Whether you’re renovating a home or buying a new one, shopping for new furniture can be exciting. Arguably, the most essential furniture you’ll need, particularly during the holiday season, is the dining room set. Follow this step-by-step guide on how to purchase the perfect dining room set to entertain family and friends this fall.

Deciding on shape and size

When buying your dining room set, the first thing you should consider is the table because it serves as the focal point of your space. Begin your search by narrowing in on the most suitable shape and size depending on the space where you intend to set it up. Oval and rectangular dining tables are appropriate for narrow or long rooms. A round dining table is best suited for square-shaped room as it helps to maximize the space and allow movement around the dining set. Square tables are also suitable for small spaces as most of them are designed to seat four people.

Your dining table’s size will depend on the dimensions of the space and how many people you’d like it to accommodate. The space between your dining set and the nearby walls should be at least 40 inches. This allows guests to comfortably get to their seats even while some chairs are pulled out.

How tall should my dining table be?

There are two basic dining table heights: counter and standard. Counter height dining tables are normally 36 inches high and require chairs between 24 to 26 inches high. These pub-type tables are ideal for small spaces to create an open, informal look and feel.  Standard-height dining tables are the more conventional option. They measure about 30 inches tall and are usually paired with 18 to 23-inch chairs. You can also mix and match them with stools and benches. These tables create a formal look and work perfectly for families and larger gatherings.

Choosing dining room chairs

Your dining chairs should complement the table in terms of shape and dimension. You need to ensure that the dining room chairs are the right width to accommodate guests seated next to one another comfortably. Make sure the chairs are also an appropriate height so that you don’t feel like you’re sandwiched between the tabletop and the chair.

Factors to consider when choosing your dining room set

Apart from the size and shape of your dining set, there two more essentials you need to consider when shopping for your dining room set. These include:

• Material – If you’re going for a wooden table, consider hardwood such as walnut, teak, maple, mahogany or oak rather than composite woods such as plywood. This will enable you to enjoy your dining room set for years on end.
• Veneer – A thick veneer tends to lift away from your table over time. You can identify a thick veneer as it has obvious “seams” at the corners. It also feels like plastic.

Your dining room is where you make lifelong memories with family and friends and your dining room set is the centerpiece of the space – and should be a true reflection of your personal style and lifestyle.

Summer is the time for easy living. With the warm days and nights, much of your time will be spent outdoors. When setting up your patio, you should consider purchasing furniture that can be used both inside and outside your home. Bar stools and pub tables are perfect choices to enliven your indoor space and can set the perfect tone for your patio. The beauty of using indoor furniture in your outdoor world is that you can save money by buying less furniture and you know your patio furniture is well-built, fashionable and durable. This act makes your patio an extension of your home instead of a separate space.

Bar Stools: Move Seamlessly from Indoors to Outside

Quality bar stools make great outdoor furniture. They are easily moved from your breakfast nook to the outdoors. They don’t take up much room and are easy to move around your patio for everything from a jamming party to an intimate conversation. Bar stools don’t take up a lot of space if your patio is small or you if you have a lot of friends. When winter comes, bar stools can be moved back into the house for everyday use or stored safely out of the elements. In the event of a storm, bar stools can easily be moved inside, unlike cumbersome chaise lounges and outdoor sectionals.

Pub Tables: Casual yet Refined

Pub tables pair well with bar stools as they are generally higher than a traditional table. This creates a unified style, whether they are used inside or outside the home. Like bar stools, pub tables are not singularly inside or outside type of furniture. They can be used in both environments for a classy yet casual appearance. They are perfect for informal meals, drinks with friends or as a relaxed workspace.

Dinettes: Go Big and Stay Home

If bar stools and pub tables don’t provide the upscale look you desire for your patio, or if you’re looking for a larger setup, you should consider a dinette set. Dinette sets offer fluid, artistic lines and styles and won’t bust your wallet. They also provide a sense of permanency, while still offering the portability of stools and pub tables. Dinettes are available in a wide range of styles, materials of construction and sizes to accommodate family dinners, cocktail hour with friends, a platform for staging buffet items or a casual get together. Look for dinettes constructed from metals and glass for the best outdoor reliability. Dinettes constructed of durable wood like oak, maple and teak will also provide a long lifespan but will require occasional oiling or varnish to stay in optimal condition.

