How Tall Should a Meditation Table Be

How Tall Should a Meditation Table Be?

A meditation table can be used to create a dedicated space to help promote peace, tranquility, and a sense of grounding during your practice. The table usually contains incense sticks, rosary beads, small idols, or other objects you spiritually resonate with.

The ideal height for a meditation table is typically between 9 inches (22.8 cm) and 14 inches (35.5 cm). The appropriate size will differ based on the practitioner, and some meditators prefer tables as low as 4 to 5 inches (10 to 12 cm) in height.

This article will explore the factors that will help you determine the ideal height for your meditation table.

Factors That Determine the Height of a Meditation Table

As mentioned above, the height of your meditation table will differ based on the kind of practice you engage in. Some practitioners prefer tables closer to the ground, while others require higher tables for a restorative practice.

Your ideal height will depend on the purpose of your meditation table and the frequency with which you interact with the table.

Here are a few factors that will help you determine the ideal height for a meditation table:

Meditative Posture

If you’re sitting in padmasana (lotus posture) while meditating, you’re going to be closer to the ground through the practice. In this case, it makes sense to have a table that’s between four and five inches (10-12 centimeters), as you’ll have easy access to it right before you settle down to meditate.

However, if you prefer meditating while kneeling, you’re going to be further away from the ground. If this is the case, getting a slightly higher table between 9 and 12 inches (22.8 and 30.48 cm) would make sense.

Your posture will play a key role in determining the height of your mediation table, as it’s best to have easy access to the table during your practice. Don’t forget to think about your meditation cushion: if you sit on it while meditating, you want to consider this aspect as well.

Engagement With the Table

Tips for meditation table

Some people set up a meditation table with items or symbols they resonate with on a spiritual level. These items often include a string of mala beads or rosary beads, the statue of a divine figure, healing crystals to cleanse energy, and scented candles to help you sink deeply into the practice. 

If you perform a ritual before every meditation session, such as lighting incense or rubbing your crystals, it’s best to get a table that you can easily access from your chosen meditation posture. An accessible height will allow you to transition seamlessly from your ritual into meditation.

However, if your meditation table is more of a sacred space that you prefer to meditate in front of, the ideal height needn’t take precedence. In this situation, any size will do, as the main idea is to create a space that will provide a sense of grounding to help you go within.

Type of Meditation

The kind of meditation you practice plays a significant role in deciding the height of your meditation table. The most common types of mediation involve sitting in a posture with your eyes closed and noticing your thoughts as they pass through your mind.

However, certain types of seated meditation differ in a few aspects.

For example, Zazen is a kind of meditation that involves keeping your eyes half-lidded or slightly open and looking at a blank wall while meditating. The goal of Zazen is to make the transition to reality less complicated after meditation.

In the case of Zazen, having a lower meditation table is necessary as you don’t want anything unnecessary intruding into your visual space as you meditate.

On the other hand, object meditation involves focusing on an image or an object in front of you to help still the mind. It’s a style of meditation often recommended to beginners who may find it challenging to quiet their thoughts with their eyes closed.

In the case of object mediation, it makes sense to use a higher meditation table, so the object of focus is in line with your vision. 

The object’s elevation will allow you to focus on it without having to hunch or change your picture in any way, which is crucial to wholesome meditation practice.

Choose the Right Table

Meditation tables come in various shapes and sizes, but it’s best to determine what works best for you based on the factors mentioned to make an informed decision. Here are a few tables you may want to consider (all of them are available on Amazon.com):

Dharma Objects Hand Carved Personal Shrine

Carved with sustainable mango wood, this foldable altar is ideal for those of you looking for a table to set up a small shrine during your meditative practice. At just 4 inches (10 cm) tall, it’s the ideal setup for those seeking a sacred space to ground themselves during meditation.

The simplicity of its structure also makes it ideal for placing scented candles or idols that won’t be overpowered by the design elements.

Tribe Azure Meditation Table

This beautifully hand-carved meditation table features three dragons and a majestic Garuda on either side of the table. It can be folded for a more compact design and storage. The table reaches a height of 9 inches (22 cm) and is ideal for a more interactive style of practice.

Dharma Objects Puja Shrine Altar

This meditation table comes with a neatly-carved yin yang symbol on top, with elegant swirls surrounding the center. The table is made from solid mango wood, which is both solid and sustainable.

The sturdy structure of this meditation table will allow you to place heavier items on top, like marble idols or healing rocks. The set can be taken apart with ease in case you want to relocate your meditation space at any point.

This table is also higher, at 12 inches (30.5 cm), and ideal for those who assume the kneeling posture or engage in object meditation.

Final Thoughts

While there’s no steadfast rule on how tall a meditation table should be, it helps to explore your practice and its nuances before investing in a table. 

A meditation table at the proper height can help significantly improve your practice, giving you an enhanced state of mindfulness throughout the day.