Often, patio furniture is a distant afterthought to normal home decorating. Upon moving into a new home or redecorating a current home, most of us either put up with whatever old patio furniture we have or, somehow, we forego patio furniture altogether, perhaps forgetting just how pleasant it can be to “live” outdoors when the weather allows. Out of sight, out of mind, as the old saying goes, and that typically applies to patio furniture as much as anything else in your home.

Your patio furniture shouldn’t be seen as just a few things that people can sit on while they’re outside. Rather, if you reconsider your outdoor space entirely, spend a little more time in your home’s yard or yards, you will quickly see why so many of your friends and neighbors are creating outdoor living spaces where they’re spending much of their family and social time. Of course, you’d be wise to leave your favorite comfortable furniture inside when you make your move outside, but you’ll still want to be comfortable.

Choosing a selection of quality, complementary patio furniture is your first step in taking advantage of the better weather of spring and summer to spend more time outside. Many people are reluctant to invest in quality patio furniture because it’s something that “just sits outside in the weather.” Well, ironically, spending a little extra on patio furniture will typically result in a more durable, more weather-proof patio furniture set. Sure, you could buy the cheapest patio furniture you could find, but you’d be back doing the same thing rather quickly. For the same combined price, you can go out and find something of quality, something comfortable, something stylish, something that helps your enjoyment of your yard and your hard-earned down time.

First, resist the urge to go small. In other words, don’t just buy enough patio furniture to seat your immediate family. One of the best parts about moving toward more outside time is the opportunity to socialize with friends and extended family. A yard is a great gathering spot, you are sure to find, and buying a simple table with only four chairs, will leave people standing and uncomfortable quickly. As strange as it may seem at first, buy twice as many chairs as you might think you’ll need; you’ll be glad you did the first time everyone has a seat.

Beyond just being weather-resistant and abundant, your patio furniture is going to need to be comfortable. Solid, stable patio chairs that swivel, rock gently, or both, are underappreciated, or at the least taken for granted. It’s a subtle thing, but patio chairs that move a bit allow for more comfort, more relaxation, and easier conversation.

Now, with all of those comfortable, gently rocking, patio chairs in mind, you’re going to need a slightly larger table than you at first envisioned. There are myriad choices in table surface options and much of your surface choice will be a simple matter of style. Do note, however, that cleaning some surfaces is easier than other, and some are more easily cleaned than others with, say, a pressure washer or garden hose. Some people enjoy the rugged durability and easy care of tile or stone surfaces, others prefer the simple style and easier care of glass. Remember, the glass surface tables are tempered and extremely durable but they are made of glass; children of certain ages and personalities could probably find a way to break it if left unattended.

Glass surface, stone surface, metal surface, or something else altogether, your patio table and patio chairs will get much of the focus as it is where friends and family will gather while you are entertaining. Conventionally, when most of us think of patio furniture we are thinking of table and chairs.

If you’re taking notice of the trend toward outdoor living space, though, you’ll notice that there is nearly no end to the patio furniture available to today’s customer. Just about any piece of conventional interior furniture can be replicated outdoors. Yes, that means you can arrange a patio furniture setting that adds a sitting and reading area, complete with couches, love seats, even recliners and ottomans. Since your yard is likely larger than your living room, family room, or dining room, the only limit to your exterior design ideas is your imagination.

Obviously, it all starts with your patio furniture. Choose a comfortable area that has a nice combination of shade and sun at the right times of day (think late afternoon and early evening…barbeque season) and then go about surrounding it with a quality set of patio table and patio chairs. If you find yourself enjoying your outdoor environs as much as we think you will, though, you’ll be adding to your outdoor patio furniture collection before you know it.

Outdoor living becomes just a little addictive. Plan on enjoying, in fact relishing, your time outside, in your comfortable patio furniture, with your friends and family at your side. Rather than sitting inside to eat dinner or socialize, beautiful spring or summer weather glistening outside, spend your evening hours enjoying the longer hours of sunlight. Relax outside and watch the sunset; work steals most of your daylight hours, so take some of them back by plopping yourself down in your quality patio furniture with your favorite beverage in your hand.