There is no reason to focus on outdoor furniture when designing your external living space. Indoor furniture, whether in pieces or sets, can make the transition to multi-settings. By doing so, you will save money, create a classy environment and be able to truly relish your summer lifestyle.

Sleek lines. Throw-back angles. Nostalgic feelings. These are just a few words to describe the ever-popular, mid-century modern style. Since its inception and rise to fame during the 40s to 60s, its popularity has never wavered.

What is Mid-Century Modern Furniture?

Mid-century modern design got its roots in Germany and expanded to America after World War II when designers migrated to the U.S. The war inspired change both in economics and technology and the demand for simplistic, quickly built, attainable designs emerged. New materials for building were a result of technological advances, and designers started exploring with things other than wood, such as malleable materials like plastic, fiberglass, foam and aluminum. These new materials opened the door to trying new techniques, new colors and new styles.

You can see these designs all over to this day, including in our two retail locations. Classic characteristics of mid-century furniture include:

• Simple, easy, minimal design with the lack of excess decorative features.
• The use of different and contrasting materials to create a unique piece.
• Melding the past with the future while still allowing for the piece to be functional.

What Makes it so Popular?

One of the biggest reasons mid-century modern has remained so popular is because it serves us in the same way it did back then. It’s still functional, comfortable, appealing and affordable. There are designs left to be imagined using the same techniques, making it a timeless furniture style.  It takes us back and allows us to reminisce while still allowing us to dream of the future.

Another reason it is so popular is that it is readily available and fits well in smaller spaces, making it a popular choice for those newly starting out in their own place.

Adding Mid-Century Modern Decor to Your Home

One of the easiest places to start decorating your home in a mid-century modern style is in your dining room. This is especially true when you have a smaller dining room or a kitchen/dining combo. For example, tables often look sleek enough to be dining room furniture while functional enough to be a kitchen table for daily use. You can play down the design with plastic or wood chairs or spice it up with fabric chairs. With its minimal design profile, mid-century modern dining room sets won’t take up much room, which will allow you more space for entertaining. Adding a few decor items in this style is as easy as choosing a chandelier or bar cart.

No matter what furniture you decide to decorate your home with, the mid-century modern look is sure to appeal to your visitors as well as provide lasting comfort for you.

If you’re looking for a dining set that is non-traditional or if you have limited dining space in your home or apartment, then you need to consider using pub table sets. There are many reasons why you may opt to go for a pub table set for your dining room. In addition to the extra counter space you get, pub tables take dining to new heights and also act as room dividers in an open space. Our two locations in the Bay area have the best pub table sets in terms of quality and affordability.

These dining sets, which have originally been used for pubs and more public places, have become very popular in homes today. The pub table sets bring a very unique and beautiful aesthetic element to your home and they take up very little space in the kitchen, dining room or great room.

What makes the pub table sets unique?

These table sets are usually taller than the average dining room furniture. They are convenient for watching television from the living or dining room area while enjoying dinner or entertaining guests. The set typically consists of two to four bar stools and a table at bar height (42 inches) or at counter height (36 inches). They make dining seem more casual, giving you the feeling of “eating out” in the luxury of your own home.

In case you are having a game night or any other recreation activity at home, these table sets come in handy. They are perfect for casual dining and can also be used on the patio or near the pool for entertaining guests. They also serve as perfect furniture for home bars too.

Depending on your style of preference, you can mix and match our pub tables with pub stools to get that look you want for your home. We feature a variety of pub table sets in different sizes, shapes, styles and materials, from traditional to contemporary and iron to wood. In addition, we have glass-topped pub tables and chairs with upholstered seats. We also offer table sets depending on your family size from two to four people.

Our pub table are perfectly suited for the dining room, kitchen, great room or game room depending on your needs.

Gone are the days when pub and bistro tables were confined to restaurants and recreational areas. If you are keen on home remodeling projects, you may have come across such furniture set up on a well-manicured lawn or patio. Pub and bistro tables are also a favorite among people who live in smaller homes and apartments. Modern bistro furniture is not only available in multiple types of materials, but also in a variety of colors to light up the space where you’re using them. They’ve come a long way from their meager beginnings across the pond.

What is bistro furniture?

