Chair size decides how many seats fit a room, whether the chairs slide under the table, and how comfortable a long meal feels. The figures below come from the dimensions listed on the commercial chairs, arm chairs, stools and lounge chairs in our own catalog, so they reflect real contract seating rather than home furniture.
Typical dimensions at a glance
| Type | Seat height | Width | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side chair | 17.75–19.5" (typical 18.5") | 17.25–24" (typical 19.5") | 19–24.25" (typical 21.5") |
| Arm chair | 17.5–19.25" (typical 18.25") | 21.25–24.5" (typical 22.5") | 21–24.75" (typical 22.5") |
| Bar stool | 28.25–30.75" (typical 30") | 16.5–21.75" (typical 18") | 17–22.5" (typical 20.25") |
| Lounge chair | 15–18" (typical 16.5") | about 25" and up (typical 32") | 26–35" (typical 32") |
Ranges show the middle 80% of the products in each group; “typical” is the median. Based on the roughly 600 Designform products whose pages list full dimensions.
Seat height
Dining chairs cluster tightly around an 18" seat because standard dining tables are 29–30" high, which leaves about 10–12" between the seat and the underside of the top. If your tables are unusually low or high, or the tops are thick, check that clearance before you order. Stools follow the same logic at counter and bar height; see our bar vs. counter stool height guide.
Width: the number that sets your seat count
Most side chairs are 17–20" wide, which is why about 24" of table edge per guest works for most dining rooms. Arm chairs are typically 21–24.5" wide, so a four-top of arm chairs needs a larger top than a four-top of side chairs. Use the table seating chart to match tops to your chair count.
Depth and aisle space
A deeper chair feels more relaxed but pushes further into the aisle. The difference between a 19"-deep and a 24"-deep chair is five inches per seat, and on a room of back-to-back tables that adds up. Our seating layout guide covers the spacing between tables.
Arm height and the table apron
The arm chairs in our catalog have a typical arm height of about 26", with most between 25" and 28". Measure from the floor to the underside of the table apron. If the arms are taller, the chairs will not slide in, which matters for tight rooms and for rooms that are reset every night.
Lounge seating
Lounge chairs sit lower, typically around a 16.5" seat, and take far more floor: most are about 32" wide and deep. Pair them with a coffee or cocktail table rather than a dining height top. Browse lounge chairs and sofas.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard seat height for a restaurant chair?
About 18". Most commercial dining chairs have a seat between 17.75" and 19.5".
How wide is a typical restaurant chair?
Side chairs are usually 17–20" wide; arm chairs are usually 21–24.5" wide.
How deep is a restaurant chair?
Most are 19–24" deep, with about 21.5" typical for side chairs.
What seat height do I need for a bar-height table?
A 29–31" seat for a 40–42" bar-height top.
Related guides
Types of restaurant chairs · Table seating chart · How much space per seat · ADA seating
Every product page lists width, depth, height and seat height. Browse side chairs, arm chairs and stools.
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