If you’re worried about getting cold out there as the day wanes, or as the season extends, well, you’re going to want to keep things warm and comfy. You can extend the season in which you relax comfortably in your patio furniture by implementing something as simple as a propane-powered patio heater or something as involved as an ornate outdoor fire pit. Either way, by the time the season starts to wind down, you’re going to have really hit your stride out there and not want to revert to the boring indoors. You’re going to want to be warm and comfortable out there so that you can stay out there even longer.

Happy days in your outdoor spaces!

Homes come in all shapes, styles and decor preferences. The dining room furniture you choose should fit into the look and feel of a home so it makes a cozy setting and dining area to enjoy meals and host dinner parties. There are a number of different materials used for dining room tables.

From traditional wood to modern metal, the type of materials you pick should be based on your design preferences, the look it will lend to a room, and your budget. Let’s examine some of the most common types of materials used for these wonderful tables.

METAL TABLES

Whether you are looking for a modern or an industrial look, metal tables can impress people by making a flashy and bold statement. Most metal tables are made from stainless steel yet people may also find recycled metal tables out on the market if they want to make a more environmentally-conscious purchase (steel is completely recyclable and most steel products are made with 25% up to 100% recycled materials). For a more decorative wrought-iron appearance, people may purchase a dining table with metal decorative legs and place on a glass tabletop surface.

GLASS TABLES

Glass tables add a touch of elegance and style to any dining room. The table will have a glass top with either glass, metal or wooden table legs. Most glass tables are found in round shapes although you can find large rectangular glass tables to accommodate bigger family gatherings. Glass dining room tables can be clear or frosted depending on your preferences. Glass tables can show smudges and fingerprints more than any other table surface, so extra care must be taken to keep the surface looking clean. Also be careful of sharp edges when you have children playing or rushing through the room.

SOLID WOOD TABLES

Wood tables have been the mainstay of dining rooms across the country and are a popular option. A solid wood table invites a warm and welcoming feeling for the people who will be sitting down and enjoying a meal together. Hardwood is more preferable than softwood as it is durable enough to withstand the nicks and scrapes if the table is used for multiple purposes such as an office desk, craft table or study area. Common types of hardwood used for tables include mahogany, maple oak, teak, and walnut. If a person selects softwoods, they may choose pine, ash, or white cedar. Solid wood tables can be more expensive based on the type of rare wood that is used and how it is harvested. Solid wood tables can be fixed with sanding and refinishing.

RECLAIMED WOOD TABLES

Reclaimed wood has been growing in popularity during the recent years as the environmentally-conscious choice of having a real solid wood table that doesn’t require cutting down additional trees. The reclaimed wood can come from a number of places such as barns, factories, businesses and even railroad ties. This natural wood often will have imperfections such as knots and saw cuts lending an antique or vintage appearance. People love this type of wood when they are looking for a rustic or country cottage decor style. Since there has been an increase of demand for reclaimed wood furniture, the prices for these tables have risen because of the scarcity of finding the wood.

COMPOSITE WOOD TABLES

Cheaper than solid wood or reclaimed wood, composite wood has been used for decades to create dining room tables. The wood consists of pieces of plywood or fiberboard made to look like solid wood. Composite wood may also be engineered wood that are pieces of softwood and hardwood glued and pressed together. Composite wood may have pieces of veneer affixed to the surface, which is real wood cut paper thin. This wood can fit into a multitude of home design themes and can withstand some abuse from kids and pets. Unlike solid wood tables, composite wood can be more difficult to fix as a person cannot sand it too much due to the thinness of the veneer.

LAMINATE TABLES

While laminate tables look like wood, they are not real solid wood or composite wood tables. Instead, it is normally made out of plastic. The surface is imprinted with a wood grain appearance so that they look like real wood. The interesting thing about laminate tables is that it can be sanded, primed and painted to fix imperfections. Yet a person cannot stain the table as the plastic will not be able to absorb the stain.

STONE TABLES

Stone tables such as a granite or marble tabletop provide a unique design theme to the dining room. The stone can tie in to other stone elements in the dining room or kitchen as they can match tile flooring, kitchen backsplashes and countertops. The stone is durable and strong and the smooth surface can come in a range of colors and designs. The stone table top can have a base made from wood, matching stone or metal. A person should be careful to protect the stone from watermarks and stains that could mar the surface.

