Taking measurements for a custom-made chair or bar stool is a simple operation that will only take a few minutes.
The important dimensions are the height of the user and the width, height and depth of the seat... as well as the maximum height under the table so that the armrests can pass underneath.
It is easier to measure with two people.
Provide a flat surface to sit on
- ideally without cushions
- preferably horizontal
- higher than the ideal height (feet should be slightly off the ground)
You should also have a pen and a sheet of paper to write down, a measuring tape and some books.
Sit the future user of the chair on the flat surface.
Measure the seat width of the chair or stool
The seat should be wide enough to distribute the weight of the upper body over a large area. This reduces pressure and improves comfort.
1- place blocks on the right and left side of the hips
2- measure the distance between the two blocks.
3- if the chair has armrests add 3 cm to allow for thicker clothing.
Measure the seat depth of the chair or stool
A correct measurement of the depth of the seat allows a better distribution of the weight over the whole seat, a better vascularisation and consequently a greater comfort.
But be careful: the seat should not be too deep so as not to press on the popliteal fossa at the back of the knee, which would hinder venous return.
1. Measure the distance between the lower back/gluteal fossa and the hollow behind the knee.
2. Remove 4 cm to get the measurement of the seat depth of the chair.
Measure the seat height of the chair or stool, not equipped with a footrest
The feet should be flat on the floor and the pressure should be distributed evenly over the seat.
If the seat is too low, the knees are in the air and the pressure is greater at the back, in relation to the ischium; the sitting position is quickly painful.
On the other hand, if the seat is too high, the feet are not flat on the floor and the user slides forward.
To take the measurement:
1. Put on your slippers or the shoes you usually wear in the chair.
2. Put books under the feet so that the front of the thigh is
- the front of the thigh is resting on the front of the seat (you should not be able to put your hand through)
- the feet are no longer in the air
3. measure the distance from the bottom of the heel to the seat
Seat height of chair or stool with footrest
The height of the seat is determined by the height of the table, the central island or the bar.
The forearms must be able to rest naturally on the table without the shoulders moving up.
The person on the left is sitting correctly, while the person on the right is sitting too high.
The height of the seat in the diagram below is equal to H2 - H1, i.e. the height of the table minus the height between the seat and the elbow.
Attention: in the case of a chair with armrests, these must be able to pass under the table. It is important to specify this height when ordering (noted C on the diagram below).
Below A is the height of the seat defined as above.
C is the height under the table.
B would be the height of the chair if it was not equipped with a footrest (see how to take the measurement in the previous paragraph).
Seat height of a bar stool with footrest
The height of the seat is determined by the height of the work surface or bar (distance A in the diagram below).
To determine the distance A you can for example use a height-adjustable chair or a classic chair on which you stack directories. The aim is for your arms to rest naturally on the table, without you leaning forward, without your shoulders being raised.
To measure the distance B between the seat and the footrest, in the diagram below, we invite you to use the method described above to define the "Seat height of the chair".
The height C is the maximum height for the armrests to pass under the table. 