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retro American diner furniture

The Best Retro Diner Furniture

You may not remember the 1950s, but that doesn’t mean you wouldn’t still love to experience them. Perhaps this explains the popularity of the 1950s retro diner. The 1950s were an exciting and vibrant era in America. The race for space was on, and focus was on home-cooked dinners and nuclear families. The anxiety of the war was only a memory, and prosperity and rock-and-roll loomed on the horizon. These were happy days for families whose members had survived the Great Depression and the second World War, and the good times were echoed in several exciting decor styles from this era, including:

  • Atomic
  • Geometric
  • Scandinavian
  • Minimalist
  • Abstract

It was perfectly acceptable to smoke in public everywhere you went in the 1950s. Afterward, family members returned home to play board games such as Name That Tune and Outburst. Or they listened to records by Elvis Presley, Rosemary Clooney, and Kitty Kallen. In the evenings, they gathered around the console/cabinet television if they owned one and watched Bonanza or I Love Lucy

Sit-down dinners were the norm, so was gathering around the radio for a listen. The 1950s kitchen bore little resemblance to today’s modern marvels in several ways. Think pastel appliances and furniture with rounded corners. Toss in acres of Formica and chrome, and add countertop accessories like pink cannisters, and you have a solid vision of how the 1950s home appeared. Local diners surged in popularity, both as hang outs for local teens and as hot spots for families who could suddenly afford to dine out one or two nights a week, and the living was mostly easy. It makes sense that today’s restaurateurs should want to revisit this joyous decade in time.

Recreating the Retro Diner Aesthetic

regal-seating-co-1107-metal-upholstered-swivel-restaurant-barstool-chair

If you’re a restaurant owner who wants to recreate a retro 1950s dining experience for guests, it all begins with your decor. Vintage-look flooring, era-appropriate wall colors and patterns, and even lighting all play roles. Several surprising colors were popular in the 1950s kitchen from which most modern designers would shy away today, including:

  • Petal Pink
  • Cadet Blue
  • Canary Yellow
  • Turquoise Green
  • Sherwood Green
  • Woodtone

Even kitchen appliances like stoves, refrigerators, toasters, and coffee pots boasted vivid pastels. Earth tones were also gaining popularity, with the warm, wood tones of couches and end tables made from mahogany, teak, rosewood, and walnut. You can echo these elements in your choice of 1950 retro dining table and chairs.

After all, it’s your restaurant furniture that makes or breaks your retro diner feel. To give guests an authentic experience, you’ll need specific items, including 50s retro dining chairs and tables, soda fountains, and other pieces of commercial restaurant furniture that echo the theme while holding up well to everything your guests dish out. California Dining & Barstools has everything you need to bring back the excitement and enthusiasm of the 1950s. 

Retro Dining Table

Glass and metal high top round pub table and metal and blue upholstered barstools with backs and swivel.

If you’re in the market for a retro dining table and chairs, look for pub tables or dinette sets that feature molded-body or upholstered chairs with simple chrome-plated or metal legs. Bright colors, such as red, green, or yellow are always solid choices in 1950 diner furniture, so are tabletops that feature Formica or inlay designs. Shapes are important in recreating the feel of diner-style furniture from the 1950s. Therefore, restaurant furniture that features futuristic designs, such as our Elite Modern Crystal Dining Table Set is ideal. The Elite Modern Mason Dining Table Set is another solid choice for bringing in gorgeous retro diner style without sacrificing comfort. Both sets pair modern features such as glass tabletops and counter-height seating with the minimalist design features and comfy upholstered chairs of Mid-Century Modern design. 

But if glass tables are more high-end than you desire for your kid-friendly, retro diner restaurant, California Dining and Bar Stools has many other options from which to choose. Our sturdy Borkholder Simplicity Dining Table is easily paired with our Saloom Bowtie Dining Chair or our New Pacific Direct Valencia Red Dining Chair to provide a top-notch dining experience for guests of most ages. And for retro diner furniture that’s up to the task of seating larger parties, the Borkholder Double Pedestal Dining Table seats six comfortably, when paired with the Saloom 64 SU Dining Chair.

When combined with authentic Mid-Century Modern accents, such as brightly patterned wallpaper, colorful Formica countertops, and retro fabric window treatments, your 50s retro dining chairs and tables will go far to create the fun diner environment you’re hoping to invoke. 

