Published 2026-10-29 · 2 min read
Standard heights in a house: counters, tables, sockets
There are a few dozen numbers every interior respects without ever stating them. They are scattered across catalogues and regulations; here they are in one place, with the reason behind each. Everything is measured from the finished floor. Local codes vary, so treat these as common practice, not law.
The kitchen
| Item | Height | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Worktop | 85–92 cm, usually 90 | Elbow height minus 10–15 cm |
| Sockets above the worktop | 105–120 cm | Above the splashback, away from water |
| Underside of wall cabinets | 140–150 cm | 55–60 cm clear above the worktop |
| Hood above the hob | 65–75 cm | Lower and you hit it; higher and it stops drawing well |
| Bar counter | 105–110 cm | For 75 cm high stools |
Tables, chairs, desks
- Dining table: 74–76 cm. Chair seat: 45–47 cm. The ~30 cm difference is what matters.
- Desk: 72–75 cm; if you type a lot, your elbows should fall level with the desktop.
- Coffee table: 40–45 cm, the same as the sofa seat.
- Bed: a mattress top at 50–55 cm is the easiest to get in and out of.
Fittings and hardware
| Item | Height |
|---|---|
| Ordinary room sockets | 30–45 cm |
| Desk sockets for devices | 75–90 cm |
| Light switches | 90–120 cm, next to the door handle |
| Door handle | 100–105 cm |
| Thermostat | 140–150 cm, on an inside wall |
| Wall-mounted TV | screen centre at 100–110 cm, from the sofa |
Windows, doors, ceilings
- Interior doors: 2.03–2.10 m high, 80 cm wide (70 for bathrooms, 90 for the front door).
- Window sill in rooms: 85–90 cm. In the kitchen, above the worktop: 105–110 cm.
- Ceilings: 2.50–2.80 m in houses. Below 2.40 m it feels low; above 3 m it costs you in heating.
- Bathroom: toilet seat at 40–42 cm, basin at 85 cm, shower head at 2.00–2.10 m.
Check them in the model, not on paper
A list of numbers will not tell you whether the wall cabinets hit your head or whether the window lands right behind the fridge. In GrafitGo every object carries its dimensions as parameters, and pressing V puts you in the room at eye level, seeing it from where you will actually stand.
Can I make the worktop higher than 90 cm?
Yes, if you are tall. The good rule is elbow height minus 10–15 cm: for someone 1.85 m tall, a 95 cm worktop is more comfortable than a standard one.
How high should bathroom sockets go?
Well away from the bath or shower — rules differ a lot by country, so follow your local electrical code; next to the mirror at 110–120 cm, on a circuit protected by a residual-current device, is typical where allowed.
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