Blog

When it comes to choosing outdoor furniture or patio furniture, you want to pick the furniture that will last the longest. You want to find furniture made with durable materials, outdoor furniture materials that will fare well in all kinds of weather.

Wicker

Outdoor furniture made with wicker has a perfect beachy feel and is quite popular. Wicker is also known as synthetic resin wicker. Some of the benefits of wicker are that it’s light-weight and easy to rearrange. It’s also highly durable with its synthetic materials. Most wicker furniture is made with aluminum frames, so it’s more durable that it seems and is low maintenance.

Teak Wood

Teak wood furniture is known as some of the best material for durability. As one of the most durable outdoor furniture, it handles all-weather well. Teak wood produces its own oil, so it has a unique finish, different than other natural material woods. It’s surface is also very strong, and is more resistant to dings or dents.

Some teak furniture is known to last up to 50 years and is an excellent choice compared to other woods. It outlasts pine and cedar, as they have to be stored during the winter, and teak fares well in all weather conditions in an outdoor space. If you’re looking for a great outdoor dining table, teak wood would make a great table top.

While teak wood is still pretty light and easy to move, it does require some upkeep. Because of the natural absorption of the wood, it can also soak up any rot, mildew and mold.

Wrought Iron

If you’re looking for a more industrial look, wrought iron is a great material for outdoor furniture. It’s one of the most durable materials, that requires the least amount of upkeep. Iron furniture is much heavier than other materials, so it may be slightly harder to rearrange on your patio.

Steel

While wrought iron is a great choice, steel is another durable choice for metal furniture. Steel is iron with carbon mixed into it, to help prevent rust and add more strength. It does require a little work to coat the steel, to effectively make it resistant to rust. Steel does offer a lot of strength and support, but in most household’s aluminum is a great choice if you’re looking for a strong material.

Take Away

When it comes to finding the best outdoor furniture for you it depends on what exactly you’re looking for when it comes to the different materials. You need to consider if you’re looking for something that will last the longest, but may need a bit of upkeep, like steel. Maybe you’re looking for something that’s quite strong, but won’t last as long. If you’re looking for something relatively durable, but lightweight and easy to move, wicker might be perfect for you.

Investing in furniture that’s going to grow with you and your family can be tricky. You want to find the best pieces that will grow with your needs, or your space. Whether you already have a family, or live alone, buying furniture that will serve multiple purposes for years to come is always your best bet. Some of the furniture that gets the most use and serves the most purposes is your dining room furniture. Here’s what to look for to find the best furniture to grow with.

Dining room tables

There are many different types of dining room tables that will suit your home or family, but some of the best kinds are styles that will grow with you. If you live alone, and have no need for a large complete dining room table set, you might choose to invest in a smaller bistro table or breakfast bar.

Finding something small that suits you and a few guests is perfect. You can seat yourself, and a few others while you’re living in a smaller place. If you do move into a larger apartment or house, and the number of occupants in your home increases, a bistro table or breakfast bar will work perfectly as a desk in another room. If you move into a larger space and want to have both a formal dining room, and an eat-in kitchen, your smaller bistro table will work perfectly as a breakfast nook.

Breakfast nooks are ideal for families that are on the go. While dinner is prepared, children can sit in the kitchen and work on homework, rather than sitting at a larger formal dining room table in another room.

If you’re interested in finding the perfect dining room table but are unsure as to how much space you’ll have in the future, finding a table with leaves is perfect. If you typically have a smaller number of dining guests then you can take the leaves out and store them, functioning with a smaller table. For special occasions that warrant more dinner guests, the leaves are easily inserted, making the table much longer, and accommodating more guests.

Bar stools

If you’re investing in bar stools, there are ways to get more use out of them at later dates. If you live in a smaller apartment and only have a breakfast bar as your dining area, you may have the need to invest in a couple of bar stools. Try finding them in materials that will be suitable for outdoor use, as well. Eventually, if you move into a larger space, with an outdoor area, you could use them as outdoor stools.

Finding furniture that you like can be tricky, but finding pieces that you can fit into your current space is even harder. If you buy smart and invest in pieces that can have multiple uses in the long run, you’ll always get the best deal for your investment.

A huge trend these days is having outdoor entertaining space. If you want to kick it up a notch, you can even add an outdoor kitchen, with the ability to cook all while hanging on the back deck with family and friends. Whether you just want a nice place to eat outside, or cook a full meal, you’ll need outdoor furniture. We’ve got some suggestions for what pieces might work best.