Retro Dining Chairs

Regal Seating 513 Dining Chair

Mid-century dining rooms were airy and sleek. Furniture choices were lightweight and simple. Ornate, heavy pieces became echoes of the past, and in their place, dining room tables, chairs and dinette sets took on a new, minimalist feel. In local diners, jukeboxes became fixtures, allowing patrons to play their favorite songs in exchange for a single coin. Cherry Coke and milkshakes were staple beverage choices, along with coffee and root beer floats. You may want to incorporate several of these fun features into your own retro restaurant, beginning with styles of seating. Several were popular in the 1950s diner, including:

  • Upholstered booths
  • Upholstered chairs
  • Barstools
  • Banquettes
  • Chairs of molded plastic
  • Wood

Today, commercial restaurant furniture, and retro seating specifically, is one important way to recreate those happy days of the 1950s. At California Dining and Barstools, we offer several seating options that look and feel as though they could have been salvaged directly from your favorite mid-century diner, minus the odor of stale cigarette smoke. We recommend the following:

  • Regal Seating 513 Dining Chair: Sunny yellow upholstery provides comfort and a fun, vintage feel to every dine-in experience. 
  • Regal Seating 513V Dining Chair: Metallic red and white, these 50s retro dining chairs will make guests feel like they’re in the backseat at an old-school drive-in again. 
  • Regal Seating 513CB Dining Chair: Colorful, comfortable, and slim, this dining chair features a happy burst of red and functional, non-skid feet. 
  • Regal Seating 1107 Barstool: Vibrant red upholstery and a sleek, chrome appearance give this little barstool an automotive feel, perfect for a 1950s drop-in diner. 
  • Regal Seating 1106 Barstool: Green upholstery and chrome-look legs make this handy little barstool a mainstay for tight spaces. 

Crafted from durable metal and swathed in the bright, cheerful colors of the 1950s, our Regal Seating options are tough enough to handle big crowds and heavy traffic. Yet, they’re attractive and functional, too. Best of all, they recall that simpler time, when prosperity peppered every dinner conversation and expectations were high. You can bring a little of that joy to your own establishment by outfitting your dining room in authentic mid-century reproduction furniture at a fraction of the cost of high-end retailers. 

The Best in Restaurant Furniture

Glass and metal round pub table and beige barstool.

California Dining and Barstools offers only the highest quality retro-style restaurant furniture for your vintage-feel diner. When you’re ready to outfit your dining area with pieces that bring back the nostalgic era of the 1950s, we invite you to shop our diner-style furniture, including our dining room sets, dinettes, pub tables, barstools, and dining chair collections. You’re sure to find pieces to enchant and delight guests of all ages and to transport diners back to the happy days of 1950.

Modern restaurant and lounge area

How to Choose Modern Restaurant Furniture

Modern restaurant furniture, not surprisingly, is based on Modernism — the art movement that developed after the Second World War.  Modernism, at that time, was a broad shift from the overly ornate woods, wrought iron accents, and Art Deco styles that came before, focusing instead on minimal design and simple, elegant comfort. Today, this style of restaurant furniture is governed by function. It’s light in both visual and physical weight and attractive without sacrificing comfort. Interchangeable pieces are easily moved around to accommodate large or small groups, and versatility is king, with barstools and bistro tables taking center stage alongside pub tables and dining chairs. In the modern dining room, emphasis is on creating a simplified dining experience, rather than on decorative elements that clutter and detract from the quality of food being served. 

If you’re a new restaurant owner who hopes to create a gratifying dining experience for future guests, the furniture and decor you choose will serve as your first impression. Make sure your dining room says what you want it to say by selecting simple, quality pieces that provide comfort, longevity, and visual appeal. 

Deciding on Your Restaurant Style

modern-restaurant-furniture

Restaurants are diverse in how they look and operate, and to be successful in your restaurant endeavor, you must have a firm idea in mind of who your customers are and why they should frequent your establishment over others in the area. That’s to say, you must have a style in mind. Examples of popular restaurant styles include:

  • Fast Food
  • Casual Dining
  • Family-Style
  • Fine Dining
  • Bar or Pub
  • Cafe

Each style of restaurant caters to a different clientele. And each has its own appearance and expectations. Pub tables and barstools, for instance, aren’t typically needed in a family-style restaurant that welcomes small children. Just as casual dinettes are not the best choices for upscale, fine-dining establishments. Before you begin investing in commercial restaurant furniture, you should identify who will be walking through your doors and anticipate what their needs will be. This will help you better set the stage for a more refined dining experience. 