This type of furniture first came about in the 19th Century and was meant to be used in a bistro, a small and intimate café or restaurant. Bistro tables and chairs could typically seat two or three people, reflecting the smaller size of the café. Materials such as wood, aluminum, wrought iron and plastic have been used to make bistro tables and chairs over the years. Today, some bistro table tops are even made of mosaic tiles or colored glass to complement their surroundings.

Pub and bistro tables come in varying heights. Pub tables are taller, usually from 36-42 inches, and reserved for drinks and a small-sized appetizer dish. Bistro furniture, on the other hand, is suitable for everyday use as its height is equivalent to that of a dining table.

History of pub and bistro tables

While some think that the name ‘bistro’ was coined from Russian soldiers who shouted ‘bystra’ or “bring my food quickly” during the Napoleonic war, others contend it was derived from ‘bistreau’, an ancient French word referring to an innkeeper.

The origin of the bistro can be traced back to the early 1800s when they began to spring up in France as families and small taverns sought to supplement their income by providing food and wine to strangers. Apart from supplementing their income, bistros were ideal as the small tables and chairs situated on sidewalks outside the café could easily be folded away, thereby sparing café owners from having to pay for a fixed terrace.

Bistro furniture was quite common in Europe but only made it over to America after the Civil War. Some of the first bistros were introduced in New York due to the significant presence of European settlers and visitors. Bistro tables were crafted in such a way that the people could easily cross their legs beneath them. They had no lip, and their diameter was about 30 inches. The tables were often accompanied by mesh chairs and a five-foot umbrella for protection from the elements. Over time, the size and use of bistro furniture have evolved. It’s not uncommon to see pub or bistro tables used as the primary dining furniture, decorative corner furniture, or even as a work desk. As they are truly meant to live outdoors, people today often use them on their decks and porches for entertaining.

This could be the greatest time in history to shop for a new dinette. If only you knew what a dinette set was. Isn’t a dinette set the same as a dining room set? There isn’t really a difference between a dining room and a dinette, or is there?

As a matter of fact, there is a difference between the two. The dining room is the larger space in which you almost expect a butler to walk through the door with a towel draped over his arm announcing, “Dinner is served.” The room a dinette set occupies can also be called a “breakfast nook”, and that is what it is. It’s a small space set aside for less formal meals.

The room for the dinette set is either small–usually located adjacent to the kitchen–or even at one end of a kitchen. The dinette is for less formal dining and the possibilities of styles and colors are nearly endless. You can have tables with glass tops or solid wood. You can have chairs that emphasize metal, or chairs that feature wood. You can have upholstered chairs, or even opt for a pub table with barstools.

When choosing the right dinette set for your needs there are a few things to consider. You need to know how many people will be eating at the dinette set on a regular basis. If the norm will be a setting of two, pick out a dinette table and chairs accordingly. If you have several children, we have dinette sets to match those needs too.

You will also need to choose a table and chairs to match your practical needs. If counter space in the kitchen is in short supply, you can find tables that are hardy and able to withstand food prep and still look great when it’s time to eat. If the people eating with you are young you can choose chairs that are simple to wipe off after a meal. If they’re older, chairs covered with fabric might be both comfortable and offer a feeling of warmth—not to mention the different color possibilities to match the room.

The next step is to decide what will match your décor. If you have warm, solid wood cabinets in your kitchen, you might want a wooden table with matching chairs. If you have a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, you might consider metal framed chairs and a metal framed table with a glass top. People in the San Francisco area can visit our two locations and discover that we have a variety of styles to meet different tastes. From modern to country. For couples or large families. We can help you pick the perfect dinette set for your needs.

Whether you knew what a dinette was or not, this is a great place to share a more intimate dining experience. Whether with a spouse or with your children, we have dinette sets to help create pleasant meal-time memories.

You’ve decided to throw a dinner party and realize that it’s also a great excuse to replace your outdated dining room set with a new one. The dining room is where you spend a considerable amount of time gathering and entertaining family and friends so making the right choice is especially important. Before you start shopping, however, take into consideration the following criteria to ensure you find a dining room set you’ll be happy with for a long time.

Measure Size and Space.

First, consider the size and shape of the room and how traffic naturally flows through it. You don’t want a dining room set that takes up so much space it impedes the flow of the room, but you need one large enough to accommodate family members and entertaining guests.

