Bar-height tables and chairs have a purpose, contrary to popular consideration.

I’m writing this because I’ve seen bar-height furniture used rather willy-nilly in many places that I have been and seen. In my opinion, these pieces are not the most comfortable for daily use so I’ve often wondered why so many people use them in their homes. I think most people end up with them simply because they don’t understand their differences and their proper use.

To make this simple, bar-height furniture is mostly used to achieve a view that is not possible with regular-height furniture.

The cases in which one would choose this tall furniture as opposed to shorter, easier-to-slide-into and more comfortable sets, is on patios and decks to better take in a picturesque view over railings and other nearby obstructive objects and occasionally, within homes that also want to achieve an unobstructed view over outdoor railings (this assumes tall enough windows to allow for this increased perspective)

In bars, these tall chairs bring customers up to eye-level with bartenders and other customers who walk up or stand next to the bar, which they will likely be conversing with. The same is roughly true with in-home bar-height bar stools, although I would argue that these should have far fewer applications in residential spaces.

By the way, the most comfortable bar-height chair I’ve ever used was sturdy, made of pvc, had a wide seat, with two arms and a bottom bar to rest one’s feet. When you sat in it you could easily slump back a little into it, which was great for comfort. It was on our neighbor’s deck, to overlook their railing, right on the beach (hence the reason for the PVC material, it was great, the only thing that didn’t rust!). I’d always choose a bar-height or counter-height chair with a back if I could, even if it had to be low.

Now that you have considered the purpose and use of bar-height furniture, whether you get rid of a current set you own or purchase a set is up to you, but at least you can now make this choice with intention!