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You’ve decided to throw a dinner party and realize that it’s also a great excuse to replace your outdated dining room set with a new one.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!

When it comes to finding the perfect dining room table for your home and your family there are various factors to consider. Look at different finishes, colors and how it fits into your dining area. Also consider height, as it may influence the feel or look of the dining room as well. Dining room tables come in three common types.

TYPICAL HEIGHT

This is the most common height of dining room tables. Standard height tables typically range from 28-30 inches high. Most people consider them to be the most comfortable and most traditional types of dining room tables.

STANDARD BAR HEIGHT

Bar height tables aren’t as high as pub tables, but they do come in as one of the tallest types of dining room tables. Bar height dining room tables typically measure in at around 40-42 inches high, hitting you at the hip or waist. While pub tables can come up to chest height or slightly lower, that height of table is much more commonly found in a bistro-styled pub table.

Bar height tables are a very relaxed and casual dining room table. Bar dining room tables aren’t as big and don’t seat as many people as a traditional standard height dining room table might. They’re perfect for smaller families, or as eat in kitchen dining room tables.

COUNTER HEIGHT

This type of dining room table is slightly less traditional but lends itself well to a crowded family dining room, surrounded by conversation. The counter height dining room table is typically 34-36 inches high. These tables are higher and can also be used for kitchen prep, as they’re not too low to stand around.

MAKING YOUR SELECTION

Always remember to take into consideration the space you have for a dining room table. If you don’t have a formal dining room to relegate a large table off to, consider purchasing a smaller table meant to fit into a smaller space. Eat in kitchen dining room tables are also becoming very popular in more modern homes, getting rid of the disconnect between the hub of the kitchen and the separate formal dining room.

If you’re looking for a table that will offer you flexibility, look for a smaller bistro table, which could make your kitchen a more flexible space. There are many options of dining room tables that you can choose from and incorporate into your home. Try out a table with benches rather than stools or chairs. Find the perfect dining room table, height, finish and all for you.

Have you started thinking about the holidays? Before you know it, they will be here and if you are going to be hosting friends and family during the festive season, it’s time to start thinking about the dinner table, dining room sets, and of course, how you want it to look. The presentation is important, but it’s not everything. Comfort will keep your guests happy, so gather your most comfortable dining chairs and barstools, and get to planning. When it comes to the table, remember that it doesn’t have to be fancy or cost you loads of money to make it look camera ready. A simple décor can impress your guests and it only takes a few basic items to achieve success. And don’t forget seating for the little guests, they could even have their own special table! You could put a pub table, or a smaller dining set off to the side of your main table, that way the kids still feel included. If you begin planning now, you won’t have to stress when the festivities roll around. We’ve outlined a few ideas below, to help with your planning process.

GUEST SEATING

If you’ve got a lot of family and friends heading to your house for turkey dinner or for some fun game nights, you’ll want to make sure you have enough seats for everyone invited. Dining room sets make it easy by matching your table and chairs, and then you can add extra kitchen chairs or barstools to fill in around the table. You could add some fun restaurant chairs to the mix or place a few barstools around the room to give your guests a variety of seating. It might be a good idea to have a few extra chairs in case you have some unexpected guests show up.

TABLE OPTIONS

Depending on your space, you may need a few smaller dinettes, rather than one large dining table. There are some great options for dinette tables, like metal or wood dinettes. Perhaps you could create a large table by pushing several smaller tables together…the possibilities are endless!

FOR THE LITTLE GUESTS

And let’s not forget the little guests! Creating a separate space for the kids to eat can be fun for all and it frees up more seats around the main dining table. Pub tables are a great way to add some height to the room and give the kids a feeling of inclusion. You could add some extra kitchen stools to the pub tables, including some with backs if you are concerned about them falling off the stools.

FESTIVE DÉCOR

And finally, the table décor. It can be easy to make a beautiful table if you keep it simple and elegant. Fresh flowers are a lovely way to add elegance or you could gather some pine cones from outside, along with some different colored leaves, and scatter them around the table for a fall feel. Table linens are a wonderful way to protect your dining tables and they help to add character to the presentation. Consider mixing different fabrics together, it isn’t necessary to have everything match. Get some butcher paper and crayons to cover the smaller dinette tables. Kids and adults love to color while seated and it can be a great way to keep the kids occupied while the parents enjoy their meal.

