Kitchen countertop height - how to choose one that suits your height?

Adjusting the height of kitchen countertops is one of the most important elements of kitchen planning. It influences the functionality and comfort of the space – cooking, using kitchen appliances, storing dishes, accessories, and food products.

Why is countertop height crucial in the kitchen?

Imagine preparing dinner for the whole family using kitchen countertops that are set too high. Even a few minutes of chopping vegetables or kneading pizza dough becomes extremely tiring. Your arms and shoulders involuntarily tense up, adversely affecting your spine. Such kitchen work is certainly not ergonomic, and it certainly takes away from the pleasure of cooking. Therefore, it's crucial to adjust the countertop height to your individual needs and preferences.

Ergonomics in the kitchen - more than just comfort

The ideal kitchen is one in which preparing meals is easy and enjoyable. The characteristics of an optimally designed interior can be summarized in several points:

• the height of the worktop has been adjusted to user preferences;
• well-lit countertops, optionally – use of lighting in kitchen cabinets;
• the principle of the so-called working triangle was taken into account, i.e. the refrigerator, stove and sink were placed in close proximity to each other (example: the refrigerator is placed in the corner of the room in one line with the sink separated from the refrigerator by a countertop, and the induction hob is mounted on a kitchen island or peninsula);
• free access to the contents of all cabinets and drawers;
• appropriate ventilation of the room using a traditional hood, an extractor fan from under the counter or another odor and moisture removal system;
• pro-ecological solutions that facilitate waste segregation and reduce energy costs;
• taking into account the needs of all household members by creating a place in the kitchen where you can spend pleasant time with your loved ones while preparing a meal (this can be the aforementioned island with additional stools, a table with chairs or a folding countertop in the case of a very small kitchen space);
• taking into account aesthetic needs, i.e. adapting the appearance of the interior (color and style of cabinets and household appliances, colors of walls, floors, windows) to your preferences.

All of these elements positively impact the comfort of kitchen use. They speed up the food preparation process, minimizing the effort involved.

Optimal countertop height - what does it depend on?

What is the best height for a kitchen countertop? This depends primarily on the height of the kitchen user, as well as the specifics of the interior. Typically, countertops are set at a height of 85-92 cm from the floor. However, this height may vary significantly if the person using the kitchen is significantly taller or shorter than the average considered by kitchen manufacturers.

How to calculate the ideal height of a kitchen countertop?

Many people wonder how to choose the right kitchen countertop height. A simple formula can help:

height: 2 + 5 cm

Examples of tabletop heights for different heights (160-190 cm)

If the user is 160 cm tall, the countertop should be 85 cm from the floor. For a 190 cm tall user, it will be 100 cm. Of course, these values are approximate, and there is no hard and fast rule to follow. The most important thing is the comfort of using the kitchen space. Therefore, it's worth considering not only height but also the type of activities performed and other practical and aesthetic considerations. For example, you might want to arrange a kitchen peninsula connected to a window sill, but a low-set window will "force" the countertop to be lower than the design suggests. Therefore, several factors should always be considered when choosing the location of countertops in the kitchen.

Standard countertop heights and individual needs

When The standard 85-92 cm is enough, but when is it worth going further?

The ideal countertop height will vary for everyone. The standard 85-92 cm is optimal for people 158-175 cm tall. The situation is slightly different for very tall users (185-200 cm). In such cases, it may be advisable to position countertops at 95 or even 105 cm. The idea is to prevent taller people from having to maintain a hunched position while preparing meals.

The height of the countertop and the height of the cabinets and plinths

The higher the countertops, the higher the wall-mounted cabinets should be. Typically, this height is 55-60 cm above the work surface, but this height also depends on various factors and individual preferences. In one kitchen, it can be 50 cm, while in another, it can be as high as 70 cm. What height should you choose for freestanding kitchen cabinets? Lower units are usually 78-85 cm high. This also includes legs and a countertop thickness (2-4 cm, depending on the material used).