Patio Bar

If you’ve got a patio bar to serve a wide variety of beverages out of, you might consider investing in some bar stools. If your outdoor bar is high enough, it might become a fun place to congregate with a cool drink or two. Find some comfortable and durable barstools for your guests to sit on. The most important part of outdoor furniture is making sure it gets covered or is stored in a covered area. If not your old barstools might become rusty, chipped and dirty.

If it’s time to invest in some new stools, find them at California Stools, Bars and Dinettes. Whether you invest in wooden stools, or metal bar chairs with backs, you can find them here. They have a wide variety of barstools available for whatever your outdoor needs are.

Patio Tables

If you’re looking for dinette sets for your patio, look no further. You’ll find a wide variety of patio sets available. Most outdoor furniture chairs are more reclined, like a lounger chair. And some chairs can be quite low to the ground. Outdoor chairs are sometimes lower to the ground, for various reasons, like being closer to a low-to-the-ground fire pit. You can find smaller or larger tables depending on the size that you want, and the amount of people that you want to entertain.

If you’re looking for a smaller table try looking at bistro tables, as they tend to be smaller and much better suited for smaller groups. Some people prefer having higher tables, like pub tables, outdoors. The pub stools, or bar stools, also lend themselves well to being around perfect bar height, and can function at an outdoor bar as well.

One of the drawbacks of higher tables, is that chairs aren’t suited for moving around the patio, and sitting around a firepit, just because of their height.

Take Away

You can re-purpose almost any furniture to be great for a patio or deck. Some materials and finishes are better suited for outdoors, as it’s best to invest in durable materials. Another key bit of advice is to always cover up your outdoor furniture, as it will prolong the life of your tables and chairs.

Choosing the right table for your space or your lifestyle can be hard. You should consider how often you use your formal dining room, how often you entertain, and where you envision the table within your home.

Shape

There are many different sizes and shapes of dining room tables and dining room sets. There are four basic shapes to tables, and we’re here to break down the best size for you. Consider giving each person eating and give them two feet of space at the table.

Round shaped tables typically seat four people comfortably, and can fit in a smaller room or space. An oval shaped table can accommodate more people, more around 6-10 people. Oval tables are better for longer or more narrow rooms.

If you’re looking for a more square or rectangular table, it depends on the space you have in your house for a dining room table. Most square tables seat four people comfortable, but rectangular tables, like oval shapes, can often seat around 6-10. It depends on what you need in your home.

Leaf

If you have a small space for a dining room table set, but you want to entertain rather frequently, a drop-leaf table might be the best option for you. If you’re expecting a larger party add a leaf into the table to make it bigger. It might squeeze the space a little, but it’s not the permanent size of the table, so you can work around it for the dinner party. The seam that a leaf creates in a table can also be easily hidden with a table runner.

Table Accessories

If you’re investing some time or money into your new dining room table, and the feel of your dining room, here are some suggestions.

If you eat family style a lot, it could be worth your time and headache to invest in a Lazy Susan for your table. Consider the lighting that you have above your dining room table. Perhaps you want to invest in a new light fixture. Remember that a light fixture should always hang at least 30 inches up from the table’s surface. If you’re picking out new chairs to go with your table, don’t be afraid to shy away from matching chairs. It’s fun and trendy to mix and match styles of dining room table and chairs now. Mix an industrial table, with formal wooden chairs and benches, for example.

Take Away

The options for dining room tables and dining room table sets are really endless. It depends on the space you have, and what you need the table for. If you’re going to be entertaining often, consider a larger table, and if you don’t have the space for one, think about at table that can expand for those larger diner parties.

In the search for dining room tables, you may stumble upon bar or bistro tables, or other dining room tables with different heights. Let’s break down which table is best for you and your needs.

Standard Height Tables

Standard height dining room tables typically measure from 28-30 inches tall. Standard tables come in lots of shapes and sizes and should be the easiest to find. They’re common because people view them as the most comfortable table to sit at, because they’re feet touch the ground. They’re also better for disabled people, as a bar height table would be too high for someone who sits in a wheelchair.

Standard tables are also considered to be more formal than taller tables, and fit better into a formal dining room.

Counter Height Tables

Counter height tables can measure anywhere from 34-36 inches tall. Counter tables aren’t see as formal tables as they can also be a great table to stand around. Some use counter height tables in their kitchen to help with prep work. Counter height tables are also great for entertaining as they’re at a very comfortable height for people to stand around. You can still use taller or higher chars to sit at a counter height table.

Bar Height Tables

Bar height tables come in as the tallest height, requiring a taller chair or stool, like a barstool, to be sat at. This type of table is commonly used in bars and pubs, but is also growing in popularity for home-use. Bar height tables usually range from 40-42 inches tall.

