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Breakfast nooks became an architectural feature of many homes during the early 20th century. In a 1923 edition of the Woman’s Weekly Supplement, “nooks” were said to be “perfect for housewives who did not have servants”. The location near the kitchen meant the housewife could enjoy breakfast with the family while remaining close to the kitchen. How times have changed!

Today, breakfast nooks are designed for casual dining. They aren’t just used for breakfast. These nooks can be multi-purpose, serving as a child’s play area or a homework station. They are comfortable spaces that encourage conversation and calm the chaos of hectic mornings. Breakfast nooks are a great space to show off your decorating style.

Built-in Benches

The original nooks were designed with built-in seating, usually two benches on each side of a rectangular table. If the nook included a bay window, a window seat was added for booth-like seating.  Benches had hinged tops for added storage. These spaces were ideal for organizing children’s toys or rarely used items. In the early 1920s, even the table was built in. With today’s choices of kitchen tables in all shapes and sizes, there’s no need to restrict your style. You may decide to go from a 1950s diner to a French-country motif with a change of bench coverings and a kitchen table.

Bistro Tables

Nothing says relax like a bistro table. Whether it’s a morning cup of coffee or an evening glass of wine, the intimate environment of a bistro set makes for an enjoyable start or finish to your day. Bistro tables aren’t just those shown in French cafes. They can be made of materials such as glass or wood. They can be square or round. Some bistro tables are drop-leaf to fit nicely into smaller spaces.

Although windows were a part of the original design, breakfast nooks can be just as cheerful with the right lighting and colorful focal points. Floating shelves with hand-painted pottery can brighten any space.  No space is too small for the right bistro table.

Kitchen Sets

From the beginning, breakfast nooks have been used for casual family dining. It was simpler to set the table and serve meals with a dining space closer to the kitchen. As life became more hectic, the breakfast nook became a home’s gathering place.

Today’s kitchen sets can be incorporated into breakfast nooks, making them extremely versatile. They come in a variety of sizes, with seating from four to eight or more. An expandable kitchen set means not only having the right size for daily dining but also having room for those unexpected guests. With styles ranging from traditional to modern, kitchen sets can fit any decor.

Breakfast nooks like kitchens often serve as the heart of a home. That’s why finding the right furnishings is an essential part of creating a space that reflects your style. Whether you’re looking for a traditional kitchen set or a sleek bistro table, we have the kitchen furniture you’re looking for at our two Bay Area locations.

With the birth of the open concept, the dining room appeared to fade into the rearview mirror; however, there has been a resurgence of the importance of the dining room table in 2020. Much of this has been driven by the pandemic, which has forced many people to spend more time at home. As people were looking for a way to entertain, the dining table became a popular option. With the dining room making a resurgence in 2020, how is it going to be changed? What should people expect? There are a few key tips to keep in mind.

The Dining Room Table Is a Place of Entertainment

First, the dining room is seen as a place to entertain. While this might involve meals, this could also mean a place to sit down, talk, play games, and more. The dining rooms should reflect this placement of entertainment to the best degree possible. Therefore, people should try to make sure they add extra seats around the table. This means thinking about expandable dining rooms sets that include leaves, extra chairs, and more. In addition, dining room tables will have to be more durable. Nobody wants to be the host that is worried about a small spill here or there!

A Versatile Dining Room Table Is Better

Of course, the dining room table should be able to handle a meal; however, it should also be so much more than that. The dining room table will be asked to be the jack of all trades. In addition to a place for meals, the dining room table may have to perform triple duty! This is a place for people to do arts and crafts. The family will want to come together to play games at the dining room table. Kids will be doing their homework on the dining room table. Therefore, a durable wood or laminate dining room set with a table that can handle these tasks will be important. The addition of a comfy chair will make the perfect dining room set!

Formality and Structure Are Trends of the Past

Finally, many people have dining room tables that reflect a formal structure that has long since passed. While these are solid tables that might still find use today, it is better to find a dining room table that has a flexible style that can go with just about anything. Rolling dining room chairs, barstools, and even loveseats are not unusual in the dining room today. Some people even pull up log benches to the dining room table. Formality is simply a structure of the past. Today, many people are looking for dining rooms that are flexible and malleable because they feel more inviting. This is going to be a defining feature of the dining room table in 2020 and beyond.