Tall people can opt for taller cabinets. A custom-made kitchen is a great option. You can easily modify the height of the lower units by choosing tall legs and plinths. This way, you can easily adjust the kitchen cabinets to your height.

Height-adjustable countertops – are they worth it?

A custom-made adjustable countertop is usually a more expensive option. Furniture equipped with a linear electric actuator system or other adjustment mechanisms is a great solution for spaces where multiple people of varying heights and preferences cook. In such cases, installing such countertops may indeed be justified.

Countertop materials and their thickness and final height

When adjusting the height of your kitchen countertop, you should also consider its thickness, which affects the final dimensions of your kitchen furniture. This thickness is usually around 2-4 cm. The most common are:

• laminated board countertops, usually 2.8 or 3.8 cm thick
• wooden countertops 2, 3 or 4 cm thick
• granite or marble countertops – they are slightly thinner (2-3 cm)
• ultra-thin sintered quartz countertops with a thickness of just a few or several dozen millimeters.

Laminated board vs. stone countertops - design differences

Stone or sintered quartz countertops are usually thinner than laminated countertops. They are also more resistant to damage, but their main drawback is a significantly higher price. Laminate models are very popular due to their wide selection of colors. They perfectly imitate wood, marble, granite, and even metal. They are also highly stain-resistant and, unlike stone models, do not require sealing. For example, the artisan oak countertops available in our Furnitop.co.uk store. They are 38 mm thick, 60 cm deep, and up to 200 cm wide. They will fit into almost any kitchen design, both modern and classic.

Tabletop thickness and ergonomics – what to pay attention to?

First, consider the countertop's thickness when planning the height of your kitchen cabinets. These extra centimeters can make a significant difference. Furthermore, overly thick, bulky models are generally avoided in small spaces. However, it's important to remember that a too-thin countertop made of a weak material can be damaged in a heavily used kitchen space. Therefore, if you want very thin countertops, choose ones made of crack-resistant stone or sintered quartz.

Countertop under the window - how to adjust the height to the windowsill?

A countertop instead of a windowsill - inspiration and functionality

A countertop that fits into the window recess is a practical solution that will make it easier to keep the room clean. A minimalist design. So, if kitchen ergonomics are important to you, you can opt for a peninsula integrated with the windowsill. You can display potted herbs, flowers, kitchen accessories, and other small items on it. This countertop extension will also be useful when cooking, making dumplings, or kneading dough—in other words, when you need a little more space for food preparation.

Countertop height and window height - how to plan it?

When planning to integrate the countertop with the windowsill, make sure you can easily open the window fully. If you want to install a sink in this space, equip it with a movable tap that can be easily folded to open the window sash.

A kitchen with a countertop under the window also has another advantage: it perfectly illuminates the work surface, ensuring constant access to natural light.

Kitchen island countertop - should it be higher?

The height of a kitchen island can be exactly the same as the rest of the kitchen. There's no need for a higher countertop on an island or peninsula, although in some cases, this solution may be more practical. When?

The island serves as a work and bar area - two levels of countertops

One option is to use a two-tiered countertop, separating the work area from the bar area. The former is at a standard height and provides comfortable cooking, chopping, and decorating. The latter, resembling a raised countertop, can be used for serving drinks or snacks during a social gathering. Such a versatile kitchen island serves several functions simultaneously, and what's more, it looks great. The cabinets, shelves, and storage compartments under the countertop offer ample storage for dishes, pots, kitchen accessories, and more.

Adjusting the island height to the function and users

How to choose chairs and stools to suit the tabletop height?

A standard chair with a seat 45-50 cm from the floor may prove too low when placed next to an island. In this situation, bar stools are the best solution. Bar stools come in various heights, typically ranging from 60-80 cm (referring to the seat height from the floor). Height-adjustable stools are a practical option, suitable for almost any type of kitchen island.