Benefits of Modern Restaurant Furniture

modern-restaurant-tables-and-chairs

Modern restaurant furniture is comfortable, not clunky. It’s small enough to allow customers to navigate freely around and between tables, yet large enough to seat guests of most weights and sizes. Best of all, it says whatever you want it to say. Modern commercial restaurant furniture can be elegant or casual, family-friendly, or for adults-only. It can seat young couples or retired businessmen, babies, or barflies. It’s adaptable and completely versatile, yet comfortable enough to keep patrons coming back again and again. There are many benefits to choosing this style of furniture for commercial dining:

  • It’s on-trend and stylish.
  • It’s versatile and highly customizable in regard to color, fabrics, and materials used.
  • Much of it is height-adjustable.
  • It’s easily moved from place to place.
  • It’s made of durable materials that support tall or large guests.
  • It’s low-frill and made for comfort. 
  • It’s sleek and defined, eliminating the feel of a cluttered space. 
  • Many pieces are interchangeable and/or multi-purpose. 

Your modern restaurant furniture supply store can help you choose pieces that make the best use of the space you have available. This is true for indoor pieces and for modern outdoor restaurant furniture as well. 

Choosing Modern Restaurant Chairs and Barstools

Your choice of restaurant seating will set the tone for what guests should expect, so it’s important to select dining chairs, barstools, or dinette pieces that are the right scale for your space. The pieces you select should optimize comfort without taking up unnecessary room. They should seat guests at the right height at your tables, counters, or bar and should be positioned in a way that encourages friendly conversation. And if your establishment offers different eat-in areas, make sure you furnish each area accordingly, including:

  • Formal dining rooms
  • Casual dining areas
  • Outdoor dining spaces
  • Play zones
  • Conversation areas
  • Cafe tables
  • Counter or bar dining

This may mean investing in modern restaurant tables and chairs, outdoor metal tables and benches, casual fireplace seating, pub tables, dinettes, or commercial restaurant furniture that’s kid-sized or adjustable to accommodate infants. 

Choosing Modern Restaurant Dining Sets, Dinettes, or Pub Tables

modern-bistro-furniture

Your choice of tables is important, too. You should fill your space without crowding it with furniture pieces. Patrons should be able to move freely between tables without bumping into other diners. They should also have adequate elbow room once seated. Booths should feature enough space between the bench and the table edge that larger guests can be comfortably seated without feeling cramped or crowded. 

When choosing modern restaurant tables, look for pieces that are sturdy yet compact. Choose pieces that can be combined in the event you need seating for a larger group. Tables should feature easy-clean surfaces and corners and edges that are customer-friendly. And they should work well with your choice of seating. While it’s not necessary to be matchy-matchy with your commercial restaurant furniture pieces, tables and chairs should complement each other, and they should provide a comfortable dining experience for your guests. 

Where to Buy Your Commercial Restaurant Furniture

California Dining and Barstools carries all the best in commercial furniture for restaurateurs who want to create a modern, trendy atmosphere. Since 1977, we’ve been outfitting the Bay Area with affordable, quality commercial furniture that’s comfortable and beautifully crafted. And if you need help choosing the right furniture pieces, our team is always onsite and ready to help. Visit us today at our location in Sunnyvale or Pleasant Hill to see all we have to offer new or existing restaurant owners in the way of attractive, high-performing commercial furniture. We proudly keep pieces in stock for you to see, touch, and experience before you commit to buying. From bistro tables to barstools, Regal to Pacific Direct, our furniture is all top-notch, durable, and easy to maintain. It’s capable of standing up to the years of use and abuse doled out by passionate diners who may frequent your restaurant and is sure to save you money with its quality construction and design. 

If you’re in need of commercial restaurant furniture that will keep patrons returning day after day, look no further than California Dining and Barstools, with two locations in Sunnyvale and Pleasant Hill. Stop in and see us today, or visit us online to view our beautiful gallery of commercial furniture pieces. 