Find the Right Dining Room Table

These are just a few of the ways that the dining room table is making a resurgence in 2020. If you are looking for the right dining room table for your building, visit California Stools, Bars, and Dinettes today!

As summer has arrived, many people are looking for ways to make an outdoor bar on the patio. The good news is that even in the era of social distancing, there are ways to bring an outdoor bar to life! This is the perfect place to entertain family members and friends when the weather heats up. Why not take a look at some of the top ideas?

Create a Tropical Paradise

One of the most popular outdoor bar ideas right now involves creating a tropical paradise outside. There are many people who have had their vacations canceled due to the pandemic; however, why not bring the tropics home? In order to set up a tropical outdoor bar, it is important to have the right décor. This includes some creative bar stools and tropical-infused pub table! Don’t forget to have the right music and the proper drinks! Then, bask in the glory of the tropics right at home!

A Feeling of Elegance on the Porch

Another top outdoor patio bar this summer involves a feeling of elegance. It is important to relax in comfort and style. Therefore, why not invest in some handsome, a beautiful set of iron stools, and finish it off with some stately wood for the serving station. To complete the look, be sure to bring in some greenery to add a sense of authenticity to the bar itself. This setup will have everyone talking!

Go For the Rustic Feel under the Patio

Minimalism and sustainability are all the rage right now. This is why many people are turning to reclaimed wood to make their bar. Use wine barrels for the base of the bar and then use a piece of reclaimed wood for the countertop. Finish it off with a few plants and the serving station is complete! This is the perfect place to crack open a fresh bottle of wine while feeling at home with nature!

The Bar for a Family Night Out

Finally, those who have space should consider crafting a bar that has been designed for a night out for the whole family. To build this bar, incorporate a beautiful fire pit in the center with some durable metal that can be used to make smores. Then, try to have an open wall on the house for a movie projector. This might even include a pull-down screen to cover up windows that might be present. As the adults sit back and relax with their adult beverages, the kids can make their own desserts and enjoy a movie! It doesn’t get much better than this!

Contact California Stools, Bars, and Dinettes Today!

While the era of social distancing has forced everyone to change their plans, there are still great ways to enjoy an outdoor bar under the comfort of a patio. This is where a home bar can be helpful. If you are looking for help creating your perfect outdoor bar on your patio, visit one of our two Bay area locations. We have a wide selection of home bars, pub tables and barstools that will help you bring it all together!

With summer right around the corner, many people are trying to figure out what they are going to do with their vacation time. Given the current global environment, it is likely that people are going to be staying close to home. This means that everyone should think about ways to entertain themselves in the comfort of their own homes. This is where having an arts and crafts area is a great idea. While some people might be thinking about using their kitchen tables to do arts and crafts, craft tables that use pub tables and bar stools are actually better. There are a few reasons why.

More Storage Space Underneath the Table

First, when someone uses something that sits at counter-height, such as pub tables, there is more room to store items underneath. One of the biggest challenges of arts and crafts is figuring out where to store everything that is needed to make a beautiful art project. It would be annoying to have to get up constantly to get more materials. With a taller workstation, such as pub tables, this is no longer a problem. There is plenty of space underneath the table.

The Option To Sit or Stand

It can be annoying to sit at the table for hours on end. People can get sore after a while. On the other hand, standing up next to a kitchen table for arts and crafts is just not convenient. With a taller table, people have the option to either stand at the counter or use bar stools as seating. This type of flexibility makes it easier for people to stay comfortable when they are working on a project. This also allows people to work for longer periods of time, providing them with the ability to focus on what they’re doing.

Not Having To Clean Up Immediately

Finally, few people use their counters to eat. While people might use their counters to cook, there are probably other counters available to do this. This means that people who are in the middle of an arts and crafts project using a pub table will not have to clean up immediately. They will be able to leave the project out there and return to it later. This type of flexibility is not available with the kitchen table. They might have to move their project to make room for others to eat. Every time the project is moved, there is a chance that it might get damaged. Make sure the arts-and-crafts project has a dedicated area using a pub table.

Fun Materials for Arts and Crafts Projects this Summer

Summer is coming up quickly and people will probably have to stay close to home this year. Arts and crafts projects are a great way to stay busy. Anyone who is looking for material for craft tables should be sure to visit California Stools, Bars, and Dinettes today! There is a great selection of items to choose from!

