Why Meeting Table Height Matters More Than You Think
Table height can make or break the comfort and productivity of any meeting room. Get it wrong and people fidget, slump, or disengage much faster.
In Australian workplaces, meeting spaces are used for everything from quick stand‑ups to all‑day workshops. The table becomes the anchor point, so its dimensions need to support laptops, paperwork, coffee cups, and sometimes catering, without forcing people into awkward postures. Choosing from the right style of Office & Meeting Tables is as much about ergonomics as it is about style.
Ergonomics simply means designing furniture so that it fits the human body, rather than forcing the body to adapt. A well‑sized surface allows people to sit with relaxed shoulders, elbows near a 90‑degree angle, and feet flat on the floor. Over an hour or two, that difference in posture translates into fewer aches, better focus, and far less clock‑watching.
As hybrid work becomes the norm, meeting rooms now host Zoom calls, strategy sessions, training days and client pitches in quick succession. That versatility puts pressure on your choice of meeting furniture. The right-height table, whether a classic fixed model or a more agile option like Mobile Tables or Flip Top Tables, ensures each of those activities feels natural for everyone in the room.
Standard Heights for Different Types of Meeting Spaces
Most meeting and boardroom settings fall into a few standard height ranges. Knowing these benchmarks makes it much easier to choose confidently.
For seated meetings, the typical height for most Meeting Tables is around 720–750 mm from floor to tabletop. This range pairs well with standard office chairs adjusted so thighs are almost parallel to the floor. It suits focused discussions, project reviews and client presentations where people will be seated for 30 minutes or longer.
Formal spaces like executive suites often feature larger Boardroom Tables. These still generally sit in the same height range, but the extra width and length change how people interact. You may need slightly higher chairs or models with generous height adjustment to ensure shorter team members can maintain a comfortable elbow angle when working on laptops across a wide surface.
Training rooms are more flexible. Many organisations opt for 720–730 mm high Training Tables that support keyboard use, note‑taking and group exercises. Where rooms need to be reconfigured frequently, lightweight Folding Tables or nesting Flip Top Tables in that same height range keep set‑ups comfortable without sacrificing speed or storage efficiency.
Casual collaboration zones sometimes use café‑style or bar‑height options, which are taller and intended for perched or standing postures rather than full seating. In these cases, it can be wise to mix standard-height Round Tables with higher standing spots so staff can choose what suits them best, depending on meeting length and personal preference.
How to Match Table Height to Chairs, People, and Tasks
The ideal height is not just about the table; it’s about how it works with the people and chairs in the room. Think of it as a system rather than a standalone purchase.
A simple rule of thumb is to aim for elbows to sit just above the tabletop when a person is seated naturally. If the table is too high, shoulders creep upward, causing neck and upper‑back strain; if it’s too low, people hunch forward. When testing options, adjust the chair first, then check whether forearms can rest lightly on the surface without raising or dropping the shoulders.
Chair adjustability gives you more flexibility with table height. Good task chairs used around Meeting Tables or Boardroom Tables allow for seat height changes of at least 100–120 mm. This range helps accommodate different body sizes while keeping feet flat on the floor or on a footrest. If your chairs have limited height adjustment, it becomes even more important to stick closely to the 720–730 mm zone for seated work.
Consider what people will actually do at the table. Strategy sessions with lots of laptops favour slightly lower heights that suit typing, while creative workshops using large format paper, models or samples can tolerate a touch more height. Modular solutions like Mobile Tables and lightweight Folding Tables make it easier to adjust layouts so that each activity has a comfortable working position.
For hot‑desking and shared spaces, accommodating the widest range of staff becomes the priority. Pairing fixed-height tables with well‑padded, easily adjustable chairs, or supplementing them with a few sit‑stand spots using Height Adjustable Workstations, can help everyone find a posture that works, regardless of height or preferred working style.
When to Choose Fixed, Mobile, or Height‑Adjustable Options
Your choice of base and mechanism affects how flexible your meeting rooms are. The right solution depends on how often spaces change and how long meetings usually run.
If your rooms host mainly scheduled, seated discussions with a consistent headcount, traditional fixed-height Boardroom Tables or classic Meeting Tables are usually sufficient. They offer a solid, stable feel that suits formal environments and client‑facing spaces. The key decision then becomes size and shape rather than mechanism: for example, a large rectangular boardroom surface versus multiple smaller Round Tables grouped together.
Rooms that frequently flip between training, workshops and events benefit from mobility. Lockable castors on Mobile Tables and tilting frames on Flip Top Tables allow you to clear a space quickly for activities that require movement. You still get standard working height when the tops are in use, but can nest and store them compactly when the floor needs to be open.
Height‑adjustable solutions are ideal for health‑conscious or activity‑based workplaces. While most Height Adjustable Workstations are designed for individual desks, using similar sit‑stand mechanisms in collaboration zones is becoming more common. Standing meetings at taller tables often run shorter and more focused, while the option to lower the surface for longer workshops gives teams the best of both worlds in a single room.
For multi‑purpose spaces, a mix of fixed and flexible solutions often works best. A central fixed table can anchor the room, while additional Folding Tables or Mobile Tables can be brought in to extend capacity or create breakout zones without compromising on ergonomic height.
Practical Tips Before You Buy or Upgrade
A few quick checks before ordering can save years of frustration. Measure, test, and think ahead about how the room will really be used.
Start by measuring chair heights you already own, from floor to the top of the seat, and then to the armrests if they will tuck under the surface. Compare these to different table models in the Office & Meeting Tables range to ensure enough leg clearance and a comfortable elbow angle. If you plan to mix styles, such as pairing executive chairs with Boardroom Tables and simpler stackable chairs around Training Tables, check each combination separately.
Next, consider shape and room layout. Round Tables support equal participation in smaller groups, while rectangular and boat‑shaped tops suit presentation‑led sessions. In highly flexible rooms, combinations of nesting Flip Top Tables and compact Folding Tables let you create U‑shapes, classroom layouts or cabaret‑style pods without sacrificing leg comfort or access to power points.
Finally, don’t forget technology and cables. Thicker tops or integrated cable management can slightly affect perceived height, especially if people rest forearms on raised power boxes. Allow enough space for laptops, notepads and microphones without forcing people to lean forward. If your meeting rooms double as project spaces or temporary work areas, complementing your tables with nearby Height Adjustable Workstations can give staff a comfortable alternative spot for deeper, focus‑heavy tasks between sessions.
