The table surface should sit at roughly your elbow height when you are seated. For most people, that is somewhere between 68 cm and 80 cm from the floor, depending on how tall you are and how high your chair sits.
Most over armchair tables adjust between 75 cm and 91.5 cm. Knowing the range is only half the story. Getting it set to the right height makes a real difference to your comfort, posture, and how easy the table is to use day to day.
In this article
- The right height for an over armchair table
- How to check if your adjustable over chair table is set correctly
- Key takeaways
The right height for an over armchair table
The guiding principle is straightforward: when you are seated, the table surface should line up with your elbow. Your forearms should rest on it with your shoulders relaxed, not lifting, and your elbows not dropping away. Get this right and you will feel the difference immediately in your neck, shoulders, and back.
Your seated elbow height depends on two things: how tall you are, and how high the seat of your chair sits. A firm recliner typically sits higher than a soft lounge. If you are not sure, measure from the floor to your elbow while sitting in your usual chair with your arm relaxed at your side.
Sizing by user height: over chair table height reference
The table below gives a general starting point based on your height. These figures assume a standard seat height of around 44 to 48 cm. If your chair sits noticeably higher or lower, adjust accordingly.
| Your height | Approximate seated elbow height | Recommended table surface height |
|---|---|---|
| Under 155 cm | 64-68 cm | 63-70 cm |
| 155-165 cm | 68-72 cm | 67-73 cm |
| 165-175 cm | 72-76 cm | 71-77 cm |
| 175-185 cm | 76-80 cm | 75-81 cm |
| Over 185 cm | 80-85 cm | 79-86 cm |
Most adjustable over chair tables sold in Australia have a height range of 75 to 91.5 cm. This comfortably suits people of average to taller stature. If you are on the shorter side, or your chair sits lower, the 75 cm minimum may still feel a touch high. We cover what to do in that situation further below.
Adjusting for different activities
The elbow-height rule is a reliable starting point, but different tasks benefit from slight adjustments.
- Eating and drinking: Set the table 1-2 cm lower than elbow height. This lets you keep your elbows close to your body and bring food to your mouth without lifting your shoulders.
- Reading a flat book or magazine: Elbow height or 1-2 cm above works well. This lifts the surface slightly so your neck is not angled sharply downward.
- Using a tilting surface for reading or a tablet: Set the base height at elbow level, then tilt the table top toward you so the surface angle reduces neck strain. Many adjustable over armchair tables include a tilt function for exactly this reason.
- Writing or using a laptop: Stick to elbow height. Your wrists should float naturally over the surface without bending up or down.
How to check if your adjustable over chair table is set correctly
Once you have adjusted the height, sit in your chair in your normal position with the table in front of you. Run through this quick check before locking the height in place.
- Place both forearms flat on the table. Your shoulders should be relaxed, not raised.
- Your elbows should sit at or just above the table surface, not hanging below it.
- Your neck should be in a comfortable, neutral position. If you are craning down or straining up, the height is off.
- There should be enough clearance for the table to slide easily over the arms of your chair without scraping.
If all four feel right, you are good to go. Most people find the right position within one or two small adjustments.
Signs the table is too high or too low
If the table is too high, your shoulders hunch upward and your posture suffers. If it is too low, you lean forward and down, putting strain on your lower back and making eating or writing awkward.
What to do if the table range doesn't suit you
If the minimum height of an adjustable over chair table is still too high for your chair and body, you have a few practical options.
- Try a different chair first. A firmer seat that raises your sitting position can bring your elbow height into the table's range without changing the table at all.
- Use a seat cushion. Adding a firm seat cushion of 5-10 cm can raise your seated position enough to match the table's minimum height comfortably.
- Check the product specs before buying. Height ranges vary between models. Some tables start as low as 68 cm, which suits shorter users and lower chairs better than the standard 75 cm minimum. Look at the specifications carefully, and contact us if you are unsure which model suits your needs.
Key takeaways
- Set the table so the surface sits at elbow height when you are seated in your chair.
- For most Australians, that means a table height between 68 cm and 81 cm.
- Eating works best 1-2 cm below elbow height; reading and writing work best at or just above it.
- Check the fit by resting both forearms on the table: shoulders should be relaxed, not lifted.
- If the standard 75 to 91.5 cm range is too high, try a seat cushion or look for a model with a lower starting height.
Choosing the right over armchair table makes a genuine difference to daily comfort. If you would like help matching a table to your chair and needs, our team is happy to assist. Browse our range of over chair tables for recliners, or read our guide to the best over armchair tables in Australia to compare features before you decide.