There are numerous benefits that come with living in an apartment. There is less space to take care of, no yard maintenance, and extra amenities like gyms, pools and common areas. At the same time, because apartments are smaller, every square foot counts. It’s important to know how to make the most of small spaces to live comfortably. Here are several tips that everyone should keep in mind.

Use Smaller Tables

Yes, there is something elegant that comes with having a full-size dining room table; however, it is challenging to shift a dining room table out of the way or maneuver it in such a way that it takes up less space. Instead, use a dinette set or a pub table. They’re still stylish but simply take up less room. If you have a lot of guests coming over and the table isn’t big enough, this might be a good time to spread the party out between the living area and the table. Furthermore, there might be a way to take the party outside to the pool, grill or another community area.

Consider Foldable Options

Alluding to the party situation above, it might be a good idea to find a table that can extend with an added leaf when necessary. The table can be kept small most of the time; however, if necessary, a leaf can be added to make room for a few extra people.

Another great example is a foldable bed. Rather than commit floor space to a full-size bed, consider finding a foldable option instead. This might include a pull-out couch or Murphy bed. Most of the time the couch will function as additional seating in the living area; however, in a pinch, this is a great place for a guest to sleep.

Vertical Storage

In houses, most people think of storage in a horizontal manner. Items are spread out through different rooms and closets. In an apartment, storage has to be planned vertically. The square footage is limited; however, if items are stored vertically, they still take up the same square footage. For example, consider stacking shelving units on top of each other. Have a few units side by side and then add more on top. This will stretch the storage space vertically instead of horizontally while also storing items efficiently. It might be helpful to loft the bed and store items underneath as well.

Living in Small Spaces with California Stools, Bars, and Dinettes

Apartment living is fantastic, but space can be limited so a little careful planning goes a long way. At California Stools, Bars, and Dinettes, we have two convenient locations in San Jose and Pleasant Hills. We have everything you need to make the most of apartment living. Come and visit us today!

Working from home definitely has its perks, and with more and more people transitioning to home-based work in recent months, you’ve likely had the chance to discover them. Whether you’re working from home out of necessity in light of the pandemic or have made the transition to buy yourself some flexibility, the right work area is important. Before you rush out and buy a desk with all of the bells and whistles, consider instead a dining room table. A dining room table can make an excellent workspace, and here’s why.

Tables Increase Your Workspace

Today’s computers are smaller than ever, but the need for a workspace has increased. You need room to spread out documents, design layouts, and notes. A traditional desk doesn’t give you much space, but a table means plenty of room to work. Sure, you’ll have fewer drawers to store things, but add a basket or file shelf to the tabletop to use as storage instead.

Tables Serve Two Purposes

If you’re short on space, using a table as your desk as well as your dining area means your work area takes up less space in your home. You can clear the table of work-related items for meals, then put your laptop and papers back when it’s time to work.

If the table won’t be used for dining, you can use it as a communal space. When you’re done with work for the day, clear off the laptop and have a game night with your kids, or let them use it for a craft space. The larger work surface of a table gives you plenty of room to explore these ideas when you clock out at the end of the day.

Adjustable Height Dining Tables Work Well as Desk

One potential drawback of using a dining table as a desk is the height, which may not be ideal for good typing posture. Choosing a dinette table that has an adjustable height overcomes this problem. You can raise or lower the table depending on the day’s activities, so you can use it for dining and work.

Better Aesthetics

Another reason to choose a dining table as a desk, even if you have a dedicated workspace, is aesthetics. You can choose a table that matches the style of your home or office, whether that’s shabby chic, modern, or traditional. Your table-turned-desk will fit seamlessly with your design choices. Not only that, but dining room tables, unlike desks, look good from all angles. If your workspace isn’t going to be up against a wall, a table prevents it from turning into an eyesore.

Dining room tables are quickly becoming a multi-purpose addition to your home. Whether you’re adding one to your dining area or using it in your office as you work from home, finding the right table is key. At California Stools, Bars and Dinettes, we will help you find the right dining room table, so you can set up a work-from-home environment that works for your needs. Give us a call to discuss your needs today.

It’s finally heating up outside, which means more backyard barbecues and relaxing on the patio. But if your backyard isn’t exactly ready for guests, then there’s never been a better time to start remodeling and designing your space. Transforming your outdoor space can be as simple as adding a chic bistro table or as elaborate as installing a fountain. Here are five ways to level up your backyard for the summer.