Modern dining table with dining chairs

Furniture Trends 2022

A new year is upon us which makes many people start thinking about redesigning their homes. If you’re one who likes to refresh your home when you flip over the calendar, look for these trends when shopping at furniture stores in the Bay Area.

1. Plants

It’s human nature to appreciate a little greenery in your life. However, as the long days of winter drag on at the beginning of the year, it can be hard to get that natural green in your life. Bring in some plants, whether real or fake, to brighten up your dining space. Not only are they nice to look at, but they’re also a great way to energize your mind and body for the day ahead while you sip on that first cup of coffee.

2. Pops of Color and Patterns

White, beige, and gray are still popular choices for a dining room color scheme, but we’re starting to see bits of colorcome back into play. You may see this as a white table and chairs with bright upholstery, colorful art prints hanging on the wall, or a unique paint application on a statement wall. Especially prevalent are shades of rust orange paired with dark gray-blues. You might also see pops of patterns making their way into trend. This layering of fun patterns provides so much personality into any space. 

3. Marble Table Tops

Marble with gold or rose gold has become a favorite color combination lately for everything from stationary, to phone cases, and now home decor. Choose a table with white or gold legs and a marble-looking top to stay on trend this year. Marble is also a unique way to keep a fresh, bright look without being too bland. The white can be offset with almost any color of marbling, so shop around for dining furniture in San Francisco to find the one that suits your tastes.

4. Round Tables

Dining sets come in all shapes and sizes and the right style for you will depend on a lot of factors. However, we’re seeing a lot of homeowners opt for round tables in recent months. The casual feel of round tables gives a more intimate setting for quiet conversations. These are also ideal for smaller spaces since they’re easier to maneuver around but also provide a sleek, curving look that’s easy on the eyes.

5. Statement Lighting

Foyers and ballrooms aren’t the only place for chandeliers! Your dining room is the perfect place to add a statement lighting piece. Of course, it doesn’t have to be a glittering chandelier, but anything that’s large and matches the colors of your dining room will work well. Pendant lights are a great choice but also keep in mind how bright you want the bulbs to be (dimming bulbs are a great option!) as well as how low the light hangs if you have taller people in your family.

6. Multifunctional Spaces

Large kitchen islands have become a staple feature in many American kitchens. In grander homes, you can often find two or three islands in the kitchen that really allow for open space. Whether you use the island for preparing dinner, completing homework, or getting artsy, these surfaces can be the perfect place for many activities. Adding a few barstoolson one or two sides of the island make it easy to settle in for some quality work time.

7. Eat-In Kitchen

Many older homes were built with room in the kitchen for a small dining table, and then a larger dining room for full meals. The kitchen dining sets are coming back as we start multitasking more. Helping kids with homework or chatting with a friend while preparing a snack can still be accomplished with dinettes and pub tables in your kitchen area.

8. Art Deco

We’re seeing art deco furniture come back in 2022 interior style with bold geometric shapes and bold colors. This designtrend brings fun pieces to spice up different areas around the home. Art deco chairs are common in living room or dining room spaces. These chairs tend to use fun shapes and bold colors. 

9. Vintage Furniture

Furniture trends are leaning more sustainable with vintage furniture and overall style finding their way into homes. Vintage pieces bring so much character and decoration into a living room. 

On-Trend Dining Furniture in San Francisco

If you’re looking to refresh your dining and kitchen furniture in the new year, stop by California Dining & Barstools. We have a wide selection of dining furniture in several styles and price points. No matter which trend you’re trying to bring into your home, our friendly Furniture Specialists are ready to help! Stop in to our Sunnyvale/South Bay or Pleasant Hill locations today to see for yourself! You can also call your nearest store or send us a message online.

dining furniture during the holidays is the perfect gift

Give the Gift of Dining Furniture for the Holidays

Furniture may not seem like the most obvious holiday gift for someone in your life, but it can be! These items are usually more expensive, and therefore can be cost-prohibitive to someone on a budget. Young adults, new homeowners, and those in a transition phase can all benefit from the gift of dining furniture. Give someone comfort and peace of mind this holiday season by choosing dining furniture in San Francisco for them!

