Replies

1. 
   DaveHeinlein | Nov 06, 2003 12:58am | #1

   That's how tall I build them.

2. 
   BG | Nov 06, 2003 02:03am | #2

   Timber,

   No expert here...but I vary the three I have made between 16-19"...depending on apron width if I'm putting a draw or two in....it can look a bit squaty if the height is low and the apron wide...
3. 
   jonsherryl | Nov 06, 2003 06:51pm | #3

   Timber, the traditional height is in the 17" to 19" range you're thinking of...in other words, about the same height as a dining room chair seat. The guidelines I usually fallow are: Coffee tables = 18" ; end tables = 24" ; Dining tables = 29" to 30" and hutch tops or counters = 34" to 36".

   Another guide you can go by is to rub your shin until you find that exceptionally sensitive spot just below the knee. That's the perfect height for the sharpest top edge of a coffee table. :O)

1. 
   Timberwerks | Nov 06, 2003 10:42pm | #4

   I like your suggestion on finding the perfect height. This should be in the tip's section of next months FWW. Thanks for first chuckle of the day.

   Dale

2. 
   PeterDurand | Nov 07, 2003 09:10pm | #5

   Good one!I am at the age where food has taken the place of sex in my life. In fact, I've just had a mirror put over my kitchen table  -  Rodney Dangerfield

1. 
   Elcoholic | Nov 07, 2003 11:42pm | #6

   Just high enough to be comfortable with your feet on it but not so tall as to cause your toes to interfere with your view of the game.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

1. 
   TomHigby | Nov 09, 2003 03:32am | #7

   My favorite is 23' tall,  and was copied from a colonial era "tavern table".  Many would say "That isn't a coffee table!"  but believe me, it works very well.

   Tom

4. 
   4DThinker | Nov 10, 2003 06:50am | #8

   Short enough that you can see the TV over it when laying on a sofa.

   Tall enough that you can easily reach your drink if it's on a coaster on the table.

   Or do what I encourage my furniture design students to do...  Go to a furniture store, find a table you like, then measure it's height.

   Or make it 17 to 19 inches tall.

   4DThinker