Seat height and ergonomics of sitting at the counter

Both too low and too high a seat will make sitting at the counter uncomfortable. Therefore, it's essential to equip the kitchen with taller chairs. You can choose timeless wooden models, for example, with a cross-backrest, which will work perfectly in Scandinavian, Provençal, or rustic interiors. Another solution is metal stools with leather seats – an interesting option for a loft interior. Meanwhile, taller chairs upholstered in elegant velvet fabric will look great in an elegant dining area. You'll find a wide selection at Furnitop.co.uk.

Kitchen for people with limited mobility - how to ensure comfort?

Special attention should be paid to the design of a kitchen space dedicated to users with limited mobility. A kitchen for the elderly should take their needs into account. Wall-mounted cabinets can then be mounted slightly lower than usual, reducing the need to reach far-off shelves. It's a good idea to equip lower units with pull-out cargo baskets, eliminating the need to bend excessively when searching for pots or pans. A kitchen should be designed similarly for people with disabilities, such as those using crutches or wheelchairs. Ensuring a spacious interior, and therefore freedom of movement, is crucial.

Lower Countertops and Space Below - Design Principles

What countertop height is appropriate for this type of interior? You can confidently opt for lower cabinets with plenty of storage space. Custom-made furniture is perfect for this. It's also worth checking whether standard-sized kitchen units can be easily modified, for example, by adding lower legs and bases, or by replacing the baseboards. thick, massive top for a slightly thinner model.

Frequently asked questions - FAQ about the height of kitchen countertops

Can the countertop have different heights in one kitchen?

Absolutely. Different countertop heights then reflect the specific activities performed in the kitchen: cutting, cooking, eating, rolling dough, serving drinks, etc. It's also possible that the countertop under the window is lower than the others due to the location of the window recess, and that's fine too.

What is the standard height of a kitchen countertop?

It usually ranges from 85 to 90 cm, but this value is conventional and should be adjusted to the individual preferences of the user.

At what height above the countertop should kitchen cabinets be hung?

As a standard, assuming that the person using the kitchen is 165-180 cm tall: at a height of 55-60 cm from the countertop.

What is the "elbow test"?

This is another quick way to calculate the height of your kitchen countertops. Stand where you want your lower kitchen cabinets to be, then bend your elbows at a 90-degree angle. Measure the distance between the floor and your forearm. Subtract about 10 cm. Your countertop should be at this height.

What is the height of the stool for the countertop?

If the tabletop is 90 cm high, the stool seat should be approximately 30 cm below it. The higher the tabletop, the higher the chair.

What kitchen furniture should you choose for a modern apartment?

The selection is truly vast. At Furnitop.co.uk, we present minimalist white kitchens that will brighten and visually enlarge a small space. Examples include the EKKO and ELLEN collections. Both will fit perfectly into Scandinavian, eco, soft loft, or classic décor.

For those who love cozy, characterful designs, we recommend the MADERA kitchen in oak and black. The cabinets are made of high-quality laminated board and feature a soft-close system. For those who prefer exclusive kitchen designs, we present the cashmere SILVIA1 L-shaped cabinet with black edge handles, a soft-close system, and a black cabinet body.

How to adjust the height of the countertop to suit children?

A comfortable kitchen – ergonomic and functional – should serve everyone in the household, including the youngest. The easiest way to ensure your child has easy access to the countertop is to provide a special stool, low stool, or non-slip step stool for toddlers. This way, your child can actively participate in preparing simple meals, cutting cookies, decorating cupcakes, or making sandwiches.

Summary - how to properly plan the height of your kitchen countertop?

If you're still wondering what the optimal kitchen height will be for you, browse our kitchen furniture collections on our website. Compare the dimensions of individual cabinets. Take into account the thickness of your chosen countertop. Perform the tests described in this article. You can also use a simple formula (height: 2 + 5 cm). Follow your intuition and your own comfort, and if you have any questions, contact our team! We also invite you to get some advice at Furnitop.co.uk.