Dining Sets

In your 20s, you likely had a mismatched set of hand-me-down dining furniture. Although it may not have been the most esthetically pleasing, it worked! There are likely some 20-somethings in your life who could benefit from a fresh dining set. The kitchen area is highly used, and often serves double-duty, especially in smaller spaces. Dining sets are a great gift because they can last for several years through the wear and tear of college, moving apartments, and settling down in a starter home.

Dinettes

If the person you’re thinking of purchasing dining furniture for has a small space or prefers a minimalist style, dinettes are the perfect choice. These sets often come with a small table and two chairs, but other styles include a slightly larger style with four chairs. If this person is single or has a partner or roommate, the smaller set may be ideal. However, if they have small children or enjoy hosting guests, you may want to opt for the four-seat dinette.

Barstools

Many apartments and newer homes these days are built with bar-height counters in the kitchen. These are great for keeping an eye on kids while preparing dinner or interacting with guests over a glass of wine. Regardless of how the person in your life uses the bar counter, barstools make a great addition to the space. Furniture stores in the Bay Area have a wide selection including upholstered seats, metal or wood legs, backless stools, armless stools, and many more!

Pub Tables

Pub tables sit a little higher than the average dining table. They are usually around 42″ high, while standard dining tables sit at 28″ to 30″. Pub tables work well for a casual environment and are a comfortable upgrade for taller people who need more legroom. These styles often serve well as multi-functional pieces of furniture. They make great desks, craft stations, homework areas, and space for board games and puzzles. Depending on the hobbies of the person you are buying for, you may want to also include a smaller gift of craft supplies or games with the pub table.

Surprise Them with Dining Furniture

Of course, it’s also possible that you have no idea what the person’s interior design style preferences are or how they would like to use their new dining set. If this is the case, write them a note explaining that you’ll take them out shopping to find the furniture they like. Then, present the letter in an envelope so they still have something to open. You could also get creative and gift them placemats or a table centerpiece as a teaser to a shopping adventure for dining furniture in San Francisco!

Shop the Best Furniture Stores in the Bay Area

California Dining & Barstools has a wide selection of dining furniture options in all styles and price points. We have two locations in the Bay Area to make shopping more convenient. You can also view some of our products online to get an idea of what you might like to give. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email your local store! Our Dining Furniture Professionals will be happy to help you make the right selection. 

thanksgiving table decor

6 Tips for Setting the Perfect Thanksgiving Table

The Halloween candy is nearly gone and many homes are setting up Christmas lights. But let’s not forget the family feast between these two holidays: Thanksgiving! If you’re looking to host the perfect get-together this year, start by using these tips to set a gorgeous Thanksgiving table.

1. Choose a Color Scheme

Dining sets look more cohesive if you choose a color palette and keep all items within that range. The standard fall colors of red, orange, yellow, and brown are always a great choice. You can choose to get a little outside the box by incorporating darker shades of blue and green as well. Make sure these colors are reflected in your napkins, plates, table linens, and centerpiece for a stunning table setting.

2. Mix Different Textures

Perhaps lots of color isn’t really your thing. Instead, focus on the textures and patterns instead of the color palette. Glass or ceramic plates with metal silverware on a linen or burlap placemat will add enough variety to the table to prevent it from looking flat, boring, and uninspired. You can also choose to mix patterns together. If you want to go this route, use the same pattern mixing rules as you would for clothing. One pattern should be larger than the other, but both should be complementary colors.

3. Match the Table Linens

Whether you choose a table cloth, runner, or both, selecting table linens in the same color and texture family will provide an easy backdrop to showcase your place settings and silverware. A full tablecloth is ideal for scratched or worn tables that you’d rather cover up. Of course, you could also visit California Dining & Barstools to find fresh dining furniture in San Francisco that you’ll love to show off! Then, all you need is a runner down the center. Plaid, gingham, and burlap add a cozy fall vibe to your table. Don’t forget to select placemats in the same color scheme, though you may try different textures to offset them from the table cloth or runner. Cork, linen, or rattan are all great choices.

4. Create the Perfect Centerpiece

A bouquet of fall flowers or a cornucopia of vegetables make for a traditional Thanksgiving table centerpiece. You could also design your own centerpiece using the season’s gourds, berries, twigs, and foliage from your own backyard! Add to the natural look with pumpkins, pinecones, and antlers. Pull it all together with a ribbon or twine snaking through the items or holding them together.

