Is Custom Furniture the Answer For Those Not of "Average" Height?

The design of furniture has evolved over time withcomfortable for people from 5' to about 5'6" in
the study of ergonomics that has, mostly throughheight. An increase of 1 1/2" will accommodate nicely
trial and error, but with some study, listed a numberthose whose standing height is from 6' to about 6'6".
of dimensions that most designers use when creatingBetween those ranges-the "average" sizes will be
furniture to fit the human body.comfortable.
Automobile and office furniture has benefited from aIf you want the most comfort, there are few
great deal of research and further benefits by beingoptions available. True custom furniture is available,
user adjustable for that "perfect fit".but the cost and time required can be significant. You
Residential furniture, since very little of it iscan adjust the seat height of your furniture on a
adjustable, has been designed and manufactured"do-it-yourself" basis, by trimming legs or putting
over the years to fit the "average" person, and toblocks under legs. Seat depth can be decreased with
avoid the cost of making things in multiple sizes likepillows, and arm height can be increased with arm
the clothing manufacturers must do. There arecovers.
specifications for sizing most types of residentialAdditionally, the varying heights of the inhabitants of
furniture-from beds, chests, tables, and dresseryour home must be accommodated. The most
drawers to dining chairs, sofas, accent chairs and tocommon situation is a tall male and a shorter female.
entertainment centers. They have evolved as aThe only suggestion I have there is "his and hers"
result of successful designs that are functionallychairs, and perhaps a standard height sofa for your
successful as well.living or family room. Growing children are less of an
For the purpose of this article, the discussion ofissue, since they will change heights faster than your
custom living room upholstered fabric and leatherfurniture will wear out, and faster than is reasonable
furniture is addressed. The average height ofto accommodate them. Plus, teenagers seldom sit
Americans today is 5'8" (and slowing increasing!). Thislong anyway!
"average" person when seated is most comfortable ifThere are custom furniture manufacturers who are
the seat height is 17-18" from the floor and the seatattempting to satisfy, not just the "average"
depth is 22-24" and the arm height is 24-25" fromcustomer, but to make furniture that is comfortable
the floor. These dimensions provide the most supportfor all of their customers. This is somewhat easier to
and comfort when seated.do when the manufacturer makes the furniture to
The most critical dimension for long term comfort inyour order, and doesn't have inventory of standard
seating is the seat height. If your legs don't reach thepieces that he or the retailer is trying to sell. It is also
floor, the additional pressure on the backs of yourless expensive for "online" manufacturers who do not
legs is tiring. If your lower legs are longer than thehave the cost of a retail operation to support to
average seat height, there is no thigh support andmake these adjustments to their products as well.
the seating angle between your legs and back isI invite you to the website listed below to view
unnatural and uncomfortable over time. The goodcustom hemp and leather furniture that can be height
news is that a relatively modest adjustment in theadjusted at no additional cost. Additionally there is no
seating height will accommodate significant heightadditional time requirement to make the sofas,
ranges for people. For example, a reduction of 1 1/2"loveseats, or chairs that will be custom fit to your
in seat height will make the sofa or chair morebody type.