Free Standing Ashtray

Tara Gosselin Interior Design Expert

Tara is a San Antonio-based award-winning landscape architect, writer and educator, passionate about eco-friendly solutions and growing her own food. She knows all it takes to help you create a sustainable backyard retreat that combines blissful charm with a modern take on landscaping.

Updated 06/05/2021

As taboo as it is rapidly becoming. there are still smoking lounges, and nothing says classy smoking lounge like a free standing ashtray. But it doesn't have to go in just a swank lounge. Use it on your porch where you have a smoke after a meal. Wherever you put it, it will give off a classy look that says you prefer not to just cast those smoldering butts on the ground.

Buying Guide

Have you ever dreamed of having an ashtray that doesn't need to be placed down on a table or chair? Free-standing ashtrays allow you to do just that, so you can use an ashtray for its purpose no matter where you are and regardless of whether you have a table to set it down on. If you have never purchased a free-standing ashtray before, you might be at a loss as to what you're actually looking for. Thankfully, this guide is here to help, giving you some handy tips to ensure you get the ideal free-standing ashtray for you.

Do you need a free-standing ashtray?

Free-standing ashtrays are useful for outdoor smoking areas, so if you smoke regularly in your garden, or you run a small business where your employees often smoke outside, you could have a strong case for buying one. They come at a much higher cost than regular ashtrays though, which can be purchased for a few dollars at many local stores. Making sure that you actually need one or would make use of one is an important factor to consider before buying.

What's the recommended ashtray height?

Free-standing ashtrays are available in various heights, making them suitable for a wide range of scenarios. If you have an area which has seats, you should aim for an ashtray which is around 70-80cm high. This should be short enough for people sitting down to reach easily, but high enough to create a balance for those who may be standing up.

For areas where you know most people will be standing up when using the free-standing ashtray, opt for a height of around 120cm. This will allow most people to use the ashtray comfortably while smoking.

What are free-standing ashtrays typically made of?

Here are some common materials which are used for free-standing ashtrays:

Ceramic: You will probably have seen this material used in the manufacturing of regular table ashtrays since it is cost effective, heat resistant and easily customized. While the entire item may not be ceramic, the top part is often made from this material.
Metal: This is a popular material for free-standing ashtrays. Not only is it cheap to manufacture metal ashtrays, making them popular with those who are sticking to a budget, but it is also a look which is well-liked by people of all ages and backgrounds.
Glass: You can expect to pay more for an ashtray which is made from glass, and free-standing ashtrays are a popular addition to your garden or workplace. In some cases, the glass will be stained, adding some color and interest to the ashtray, but very often, it is plain and sleek.