5. Don’t Forget the Serveware

The plates, glasses, and silverware aren’t the only items on your table holding food! The dishes you use to serve your turkey, potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce all inform the look of your Thanksgiving table. Choose colors and textures that complement the other items on the table. When in doubt, stick with neutral colors. This is also the perfect time to bring out your bone china and stoneware. Glazed platters, gravy boats, and ladles give the eye a new experience, while a wooden cheeseboard keeps the table feeling rustic. Of course, you can also dress up simpler serveware with fresh fruits like grapes and pomegranates, as well as a bit of greenery to offset the colors of the food.

6. Incorporate a Kid’s Table

For the little ones at your gathering, dinettes and pub tables are the perfect solution. Although you may choose to use less breakable place settings and serveware, you can still use the same colors and textures as the adult’s table. This helps children feel included in the event, while still giving them their own space. 

Reading to Go Shopping?

If you’re looking to upgrade your dining space this Thanksgiving, head out to one of the best furniture stores in the Bay Area. California Dining & Barstools has a huge selection of dining sets, dinettes, pub tables, and more for any style preference or price point.

pub table being used at home

5 Ways to Use a Pub Table in Your Home

Dining sets come in all shapes and sizes to suit a variety of styles and needs. Dinettes are ideal for a single person or couple without children, while barstools work great at kitchen islands and home bars. Pub tables are another option that combine the small size of dinettes with the taller height of barstools. These versatile dining sets can be the perfect choice for many areas of your home.

1. Man Cave

Even adults love having a space that is all their own. Many men (and women!) have a spare room, basement, garage, or outbuilding that’s perfectly designed to their tastes and hobbies. When you want to share a drink or meal, play a game with friends, or work on your arts and crafts projects, a pub table is a great addition to your personalized space.

2. Home Bar

Building a home bar is a great way to enjoy yourself, but without the high prices, loud noise, and insufficient parking of a local bar. Whether your home bar consists of a simple bar cart near a pub table in the corner of your family room, or all-out basement renovation complete with tap handles and a flat screen TV, you can still have a good time on your own terms.

3. Outdoor Patio

Feeling the warm sun on your skin and a light breeze through your hair can be one of the most calming feelings in the world. What better way to do that than by taking a seat on your deck and patio whenever you feel like it. Pub tables and chairs make it easy to bring your morning coffee, afternoon snack, or nighttime reading out into the peace of the outdoors.

4. Sunroom

Sunrooms and three-season porches are a great way to enjoy your space all year long. They keep the bugs, rain, wind, extreme heat, and snow from disturbing your otherwise relaxing Sunday plans. They’re a great spot to catch up with friends, have family get-togethers, and even just relax after a long day. Adding a pub table with matching barstools is a great way to add extra space in the room so you can enjoy it even more.

5. Kitchen Nook

Kitchens are one of the busiest rooms in a home. They have become a more multipurpose space as people are seeking open layouts and want to be able to interact with guests or keep an eye on children while also preparing dinner. Even homes with full dining sets can benefit from a pub table and chairs in the kitchen nook. Children can do homework here, friends can relax with a drink, or you can set up a serving station for your epic feast.

The Best Dining Furniture in San Francisco

California Dining & Barstools in one of the best furniture stores in the Bay Area thanks to our wide selection of full dining sets, dinettes, pub tables, and barstools. Our collections are available at a variety of price points and in many design styles. Visit one of our two locations today to see more of what we have to offer!

cozy kitchen nook with a pub table

4 Cozy Nook Ideas to Elevate Your Kitchen

Winter is upon us and even though San Francisco isn’t one of the coldest states, we still have our fair share of rainy, gloomy days ahead. Instead of getting down, make the most of them by cooking up a batch of soup or chili, snuggling into a warm blanket, and getting comfy with loved ones right in your own kitchen. Here are some of our favorite ideas for turning your kitchen nook into the coziest space in your home this fall and winter.

1. Change Up the Décor

The kitchen nook can be an easily forgotten place due to its small size. However, even the smallest changes can make the biggest impact. When it comes to the home decor accessories in your nook, change up the color palette to something more autumnal. Burnt orange, sunflower yellow, shades of brown, and forest green all evoke cozy feelings of a walk through the woods crunching on dry leaves. Swap out your curtains, table centerpiece, and art installations for some that are more in season.