Whatever you decide, remember the most important factor is the seating. Everyone will feel included if they have a seat somewhere around the table. If you’ve got a combination of dining sets, bistro tables, and pub tables, just make sure you have the right seating for each table. And don’t forget to count yourself, it’s a common oversight of hosts to forget themselves! Starting your planning early will give you the time to make your dining table perfect for the holidays.

As the leaves turn and our jackets and boots become fashion staples, it’s time to start thinking about our fall entertaining for upcoming holidays and celebrations. Now that summertime has come to an end, it’s time to put the deck furniture in storage and change the lighter décor for the warmer decorations that invoke cozy feelings. Furniture plays a big role in the feel of your home and Fall is a great time to change things up and consider adding some pieces that encourage lounging and togetherness.

Some things to think about when you are redecorating and preparing for entertaining include number of guests you plan to host, menu and where you’d like your guests to settle in and sit. The following are some tips and suggestions for entertaining this fall;

SEATING IS KEY

Knowing how many guests you will be entertaining is helpful because you will want to be sure to have enough seating for everyone. If your space isn’t very large, consider adding a few pub tables to save space. Mixing it up with various size tables and chairs helps create a festive atmosphere for your guests.

MAKE IT COZY

If you have a fireplace mantel, an entry table, or a built-in bookcase, these would all be great areas to generate a fall “cozy” atmosphere. You can use branches in different rooms in your home. Gather interesting branches from your yard or a neighbor’s yard. Curling, gnarled, and colorful branches add extra character and can add dimension to an otherwise bland space. A comfy chair could bring a softer feel to a room and throwing a few decorative pillows with a soft throw could turn a space into a warm, inviting area that is sure to become a favorite spot.

REMEMBER THE KIDS

When the weather turns cold, your family tends to spend more time indoors. Seating may be limited so consider investing in some fun chairs that you can scatter around the community areas in your home. Dress up some dining chairs and mix it up, everyone will feel welcome if they have a place to sit.

FOCUS ON ONE AREA

Redecorating can be expensive if you try and do your entire home. You can add some wonderful details and even focus on one particular room in your house without breaking the bank. Add a couple wooden stools near the fireplace to complete a cozy feel in your living room, it doesn’t take much to create a festive and warm setting, just tap your creativity and find your favorite barstools on our website at www.castoolsbarsdinettes.com.

The kitchen is where you provide nourishment for yourself and your family. It is where loved ones come together during the holidays and special gatherings. The kitchen provides our sustenance through food, but it’s also where special connections are made with friends and family. We’ve started to see a lot of homes embrace a more communal living design, and the kitchen is no exception. A more traditional, small kitchen with little space for sitting and entertaining seems to be a thing of the past, as we see more dining/kitchen combinations popping up in home designs. The more open the floor plan in the kitchen is, that includes room for entertaining, is better and has become more and more popular.

Well-Planned Space

A well-planned kitchen ideally has enough space to promote a productive work environment. The less cramped the room is, the more likely it is that you’ll have the bulk of your entertaining centered in the kitchen. A good size kitchen can also increase the value of your home and ranks high on the list of most important features and rooms for home buyers and shoppers. Kitchen renovations help streamline old spaces and offer new ways to decorate and furnish. As the kitchen blends with the dining room and living space, the opportunity to incorporate some fun chairs and even a few pub tables makes the renovation process exciting.

Choosing Furniture

Deciding on which furniture to use in the kitchen can be tricky but one thing you’ll want to remember is that comfort is most important. If you know your guests and family will mostly converge in the kitchen, you’ll want the seating to both reflect the style of your room, but also provide comfortable places to sit. Consider mixing it up by adding some stools under small tables or put a smaller bistro or pub table in one corner so there is both low and high seating available. Doing this can give some depth to a room that might feel small to begin with, so the variation in seating can project a larger feel.

Start Somewhere

Making changes can be hard but if you want to continue with the tradition of your kitchen being the heart of your home, start small and work into larger changes as you feel comfortable. Sometimes it can change the entire feel of the kitchen by moving furniture and adding a couple of dining chairs or barstools against a bare wall. Get creative and try some different ideas until you find the look that feels most natural. Shop our website to find your next addition to your heart of the home!