Bistro Tables and Chairs

Bistro tables are perhaps one of the most versatile pieces of furniture, fitting seamlessly in the foyer, kitchen, and of course, your patio. In an outdoor setting, bistro tables provide an intimate space for an al fresco dinner or a quiet place for drinking your morning coffee. With a variety of fabrics and finishes, you’re able to choose your style: rustic, modern, industrial, coastal, etc.

Both our metal and wooden sets offer durability against many weather conditions. However, you may prefer a metal set for a more refined, modern look or wood for a warmer, more casual feel.

While bistro tables and chairs come in sets, bistro chairs can become an accent piece of their own. If you’re used to entertaining a large group of people, these chairs give a casual yet elegant feel to a long, outdoor table.

Patio Umbrellas

In theory, the summer sun beating down on you makes the season worthwhile, but in practice, it can leave you drained, burnt and seriously sweaty. A patio umbrella offers shade above your bistro table, while preventing fading, warping or overheating of metal bistro chairs.

Outdoor Area Rugs & Decorative Pillows

While you may opt for more muted décor indoors, outdoor furnishings lend themselves to bright colors, fun patterns and interesting textures. Liven up your patio with an outdoor area rug, decorative cushions, and throw pillows. Even if you choose a more understated bistro table, placing colorful pillows on your bistro chairs can add personality and comfort to your area, while giving you the freedom to change it up as frequently as you please.

Greenery

Whether it’s a complete landscaping remodel with sod or a few box planters lining the deck, adding greenery can create a serene escape in the comfort of your home. Not to mention, it automatically transforms the look of your backyard. Adding a few trees provides natural shade, while making you feel more established in your home. If you start planting herbs, flowers, or veggies now, the bright colors and fruits of your labor will be waiting for you this summer.

String Lights

In the daytime, string lights create structure in your yard, forming lines and pathways to follow – but the nighttime is when these fixtures really thrive. Whether you’re having a romantic dinner for two or hosting a close group of friends for dinner and drinks, the twinkling lights help set the mood. You can also string lights throughout your newly planted trees for a whimsical, wonderland feel.

Bistro tables are a functional centerpiece to decorate around in your backyard. Whether you crave elegance, fun, or both, your bistro table offers versatility to meet your needs. No matter the size of your backyard, you can make your space larger than life with the right accessories – starting with the perfect bistro table.

You’ve decided to remodel your kitchen, dining room or family game room once the stay-at-home order during this global pandemic is behind us. You’re browsing furniture online now and want to know how it might work in your space. Use our tips below to help you decide on furniture that best meets your needs.

What’s Your Style?

If you’re a homeowner, investing in quality furniture that will last is a good decision. And, if you’re buying furniture to last, you’ll want to think carefully about your style.  After all, you won’t be switching it out for something else any time soon. Start by asking some questions. Are you looking for furniture to offset the bold new colors you’ve picked for the walls? Do you enjoy the natural beauty of wood or the sleek lines of metal? Also, do you have favorite furniture manufacturers?

Maybe a set of barstools is the ideal choice for additional seating at your new kitchen island and bar. You have lots of options for everything from wrought iron and other metals to wood such as oak, cherry, walnut, ash and mahogany. What’s more, styles include bar stools with a back, swivel counter stools and more. Depending on your style, you may pick something sleek and simple. On the other hand, you may want something more luxurious with a high, padded back. When it comes to barstools, you need to know how high the counter is where they’ll sit, in relation to the height of the stool.

Take Measurements

Regardless of the piece, you’ll want to consider how the new furniture will fit in the space. The only way to know how much space it will take up in the room is to take measurements of the room and compare it with the size of the furniture. Make sure you pick furniture that fits and allows plenty of room for movement. For a dining room table and chairs, for example, use the measurements of the pieces seen online and lay them out on the floor with painter’s tape to see how they would work in your space.

Determine Delivery and Set-Up

Buying furniture from a local dealer will ensure quicker delivery. Not only that, but if you need help setting it up, or putting the pieces together, you’ll have an option of adding set-up to the delivery. What this means for you is you need to add the cost of delivery and setup into your budget.

Purchase Furniture Online: Consider the Source

You want to be able to call the company and ask questions as well as get advice on your purchase. Our owners at California Stools, Bars and Dinettes are in store during normal business hours, seven days a week, at our two Bay Area locations in San Jose and Pleasant Hill and are happy to talk to you. Just give us a call!