PICKING THE RIGHT MATERIALS FOR YOUR DINING ROOM TABLE

With the number of materials out on the market for kitchen tables or dining room tables, selecting the right table for your dining space has to come down to a personal preference. An important factor a person should consider the style of their home and the decor elements present in the room. They should also take into account the amount of space they have for a table, the amount of people who will normally eat meals there, and the possibility of needing extra seating spaces for large gatherings. Shape of the table is something to consider as well, whether you prefer a round table, rectangular table, or oval table. In addition, another important consideration is how often the table will be used. A multipurpose table will experience more wear-and-tear than a dining room table only used during special occasions. Also, children and pets can cause a great amount of wear to tables, as the tables must be safe for children while standing up to rigorous use.

Asking the professionals here at California Stools, Bars, and Dinettes can allow a person to select the right type of dining room table that will fit into their desires and their budget. Our experienced staff can find out the details about the home, available space, the particular colors that the person likes, and what kind of budget they have. Then we can give the best advice on the best dining room table as the person can select the perfect table from one of our available three Bay Area locations.

Have plenty of space to eat meals while enjoying the beauty of new dining room furniture that fits perfectly into the space. Get a dining room table made out of the materials that you will love at California Stools, Bars and Dinettes.

You have the perfect home bar or restaurant bar. Now you just need the right bar stools. The great thing about bar stools is that they come in various styles and colors that can fit into the style and theme of the room. The perfect bar stool is waiting for you. You just need to follow this simple guide to figure out the right one that you will love for years and will last a lifetime.

Selecting The Right Bar Stools

Style And Comfort Bar stools are available with backs, without backs, upholstery, swivel and adjustable features. Before looking

For bar stools, decide on the type of comfort level you want the stools to offer to anyone sitting down on the seat. Then think about the types of materials that the stool should be made out of as there are gorgeous wood and metal bar stools available.

Bar Stool Height

Height is one of the top factors to consider when purchasing bar stools for homes and restaurants. The stools should be tall enough for a person to eat and drink at the counter or bar table. Yet the seat shouldn’t be so high where a person cannot fit their legs underneath as it makes it hard for them to shift about on the stool.

Standard bar stool heights are about 30 inches to 32 inches for a bar counter or table that is 41 inches to 43 inches tall. Some commercial style bars and tables have extra tall heights of 44 inches to 47 inches as they require bar stools that have a height of 33 inches up to 36 inches.

Bar Seat Width

Seat width is also very important as the width of the seat on the bar stool will dictate the number of stools that can fit at a bar counter or pub table. Bar seats are available in three widths: 15 inch, 17 inch and 21 inch. To determine a seat size, measure the amount of space available at the home or commercial bar.

You should typically have 14 inches of space from the edge of the bar counter to the middle of the bar seat for stools sitting at the ends of the bar. For there to be enough room between multiple bar stools, there should be 28 inches from one bar stool to the next when measuring from the middle of the bar seats. This setup allows people to shift from the bar stool without bumping legs into the stool next to them.

Get The Bar Stools You Need

The right bar stool for you is out there. You simply have to find the right place that can get it for you. Contact California Stools, Bars and Dinettes when you are searching for different styles and features to your bar stools.

When it comes time to purchase a dining room table, you want one that is long-lasting and durable for the many meals that will be eaten there. People will have different ideas and decor preferences for dining tables, yet the most common types of tables are constructed out of wood. There are many wood products and composites out on the market as you need to decide which type of wood to purchase for your dining room table.

Composite Woods

Composite woods such as plywood and particle board are often used for dining room tables because they are inexpensive. Some composite materials also use a combination of hardwoods and softwoods compressed together. You can often tell the difference between a solid wood table and a composite wood table by looking at the end grain which will not feature any growth rings. While composite wood dining tables are inexpensive, they are not sturdy and can be hard to fix it they have scratches or cuts in the surface.