2. Add a Pub Table and Barstools

Nothing says fall quite like football. And when you visit a sports bar to watch the game, you most likely end up on barstools seated at pub tables. Bring that festive feeling into your kitchen nook by adding a pub table and barstools that suit your home’s decor. Making the space all your own will give you a nice spot to enjoy a cozy Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

3. Or, Try a Dinette Set

Dinettes are perfect for the kitchen nook because they are meant for a small gathering. For most styles, there is seating for just two. This small setting lets you get close and comfy with someone you love, to share favorite stories and a glass of wine. Bring a small plate of meats and cheeses to the table and you have an instant date night in your very own kitchen!

4. Bring in a Softer Touch

Fall and winter are all about cuddling and staying warm. Don’t let your kitchen nook go unused this season because it’s not inviting! Swap out the chairs in your dining sets for ones that are upholstered or have cloth-covered seats. Add some pillows to a bench seat or at each individual chair. A soft rug will stay warm underfoot, no matter what the weather is doing outside.

Cozy Kitchen Nook & Dining Furniture in San Francisco

Winter doesn’t have to be a dreary time of year. Cozy up your kitchen nook with fresh dining furniture from California Dining and Barstools. Our collection of dining sets, dinettes, pub tables, and barstools is large enough to cover two furniture stores in the Bay Area. Regardless of budget or style, we’re sure to have exactly what you’re looking for. Stop in today or shop online to get an idea of what you’re looking for. Our dining furniture specialists will be happy to help you make the coziest selections for your kitchen nook.

white kitchen that uses white barstools

Most Popular Bar Stools and Counter Stools in 2021

It seems that everyone is on a mission to clean and update their homes over the last 18 months. This has led to a surge of new trends and popular items for home decor. If you’re joining the mission and looking to upgrade your dining furniture, consider these popular barstools and counter stools for your kitchen remodel.

  • Metal – A simple metal barstool works with a variety of interior design styles. It is sturdy and durable to stand up to frequent use. They are also flexible enough to be used outdoors with a patio bar.
  • Wood – The look of wood brings a calm, cozy feeling to the room. Wood barstools can be used as a background item to shift focus somewhere else, or as a blank slate to let your creativity flourish and turn them into something totally eye-catching.
  • Leather – As a material, leather has always evoked a sense of richness with a side of rebel. Up the ante in your dining sets with a leather and metal counter stool.
  • Wicker – Often relegated to beach houses and outdoor patios, wicker has become more mainstream. To make this material work indoors, keep it to a minimum. Instead of an entire chair of wicker, try just the seat or back and use a different material for the legs.
  • Budget-friendly – When you want to save a buck, diner-style chairs are an excellent option. Also take a look at all wood or metal chairs with simple designs.
  • Luxury – Many people desire to have luxurious items in their homes. The finest fabrics and handcrafted details make all the difference. Add a glam, luxury look with a navy blue and gold chair.
  • Adjustable – Accommodating different sizes of people can be difficult to do with stationary seats. An adjustable bar stool allows everyone to sit at their most comfortable level, from children, to teens, to adults.
  • Arms – A chair with arms can turn simple pub tables into a luxurious experience. They are ideal for getting comfortable and staying awhile over a glass of wine and a great meal with friends.
  • Outdoor – The best outdoor barstool will be sturdy, durable, and made from weather-resistant materials. Look for wood and metal but avoid cloth and leather. Better yet look at some dinettes for a perfect set.
  • Upholstered – A cloth seat is going to be far more comfortable than other materials, which makes them the perfect pairing for dining sets where you want to stay awhile.

The Best Dining Furniture in San Francisco

Searching through furniture stores in the Bay Area for the perfect dining sets, barstools, and pub tables can almost feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. However, when you shop with California Dining & Barstools, you get a curated collection of perfect pieces that fit right into your budget. Stop in to one of our two locations to get a hands-on feel for your new pub tables and barstools. You can also shop our inventory online and call your preferred store to learn more and make a purchase.

dining room table with friends and family, cheers

How to Choose a New Dining Room Set for the Holidays

Believe it or not, the holidays are quickly approaching. This year, many families are excited to be back together with loved ones from afar. Make room for everyone at your table this year with a new dining room furniture set. Here’s what you need to know about the latest trends and what to consider when shopping for dining tables and chairs. 