Entertaining at home can be more fun than going out because you don’t have to worry about driving, it’s less crowded, you’ll always get your drink right away and, frankly, it’s a lot cheaper! Building a home bar is a great way to make inviting friends over an even better experience. Here are a few things to consider when designing your own home bar.

Size

If you don’t have a lot of extra space for a home bar, consider one with a smaller profile. This can mean that it is long enough to seat 2-3 people, or that it doesn’t wrap around in a U-shape. A smaller home bar is great to tuck into a corner or for those who like to entertain on a budget. A larger home bar can seat 4-5 people and may include the U-shape design. This will allow for more storage with cabinets, a bigger counterspace for preparing drinks, and makes the bar more of a focal point in the room.

Style

The design style of your home bar reflects your personal taste as a homeowner and host. Consider the overall aesthetic of your home and how you want your home bar to fit in to that. Perhaps you want dark wood paneling to recreate the feel of your favorite neighborhood bar. On the opposite end, maybe you’re looking for something light and airy such as wrought iron for an outdoor home bar by the pool.

Lighting

Once you’ve picked out the home bar, the next step is to consider the lighting. You’ll want lights that are bright enough for you to be able to see the drinks you’re making, but you’ll also want it to be dim and cozy enough for your guests. Take a look at the existing lighting in the space you’re building a home bar and see what adjustments you might need to make. Consider dimmable lights or multiple lighting options.

Seating

You may decide to place your home bar in an area that is plentiful with comfortable seating already. In that case, you might not need to worry much about bar stools. But if you’d like your guests to come sit at the bar with you, look for chairs that sit up high enough that you can look at each other directly while preparing drinks on the opposite side of the bar. You may also consider bistro or pub tables near your bar.

Shop with California Stools, Bars, and Dinettes!

When it comes time to build your home bar, look no further than the experts at California Stools, Bars and Dinettes! We have two Bay Area store locations that offer a variety of home bars to suit any size and style preferences you may have. We can also help you choose bar stools for your new home bar and even pub tables if you’re looking to bring additional seating to your entertaining space. Come visit us in San Jose or Pleasant Hill today!

It’s hard to name a gathering that doesn’t involve food. From hosting Thanksgiving dinner to inviting the girls over for wine and gossip, there always seems to be a reason to be in the kitchen. Whether you’re chatting away together while preparing a big meal or just grabbing a casual snack, the kitchen is the place to be when entertaining.

Because of this, kitchen islands have become one of the hottest trends in kitchen designs over the past several years. Since they’ve become such a major focal point in the home, the islands have gotten bigger with more room for seating. Whether it’s a place your kids do their homework after school or a casual seating option for when you’re dining alone, it’s important to select the right chairs for your island. Here are three things to consider when matching the right chairs to your island.

Your Design Aesthetic

You’ll want your kitchen island chairs to match the overall tone of your decor’s vibe. If you’ve got a lot of classic, clean lines, you may want to try chairs with metal frames. For a darker, heavier style, wood chairs might suit you better. Also keep in mind the color of the metal or wood, as well as any upholstery you may include and stitching or buttons that accent the chair’s fabric.

How They’ll Be Used

If you will be frequently using the kitchen island chairs, consider more comfortable, upholstered options. However, if your chairs will be tucked underneath the island to save space, backless chairs will work well to keep the visual clutter to a minimum. For a kitchen that fully wraps around the island or an island that stands between the kitchen and dining or living room area in an open concept floor plan, chairs that swivel are a nice option so your seated guests can take full advantage of their surroundings. For an outdoor kitchen with an island, you’ll want durable chairs that can withstand sun, rain and wind, without showing signs of aging.

Your Island Style

Simple, single level kitchen islands are often primarily used for cooking with occasional dining or entertaining. Kitchen islands with two levels allow for the appropriate counter height for cooking on one side, but an elevated level on the opposite side for dining and entertaining guests. For chairs that suit this higher level, consider 34″ kitchen island chairs. These will help to elevate the guests seated on one side of the island so they have a better view without disrupting the flow of the kitchen.

Visit California Stools, Bars and Dinettes!

If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, we invite you to stop by our San Jose or Pleasant Hill locations to view our kitchen island stools. We can help you make the perfect selection and have them delivered right to your door!