Solid woods

Solid wood dining tables are made from real hardwoods without any composite materials. These dining room tables are sturdy and durable, as they can withstand the daily abuse when the dining room table is also used as the home office workspace and craft table. When a scratch or cut appears, it can usually be repaired so the scratch can no longer be seen. Hardwoods commonly used for tables include maple, oak, mahogany, teak, walnut, and pecan. Hardwood tables are more expensive than composite woods, as some hardwoods are rare and pricey to harvest and manufacture. Solid hardwoods can split as they age.

Some dining room tables are also created from softwoods such as pine. Softwoods can be prone to scratches, stains and dents as they are ideal for dining tables that will not be used often. Pine tables are also ideal for when you are looking for a rustic or ranch style theme for your home.

Veneer Woods

While a table may look like it is solid wood, it can in fact be veneer. Veneer tables are made with a thin piece of wood that is sheered off of a plank. Then this thin layer is glued to a fiber board or plywood material. Veneer wood tables will often have a repeated wood grain across the surface and have seams where the veneer connects along the corners and edges of the table. Veneer wood is cheaper than solid wood but the layer piece can peel up over time. Teak, satinwood, rosewood, and sycamore are common wood types used for veneer.

While picking out a dining room table, consider how often you will use the table, the color and the grain of the wood to decide which one to purchase. You can find the one that fits perfectly into our budget.

Dinette sets are wonderful pieces of dining furniture that are ideal for smaller homes and apartments where every available space is valuable. These dinette sets work in small dining rooms, kitchen nooks and spaces in living rooms. When you are considering a dinette set in your home, there are several factors to consider to pick out the right dining set that the whole family can enjoy.

How To Save Space With Dinette Sets

Measure Twice And Buy Once

To save the right amount of space, you have to consider the size of the area where the dinette set will go and the flow of traffic through the room. Also, ask yourself whether you will be using the dinette table for other things such as a preparation island for meals, a workspace for the kids, or another seating area where people will gather and have conversations. Multifunctional dinette sets allow you to do additional things without having to buy other furniture for the home or apartment. By deciding how the dinette set will be used, you can determine the right size dinette for the space.

Bench Seating Is Perfect For Dinette Sets

An added benefit for dinette sets is that you can save more space by choosing different types of seating arrangements. If the table will only be used by your small family, you can have the traditional 4 chairs for seating. Yet for those special occasions and holidays where family or guests will be dining with you, instantly increase the seating with benches. A bench can add up to 3 places for people to sit. When the bench is not in use, you can place it under a window, near the front door as seating in mud rooms, or in a bedroom.

Increase Space With Expandable Tables

Another factor to consider is that many tables have expandable surfaces and table leaves that allow the tables to fold down into a smaller size so that it doesn’t take up as much room. By lowering one or both leaves of the table, it can instantly increase the amount of space around it. When it is time to eat, simply fold the leaves back up or attach an additional section to make the table larger.

Dinette Sets Make The Perfect Furnishings For Every Home

Dinette sets are the ideal dining furniture when you are concerned about the amount of space you have in your home. When you are looking for affordable and durable dinette sets, contact California Stools, Bars and Dinettes. We offer a wide range of dinette sets that will fit perfectly in your home and will look great with the rest of the furnishings in the room.

When it comes to decorating the dining room for the bachelor space, they want stylish and multi-functional pieces that offer the right amount of space. The look should show off their masculine side, yet also be welcoming when he invites guests over for dinner or playing a poker game on Saturday night. The furniture should also offer the right amount of working surfaces without being overbearing and taking up too much room in the space. Here are several ideas for dining room furniture that will have men eager to invite guests over for a great meal and a fun time.

Dark Woods

Dark wooden furniture gives that bachelor dining room that right amount of sophistication. Select a long wooden table with leather or upholstery padding on wooden chairs as it will nicely show off the room while also offering a comfortable place to sit. With the right pendant lighting or sconces, the room can look elegant for the romantic time with a sweetheart and then quickly change over to be practical for daily lifestyles.

Expandable Tables

Expandable tables work well in small bachelor room settings where space is limited. The table surface can be lengthened when you need more for dinner guests, parties or poker nights. Add a bench for additional seating as a table that seats four can easily be expanded to accommodate 6 people comfortably. After the guests go home, you can shorten the table and stow away the extra chairs to keep your bachelor pad neat and organized.

