also allow a better view through windows. And they make the space appear larger and more visually appealing since one can see everyone in the room from a higher vantage point.
Counter-height dining sets are extremely low-maintenance furniture items, requiring less dusting and cleaning. And their elevation means they’re less likely to get stained and scratched.
Cons
Physical Constraints
As mentioned previously, it’s important to take into account the members of your household.
Older folks may find the seating height puts pressure on their trouble spots. Seating for counter-height dining tables is 24 inches high, rather than the standard 18 inches for regular dining tables.
Not being able to place one’s feet on the ground while sitting can put pressure on the back of one’s knees, as well as one’s back. Thus, leading to discomfort.
Active, restless young children who no longer use highchairs may find climbing onto a higher seat cumbersome. It is also a long drop for a child if they fall.
Formality
Before choosing the right dining table, you need to know how to design the perfect dining room that suits your needs. The starting point is to decide on the function of your dining area.
For example, if you intend your dining room to exist as a formal space, a counter-height dining set may not be the ideal choice. This style of dining table provides a casual air rather than formal.
Practicality
There are various ways in which counter-height dining sets can be a tad impractical.
Since their popularity has only grown very recently, there aren’t as many options of seating options at the correct heights to suit the counter. The dining sets are also generally more expensive than regular dining sets due to the materials used and their design.
In addition, these bulky tables can be difficult to maneuver around tight corners and door frames. So, the practicality level of moving them in and around your residence is low.