Pub tables are seen as extremely casual, as the difference between sitting on a barstool or standing at the table is very minimal. The added benefit of bar or pub tables is that they can typically fit in places where formal dining room tables wouldn’t. Pub tables can be a great choice for a smaller home or tiny apartment, where the space for a dining room table doesn’t exist. They’re perfect for creating a casual atmosphere.

The Right Table for You

Choosing the right table isn’t easy. Be sure to know the space you’re working with. If you have a smaller space, a smaller table might be right for you. A taller table, like a pub table might also work well in a smaller space. If you plan to entertain and serve meals in a more formal setting, you may want to stick to a standard height table, as it will best suit your needs and the needs of your guests.

While some homeowners or renters are looking for full dining room sets, most current urban dwellings don’t allow the space to have a formal dining room. As a culture, we’re shifting away from the formal dining room and moving toward eat-in kitchens and breakfast bars or nooks. Some formal dining rooms rarely see use, perhaps once or twice a year, and are being re-purposed for other things like home offices. If you’re looking to move your main dining area into the kitchen, or you simply don’t have a dining room, there are plenty of smaller dining sets to use in a kitchen setting.

Size and layout

Evaluate the layout of your kitchen. Do you have a breakfast bar to utilize? Some smaller apartments offer breakfast bars, perfect for barstools, rather than a formal dining room table. It can be a great way to save on space in an otherwise cramped apartment.

Maybe there’s an area of your kitchen that would be perfect for a breakfast nook. Is there a bench or window seat built in to your apartment? Consider using that as a portion of seating for your dining area, and only investing in two to three chairs. You could try pushing a table up against a wall to save space in your kitchen. If two of you live in a house and only use two chairs, push it up against the wall, to make more space. If you have dinner guests, the table can always be pulled out and more chairs can be used.

Another great space saver for a smaller kitchen is benches for seating. Benches can always be pushed under tables to create more space when the table isn’t being used. Another great space addition is adding a breakfast bar or high top table to your kitchen counter. Use it as a counter extension or an island in your kitchen. If you lack counter space, the addition of this table could help provide more space to prep food and eat.

Table ideas for a small kitchen

An easy solution to an apartment with a smaller kitchen, and no dining room is a bistro table. Bistro tables are small and not heavy. They’re the perfect eat-in kitchen solution, and they come in many sizes.

Dinette sets are also a great idea for a smaller kitchen. Dinettes are smaller dining tables that can seat two to four people. They fit perfectly in a breakfast nook or kitchen.

Take away

A great way to maximize space is utilizing a bistro table or dinette set.  It can be a great way to  create an eat-in kitchen, or just a good way to maximize space.

Instead of heading out for an expensive dinner on Valentine’s Day, try cooking a meal in with your partner or family. It saves money, and eliminates the stress of getting ready to go out. Your dining room may take a little transformation to imitate a dimly lit romantic bistro, but it can be done. Here are our suggestions:

Use a Tablecloth. Using a tablecloth completely changes the feel of a room. If you have a dark wooden table, lighten it up with a white lacy cover. Or try for the not-so-subtle deep red tablecloth. People don’t use table cloths often, because they get dirtier easily. Valentine’s Day is a special occasion, and it well qualifies for a tablecloth. Cloth napkins up the fancy factor here too, if you have some on hand.

Candles. This one is obvious. A little mood lighting changes the feel of any meal. This isn’t specific to romantic dinners either, as candles are a great dining room table addition at the holidays, birthdays, etc.

If you’ve ever eating a meal in a swanky restaurant’s dining room, you’ve noticed that the lights are dimmed, and the candles are lit. This is a simple way to make the night feel special. If you can dim the lights in your dining room, do. If you have candles lit, this will add to the ambiance.

Add some flowers, because fresh flowers always make a day feel special. Get whatever kind of flowers you can. Valentine’s Day isn’t limited roses anymore. Any kind of flowers will spruce up a dining room table, and show that you care. Remember though, if you’re buying flowers that are scented you may want to use unscented candles.

Do some research on how to formally set a table. Consider what food you’re cooking, and make sure you have all the proper utensils on the table. Add a pitcher of lemon and ice water onto the table for a more formal restaurant-like touch.

Pick some music to help set the mood. Music choice is up to you and your preferences. If Valentine’s dinner is a family affair, pick something for everyone. If it’s you and your partner, go for something slower, and more romantic.