Dinette Sets

Some bachelor spaces simply don’t have a formal dining room. You can still create a dining room area for yourself so you aren’t standing in the kitchen eating over the sink or spilling food on the rug in the living room. Dinette sets work perfectly in that unused spot in the living room as you can have a nice place to eat your meals. It allows seating for 4 people as you can easily take away two chairs when you will be dining alone for the evening.

Home Bars

Nothing makes the meal complete without a nice drink to pair with your dinner. Home bars are becoming popular in bachelor pads as you can fix up your favorite drink the way you like it without having to deal with the noise of crowds at the local dive bar. Home bars come in varying sizes that can fit perfectly in the dining room. Match the look and color of the wooden bar with the dining room table and chairs to have a uniform look in the room.

Valentine’s Day is the time to show your love for your sweetheart. Besides the tokens of your affection that you will shower on her, you also want to wow her with your cooking skills as you will wine and dine the evening away with her. You have the meal planned out. Yet the table settings leave much to be desired. Here are several ways to rev up the romantic mood by having the perfect decor settings for this special day.

Cozy Seating

Sitting directly across from your sweetheart as you gaze into her loving eyes and top off her glass of wine can be done easily when you are close to her, not when you are sitting at the other end of the table. Keep the occasion cozy with a dinette set and seating for two. Stow away the extra chairs in another room as you can serve your guest without having to constantly walk to the other end of the table.

Pick The Right Color Scheme

Reds, pinks, whites and blacks are all used to create romantic settings. Select contrasting colors to make the settings pop out as you can place white plates on top of a red table cloth with a black table runner at the center. All the colors can stand out and complement each other. If you use too much of one color, such as pairing red plates on top of a red table cloth, the settings blend in too much and can create a bland or overpowering look.

Be The Light Of THeir Life

Increase the romantic mood with candlelight. Candles can add just the right amount of light to eat the meal, yet makes the room feel cozy and comfortable. Dim the lamps and add candles on either side of the centerpiece. You can also use candles in place of the centerpiece, as you can place a red candle with a wrapped ribbon that has the word “Love” around the base.

Flowers Add The Perfect Romantic Touch

Fresh flowers are a must on Valentine’s Day. Fill up a vase with roses, or scatter rose petals all across the top of the table. Add some heart or butterfly decorations on the table surface to add an additional romantic touch. You can also place a single rose on top of a napkin on her plate as she will be surprised.

Don’t Forget The Candies

Candies can also be used for the dinner setting decor as they make the perfect little snacks while waiting for dinner to be served. Decorate small baskets and fill them with heart-shaped candy. Place chocolates in small vases as they can become the centerpiece in place of flowers. You can even spell out messages of love next to her dinner plate by using the candy.

The relatives have gone home and the last of the champagne has been drank. The new year is here and you celebrated it with one bang of a party. Now it is time to put away the decorations. Yet when taking down the glitzy holiday decor, you start to notice how bland the rest of the furnishings look in your home.

You’ve made resolutions to improve your health and your daily live. Now it’s time to make a few resolutions for the new year to improve the appearance and comfort level of your home. There are several reasons why you should consider getting new furnishings during the new year.

Find Great Savings

Great savings can still be found even after the main holiday shopping season. Now is the perfect time to look at new dining room tables, dinettes, home bars and kitchen furniture available at California Stools, Bars and Dinettes. Besides enjoying our everyday low prices, you can find even better deals at the beginning of the year as you will get that perfect dining room and living room furnishings.

Large Selection

California Stools, Bars and Dinettes are continually getting in new shipments of quality furniture from many manufacturers. You’ll be able to find the exact piece that you are looking for at one of our three Bay Area locations of San Carlos, San Jose and Pleasant Hill. With our large storerooms and gigantic warehouses, you’ll be able to compare furniture until you find the perfect furnishings that matches your unique decor style.

Beautiful and Durable Furnishings

Your old furniture may not have survived the holiday celebrations. Stains, scratches, tears and wobbly legs not only mars the look of the old furnishings, but makes them dangerous to be used. Now that it is a new year, you can get new furniture that will last for 15 or more years in your home. We offer a wide selection of kitchen, dining room and bar furniture in the styles that will fit into your personality and decor theme. Whether you are looking for warm solid wood, stylish glass, chic laminate or modern metal furniture, we have what you desire here at California Stools, Bars and Dinettes.