Sometimes it’s difficult to visualize the size of furniture in a particular space. Dining room tables can be deceptively large so try taping off the size you want with masking tape on the floor and include several feet around all sides to ensure that you can move around the room comfortably while guests are seated. It will provide a much better sense of how the size of the dining room set works within the space and how movement flows throughout the room.

If space is an issue, consider expandable dining room sets that give you the option of leaves to extend the size of the table as needed for entertaining. Regardless of the size, it’s important to determine your needs for the dining room set.   

Pick a Shape.

The shape of the dining table can influence the overall feel of the space, whether it’s formal or casual. As a general rule of thumb in design, round tables work better in square-shaped spaces and rectangular tables are best suited for similar shaped rooms. An oval table will fill a rectangular-shaped space better than a square one.

Round tables tend to convey a sense of intimacy and are conducive to conversation since there is no head of the table, while rectangular tables instill more formality in a room. It all boils down to identifying your needs and selecting a dining room set that serves its purpose and reflects your lifestyle.

Material Matters.

Choosing the right material for your dining room set can be difficult as there are several factors to consider, including budget, personal taste and ease of care. Solid wood dining sets are timeless, durable and sturdy, and relatively easy to clean. Glass-top tables can make a room feel more spacious and are easy to clean. Laminate wood tables are highly durable, easy to clean and have the look of solid wood, often at a fraction of the price. Prioritize what’s most important in terms of cost, taste and care.

Match Your Style.

Finally, your new dining room set should reflect your personal style and the design of your home. Think about how it works with your other furniture, décor style and color scheme of the room. If the dining room is its own separate space, you might want to consider a more formal dining room set. If, however, the dining area is simply part of an open great room and kitchen space, then a casual-style dining room set might work better. Don’t be afraid to mix and match one style of table with another style of dining room chairs to create a custom look if you don’t find the perfect set. At the end of the day, you want a dining room set that meets your needs and that you’ll continue to love years from now.

It’s past time to get new bar stools for your home. You find the perfect stools that fit into the decor theme of your dining room or kitchen at California Stools, Bars and Dinette Sets. Yet what do you do with the old bar stools? If you can’t gift them to a friend and your college-bound child doesn’t want the bar stools to clutter up his small dorm room, you can repurpose the bar stools into other items that you can use in the inside and outside of your home. Here are several ideas you may want to try to recycle the old bar stools and give them other functions.

SIDE TABLES

Take the night stand idea and make the table longer while adding another barstool as you can instantly make yourself a work desk or sofa table. Use the tables as a new study area for the kids, an extra table in the craft room, or just a decorative table in the corner of the room to hold books and vases. You could also use several of the stools as the base and add a long slab of hard wood to make a dining room table.

SIMPLE DRINK COOLERS 

It’s amazing how far a little ingenuity can take you. If you remove the bar seat and attach a metal bucket on top, you can create an instant drink cooler for your entertaining space. Fill it with ice and set wine coolers (or non-alcoholic drinks) inside as everyone can have a drink without impatiently waiting beside the wet bar. This is a great option for holiday parties, you can scatter a few of these mobile coolers throughout your home, even stocking a few with kid friendly drinks for the younger guests.

NIGHTSTANDS AND END TABLES

Just a dash of paint and you can transform the bar stools into instant nightstands and end tables. If you desire a wider table piece on top, you can attach another piece of wood, either square or round, to the top of the bar stool seat. Keep in mind that the larger the table surface, the top-heavier the nightstand or table will become even with wide legs as bumping a large table surface could make the stool topple over. Pub tables have become very popular and so you could make a mini pub table for the youngsters, with the old stools.

INDOOR/OUTDOOR PLANT STANDS

If you don’t like to drink or host parties, you can use the drink cooler idea and instead place dirt inside the bucket to make a standing planter for hanging plants. Place the planter along the corners of your deck or inside your home by the window where the plants can get plenty of sunshine. You can also place herbs into the bucket to use in your cooking.

As we dive into winter and entertaining festivities are in full swing, you might want to consider a few dining room or kitchen updates that will brighten the room and make it feel like a new space. Even if you can’t afford to redecorate your dining room, some small changes might not be a huge financial burden and can really help to update your space and make it feel like a completely different room in your home.