When it comes to dining sets, they come in all shapes, sizes, styles and material selections. The dining set you want will depend on your particular needs and preferences, for example, what is good for a friend or neighbor may not be ideal for your living arrangements. To help you narrow down the choices, here are some things to take into consideration when selecting a dining set.

Making It Match

When people purchase new furniture, they are usually only buying a single thing at a time to replace worn or broken items. Unfortunately, buying items piece-meal can end up making the interior design of the dining room space feel mismatched as it clashes with the rest of the decor. Instead, purchasing matching tables and chairs allows you to maintain the design style you desire.

How Many are Coming to Dinner, and for the Holidays

Size does matter when it comes to furniture as you want enough seating for everyone in your family. Take into consideration the number of people who will eat at the table on a daily schedule, and how many people will stop by for holiday dining. Then you can decide whether to get a regular table and just increase seating with an extra bench if a few people stop by, or if you need a larger table to accommodate a big family on a regular basis.

Consider Room Flow

You might have a small room where a large dining room table would take up too much space. Yet you need to have enough places for all your family to sit. Consider investing in a dining table with leaves that fold up when dining and fold down to provide more space. Then you won’t have to worry about banging thighs and arms into the edge of the table as you try to squeeze by.

Smaller May Be Better

Don’t get a big table just because you are used to seeing one at your grandparent’s house. If you will only need seating for two to four people, consider getting a smaller bistro or pub tables. These dining sets are better for smaller dining rooms, kitchens, and breakfast nooks. You can save space and have the desired eating location for yourself and a loved one.

Before going out and buying a dining set, always make sure to measure the room space. These measurements can help you narrow down table sizes so you don’t accidentally purchase a dining set that is too large or too small for the room. Also, take into consideration your future needs if you will be having children, as you want the table to accommodate high chairs and later regular chairs as the child grows. Lastly, think about comfort and maintenance. You may want to get chairs with upholstered cushions to relax in, or retro chairs with vinyl cushions that are easier to clean.

Home office spaces are on the rise across the country. While some entrepreneurs decide on having a workspace out of the home, others see a home office as a way to save on costs while still being available to do things for the family throughout the day. Typical home office furnishings usually include an office desk and chair so you can sit in front of the computer and take phone calls. There may also be a wall unit or bookcase to hold folders, books, and binders used in your business operations.

Yet what about having furniture for clients? You may operate a business where clients occasionally meet to discuss projects. You may also want a meeting place for business partners to discuss certain promotional events or product lines. Consider pub tables and stools as a convenient way to add seating in a home office.

Pub Tables as Work Surfaces

When you are considering furniture pieces to add more surface space to fill out documents and go over brochures, a regular table may not be appropriate for a home office that doesn’t have its own designated space. A regular table in a home office that is part of a living room, dining room or kitchen can eat up space and limit walking room by changing the floor plan.

Instead, consider a pub table as a great work surface. A pub table has a higher profile and usually comes in a more rounded shape. It offers enough room for two people to work without being too large, unlike a regular table where a person has to lean over to reach across the table to pass books, documents, and files. In addition, when the pub table isn’t in use, it can act as a simple bookcase to hold binders, potted plants, magazines, or knickknacks. The table is also small enough to be tucked into a corner and out of the way when not in use.

Stools to Provide Extra Seating

When providing seating for clients and partners, sofas aren’t always the best choice in a home office environment. Some clients have problems getting off of deep-seated sofas as they have to sit on the edge of the cushion to sign paperwork at low coffee tables or get up to go over documents at higher desks. If you are placing a pub table into the home office space, consider completing the look with stools that are the right size for the table.

The pub stools are designed with a higher seat so a person simply steps up into it. You could go with a backless stool, a stool with a back for added comfort, or even one that swivels if you plan to turn in the seat to gain access to books or papers on nearby shelves. A stool can also make it easier for people to slip out of the seat versus trying to get up off a deep couch. The stools can also be used in other areas of the house when the home office is not in use, such as at kitchen islands or wet bars.

Pick the right furnishings that work well with the size and floor plan of your home office. Pub tables and stools won’t take up much space in a home office while they can also be used in other areas of the home. Check out our selection of pub tables, stools, and tables on our website, we are confident you will find something to work in your home office.