Professional Customer Service

Your brain might be burnt out from celebrating the holidays that you aren’t sure what new furnishings to get for your home. Rely on our helpful and courteous customer service staff to help you find the exact kitchen stools, dining room sets and other furniture that we have available. Our legendary customer service will find the furnishings you want to ring in the new year in style.

You are moving into a new home or apartment. Instead of packing up and moving the old rickety furniture, you want a new start with new furnishings. You want to bring our your inner interior designer to make a space that is both functional and beautiful. Yet before buying any type of furniture, you want to plan out the space so you can maximize the room to its fullest potential.

Measure Twice and Purchase Once

One of the biggest mistakes a person can make when getting furnishings is that they buy oversized pieces that are too big for the space. The pieces are placed too close together as people have to squeeze or climb over the furniture. Measure the room so you have an idea of how big the space is. Don’t forget to measure the length of walls and the height of walls under windows. Then check out the sizes of the furniture that will best fit in the space.

Tape It Out

Once you know the size of the room, you can decide how you will place the furniture. Pick out several furniture pieces and note their sizes. Cut out long pieces of masking tape in the size of the furniture and place the tape on the floor. This tactic allows you to put enough walking space between the furniture pieces as you can now have a better idea about the best furniture sizes that will fit into the room. You can also rearrange things if you don’t like the way your plan looks.

If you are savvy with technological, there are several free online programs that allow you to plan out your space. You can decide on the tables, chairs, and bars to place in the room as you can get the exact measurements you need.

Don’t Skip on Function

Understand what the function of the room is so you can place furniture in the right places. If you have a living room, you want sofas and chairs to be placed in the best viewing positions. If you are placing furnishings in a dining room, you want the table placed so every chair can be pulled out easily without hitting china cabinets, scraping against the wall or blocking the entrances.

Select A Focal Point

Sometimes you may have a focal point that you want to emphasize in your furniture decor design. Whether it is a painting, a bay window or a vintage piece of furniture, make sure you select furnishings that highlight this feature. Arrange your furniture so that you can draw attention to the focal point as you can fully enjoy it every day.

When it comes down to picking out furniture for your kitchen or dining room, the varieties are endless in regards to the types of materials you can select. Wooden bars, glass dining room tables, laminate dinettes and metal chairs are just a few of the choices available. Yet many people wonder whether they should select metal or wood for their furnishings.

There is no wrong choice. Some people love the look of solid wood furniture in their home because of how the warm sun shines on the surface. Other people love the modern and industrial look of metal furniture as it can complement other aspects in the room. When selecting certain materials for your furniture, take these factors in consideration.

Matching The Existing Set

Most people will select between wood or metal furniture based on what type of materials the rest of the furniture set is made from so all the pieces match. So if you have a solid wood kitchen table, you would normally select solid wood chairs. If you have a glass table with a metal stand, you can select metal chairs that would match the stand to bring the design element together.

Matching Elements In The Room

You have a beautiful kitchen with these gorgeous, decorative handles on the glass fronts of the cabinets. You may want to match this same decorative look by selecting a metal stool that has the same decorative design on the backrest. Decorative elements in the room can help you select the right type of furniture to purchase, as you may select wood furniture to match paneling and bookcases or metal furniture to match handles, knobs and metal stands.

Select Based On Function

You not only want a piece of furniture that looks good in your home, you also want one that is durable and functional. When it comes to durability, both metal and wood are the best types of materials for home furnishings. Wood can stand up to the punishment of food preparation, as you often see this material used for kitchen and dining room tables. It can mask scratches caused by knives and forks. Metal furniture works well in homes where there are kids that can make spills or pets that will chew on furniture legs. The metal can withstand stains and pets sharp teeth while still looking beautiful for years to come.

Decide Based On Location

Metal and wood can be used for both indoor and outdoor furniture. Just understand how the materials will interact with the environment before selecting certain pieces to use outside. While metal furniture can withstand different types of adverse weather, it can become hot when left out in direct sunlight. Wood won’t become hot to the touch. Yet some types can rot and fade unless they are treated.