Current Trends for Dining Room Sets

Brown wooden tables with white chairs – The rustic look does not seem to be going away any time soon. From farmhouse to cottage core and Scandinavian, people love using wood in their dining tables and chairs.

White tables with brown wooden chairs – The brown and white look is also popular when reversed in dining chairs and tables. No matter which color combo you choose, your dining room is sure to look modern and sleek.

Neutral colors – Many homeowners are appreciating the return of minimalist design, and this is reflected in the color choices of their home decor. This style also works well for the person who loves to decorate, because it gives you a blank canvas to build on for each season.

Greenery – If there’s anything we collectively miss the most, it’s the outdoors. Between Coronavirus and winter weather, we’re all dying for a little more green in our lives. Whether you choose fake plants or the real deal, bringing a few into the dining room helps liven up the space.

What to Consider When Shopping for Dining Furniture in San Francisco

Available space & traffic flow – Before you head out to shop the many furniture stores in the Bay Area, look at your dining room. Measure how much space you have available and what the traffic flow through the room looks like. This will help you determine what size dining room sets will work well in your space.

Size and height for tables and chairs – Based on the available space in your dining room, you’ll know exactly how big your dining table can be without making the room feel too cramped or too empty. When it comes to dining chairs, be sure to take height into consideration. There should be enough room between the seat and table for thighs to have space and elbows to be at a right angle.

Personal preference of design styles – Of course, the most important part about selecting dining furniture in San Francisco will be the design style you choose. Traditional, minimalist styles are very popular right now, but don’t be afraid to choose something more ornate if it suits your preferences.

Dining Room Furniture Stores in the Bay Area

California Stools, Bars, and Dinettes has a wide variety of dining room furniture available in store. From glass, metal, and wood materials, to standard or bar heights, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for when you shop one of our two locations in the Bay Area. Give us a call or stop in and talk with one of our dining furniture specialists to learn more and get your questions answered.

Family cooking dinner and using their barstools

How to Choose the Right Barstool for Your Home

A kitchen or dining room makeover is very exciting. It’s one of the spaces you spend the most time in, so of course you want it to be functional and beautiful! When shopping for pub tables and barstools at furniture stores in the Bay Area, keep these tips in mind.

Height

The most important measurement you’ll want to pay attention to is the height of your pub table or bar countertop. Obviously, you need to make sure the barstool will fit underneath the space while still leaving room for a guest’s legs. The average dining table sits at about 28″ to 32″, so you’ll want chairs in the 24″ to 26″ range. For taller bar-height counters and pub tables, a seat at 28″ to 30″ high will be sufficient.

Width

Another important consideration is how many chairs you can comfortably fit in your space. Dining tables are often meant to accommodate four to six seats, while bars, islands, and counters, can have a wide range of space. When choosing barstools, you’ll want to measure your available space and the width of the seat or legs (whichever is larger). Don’t forget to include a little room around the edges to provide ample space between guests!

Depth

If the barstools you’re considering are not circular, you’ll also need to keep the depth in mind. Do you want to be able to fully tuck the chair underneath the counter? Then you’ll need to know how much space is available from the base of the counter to the edge of it. If this is not important to you, or you plan to purchase stools with a back on them, you’ll still want to know how deep the seat is to find out if it will fit under your counter. Also consider any obstructions that may get in the way of moving the chair back, such as a wall, furniture, or pillar behind your dining space.

Style

Once you’ve got your measurements, you’re ready to go shopping for barstools and dining furniture in San Francisco! Having these measurements handy will make it easy to eliminate the choices that don’t suit your space. After you’ve narrowed your options, you can focus on the style and colors of the barstools to find the ones that will match your interior design esthetic. Whether you want clean and simple lines to match your minimalist vibes, or you want sumptuous fabrics and soft cushiony seats for a luxurious dining experience, you can find whatever suits you best!

Shop at the Best Furniture Stores in the Bay Area

California Stools, Bars, and Dinettes is proud to offer a wide selection of dining furniture in San Francisco. From traditional dining room tables and sets to pub tables and barstools, we have the sizes, styles, and prices you’re looking for. Please stop by one of our two locations today, or search through our inventory online. If you have any questions or would like to make a purchase, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! Our experienced furniture professionals are available to help you find exactly what you’re looking for!