Remember Valentine’s Day is about showing love and appreciation for your partner and family. If you burn a casserole, or forget to chill the wine, don’t worry. It’s about trying to do something nice, and the effort is what really matters. If you’re not a chef extraordinaire, ask for help cooking. Make it fun in the kitchen, and surprise with a really fancy dining room table setting.

At the start of the new year, one can crave newness. 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 new.

New Chair Accents

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 vibe in your kitchen, dining room, or breakfast nook. Cushions add a pop of color, pattern or texture.

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.

Accessories

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 have your dining room table set at all times, 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.

New Dining Room 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.

Rugs

If you’ve never thought about adding a rug in your dining room, it can be a great way to add some warmth and coziness to your dining room. Putting a rug underneath the dining room table and furniture. Try to find a rug that extends at least 18 inches beyond the table. This will allow the table and chairs to stay entirely on the rug at all times, even when the chairs are pushed in and out.

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 high. 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.

Pub tables can have a great function within your home. They don’t have to be used as the standard eating table anymore, they can serve many other functions. They come in many shapes, sizes and materials. They may come with a rectangular and circular tabletop, be built to different heights, and be made from various materials, such as wood or metal. Check out how you can use them alternatively in your home.

In the living room

If you’ve ever needed an end table for holding coffee table books or photo frames, may we suggest using a pub table? Pub tables in the living room can be a great way to change up the planes of your living room. With coffee tables, chairs and sofas, all at similar levels, it can be a nice change to include a slightly higher table off to the side. It can be used for multiple things, a small stack of books or perhaps a place where you can work as well. You could also put a pub table directly behind any couch. It could function as a small dining table for casual dinners watch a movie. Rather than mess up the couch by eating on it, try using a pub table in the living room as your snack headquarters during a movie or a big game. A pub table could be the perfect fit for what you’re looking for in your living room. Add bar stools to complete the look!

 In the kitchen

 A pub table is also a great table to be used for dining. If you have a formal dining room, and only a small space for an eat-in kitchen table, try using a pub table. It’s a great table to use as a kitchen table, and a great space to use for kids doing homework or more. Using a pub table as a sort of breakfast bar or breakfast nook is a great way to incorporate one into a smaller space in your kitchen.

In your office

If you have a small room in your home that you’ve always wanted to turn into an office, it could be the perfect spot for a pub table. A pub table is much smaller and lighter than most official desks are, and is probably more affordable for a home office. It’s the perfect place for a couple of file folders, your laptop and a mug full of pens or pencils. If you don’t have an office in your home, a pub table could be the perfect thing to put off to the side of your living room and use as a makeshift desk.

In the Entry

A pub table is a wonderful addition to the entry of your home as a great entryway table, a place to use for car keys, purses, sunglasses and more.

Take a look at the space in your home and see where a pub table could be a great use to you. If you’ve wanted to redesign, try incorporating a pub table into the mix. Pub tables are one of those very versatile pieces of furniture that you can incorporate into many areas of your home. Check out our pub tables for purchase today here.

It’s the season of giving…or throwing holiday get-togethers. Here are some tips and tricks for rearranging the furniture in your house to be more conducive to parties and gatherings.

Repurposing furniture

There are many ways to organize your existing furniture to perfectly set the scene for a holiday party, you just have to get creative. Purchasing one or two new pieces of furniture could also be a great idea. If you’ve been waiting for the excuse of the holidays to purchase a new dining room table, it’s the time to buy. Perhaps keep your old table, for overflow seating, or use it as a kids’ table for a holiday meal.

The Entryway

De-clutter your entryway. Guests should feel comfortable as they enter your home. Make sure the entryway highlights the route that they should take to the main gathering area. If your entry way is separated from the living room or kitchen, it can be helpful to leave guests space to hang coats or set down bags.

Make sure that there are areas for flow of traffic. Make sure that dining room tables or couches are moved out of the way of the main walkways in your home.

Areas for Food and Drink

Keep food and drink stations separate to avoid traffic jams in one area of the home. Giving guest two destinations to hit, ensures that people will circulate through the house. Tapas, hors d’oeuvres or buffet-style serving is best for larger holiday parties. People typically don’t expect to sit down formally, and will be used to eating small bites or with a plate on their lap.

Get people to mingle by placing small appetizers on pub or bistro tables. It’s easier to mingle at a higher table, and doesn’t require the commitment of finding a seat.

Seating areas

Create seating areas for smaller groups of people to gather at. Be sure that there’s enough seating, but not too much. If there are too many seats, people will tend to never leave their seat, and never mingle with the rest of the party. A good tip is to not set furniture too far apart from each other. You don’t want guests leaning across coffee tables to try and hear one another.