CHAIR ADDITIONS

If you’re not in love with your current kitchen or dining room table chairs, try adding cushions to them. Cushions are a great way to change the look and feel in your kitchen, dining room, or breakfast bar. Bright colored cushions add a pop of color, and you can even pick a new pattern or texture that brings life to otherwise bland chairs.

If you can, find new dining room chairs to match your dining room table. There aren’t a lot of things that are taboo in the design world nowadays. Pairing modern chairs with an industrial wooden dining room table works in some kitchens. If you can afford to, buying new dining room chairs are a great way to update your dining room, without financing a new dining room table.

ACCENTS

It may seem silly, but adding something new, even if it’s small can change the way your dining room appears. Try adding some new accents on an end table or even to a dining room table centerpiece.

Finding a new table runner, candlesticks or even holiday decorations is a great way to spruce up your dining room, without a huge bill. If you always have your dining room table set , it can be a great time to find a new table cloth or placemats, in a new vibrant shade. This is the easiest way to add a pop of color to the room. You could also add a pub table in a corner of the dining room, this can add a more casual feel and offers guests additional seating during holiday parties. 

NEW DINING TABLE

If you do want to invest in a new dining room table, it could be the perfect time to start browsing. The holidays are over so there’s no immediate need for a formal dining room for the next few months. Look at tables, chairs and even sets. Dining room sets can be a great way to get deals on chairs and a table, while also keeping the design similar.

ADD A THROW RUG OR AN AREA RUG

Have you ever thought about adding a rug in your dining room or even in your kitchen area? It can be a great way to add some warmth and coziness to a room or add a new dimension to existing furniture. Perhaps you could add a rug underneath the dining room table and chairs to make the room feel larger…or add a runner rug to a hallway for some added texture and color.

Consider the type of rug you get for your dining room, as you will be eating over it. Dinner parties have the potential to create a mess, especially with children around, the potential for spilled dishes and drinks is likely with large groups. Make sure that the fabric of the rug you choose for this space, lends itself well to vacuuming or cleaning. The fabric also shouldn’t be thick and dense for the purpose of pushing chairs in and out. There are a lot of options for rugs and knowing what look you are going for will help you decide the style and texture of the rug that will be right for your space.

There are many ways to update your home whether you are on a budget or not. Small changes can make big differences when it comes to presentation and feel of a room. Start small and focus on one room at a time, try different things and don’t be afraid to add some color. At California Stools Bars Dinettes, we have a great selection of dining furniture for your next home update! Check us out and discover your perfect dining set today!

With the holidays right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about bringing the festive spirit into your home, especially if you will be entertaining this year. Whether you are planning to host a get together for a few or a whole lot of friends and family, we’ve got you covered for all your dining table and chair needs, as well as some great ideas for entertaining!

PUB TABLES

With your home in mind, consider the layout and how you’d like your guests to move about as they mingle. Do you want a more casual feel or are you going for a formal dining experience? For either experience, consider using pub tables throughout your home. Pub tables can give height to a room where the seating might otherwise be low, and they can also help to separate the snacks from the main course. You can even use them to set-up a great pie bar for your guests. Pie bars are a great option for displaying the desserts and adding some fun decor to the atmosphere. Consider the following ideas to make your pie bar a fan favorite this holiday season!

OFFER VARIETY

If seating is a concern, you can always add some bar stools to a few of the pub tables, this way your guests have the option of sitting while they dine on the delicious desserts. Offering a variety of desserts is a fun way to brighten up the table. You can also use risers and cake stands to optimize the table space. Pub tables are a great way to highlight special desserts or snacks and with the higher table height, it’s a great way to keep the little ones from digging their fingers in before it’s time to cut the pie!

DIET RESTRICTIONS

Another great way to use the pub table is for separating the special foods from the regular foods. Gluten-free and dairy-free options are a great addition to any holiday meal since so many people have dietary allergies and restrictions. You could make one of the pie bars the diet restriction table, where alternative desserts and pies are available. This helps your guests identify the options and make no mistake with the foods they eat. There is nothing worse than accidentally eating something your body doesn’t agree with, it’s a good way to ruin an otherwise festive and fun holiday get together.

So grab your best table cloths and start brainstorming on your upcoming holiday bash. Here at California Stools Bars Dinettes, we are here to help with a variety of pub tables, bar stools and dining sets to make your holiday entertaining easier and more fun!