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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.

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.

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!

The dining room is where the family gathers to share a meal and hear about each other’s day. It’s where the kids do their homework and get creative with art projects. It’s also where work gets done sometimes. That’s why it’s important to make sure your dining room suits your lifestyle. Here are a few of the latest designs for dining tables.

Fresh Accents

If you’re not ready to change the design of your table but still want to give it a fresh look, consider adding a new tablecloth, placemats, or fabric napkins to the tabletop. You can also choose to swap out the centerpiece or window blinds and drapes. These small accents can have a huge impact on your dining room design.

Multipurpose Pieces

If your family is one that uses the same space for multiple purposes, consider choosing a dining table that can serve double (or triple!) duty. Make sure there’s plenty of seating for the kids to do their homework, a large space for craft projects, and nearby desk accessories for when the dining table becomes the home office. It’s also a good idea to look at expandable dining tables to accommodate your small family, additional guests, or when you just need more space for family game night.

Solid Wood

Solid wood dining tables give off a homey vibe. Today’s interior designs are leaning more towards the natural colors and elements since they are known to be more eco-friendly than other materials. Another benefit of solid wood dining tables is that they often come from actual trees, so no two tables are alike. This means your table will be completely unique to you. Look for options with a distressed walnut or smoke gray finish to add texture and warmth to the room.

Farmhouse Style & Cottage Core

People have come to love being at home. What better way to evoke those cozy vibes than to place a distressed white finish table for a rustic feel in your dining room. The farmhouse style is slowly evolving into “cottage core” which may be considered a little smaller and more floral than farmhouse, but still has a lot of the same rustic, natural look you’d find in the woods or just out of town.

Modern and Sleek

If rustic and natural isn’t really your style, try a table with a glossy white finish and shiny chrome base. This will look sleeker and more high-end than other styles. You may also be interested in a glass tabletop with metal or wrought iron legs. To keep the style looking chic, you’ll want to stick with slim lines that don’t add too much bulk to the room. Consider adding in Lucite dining chairs to maintain the minimalist look and keep things light.

The Best Dining Furniture in San Francisco

California Dining & Barstools offers a wide range of dining room sets to suit any style or budget. If you’re looking to upgrade your space, please come visit one of our two furniture stores in the Bay Area and browse our selection of dining tables, dining chairs, and so much more.

No matter how careful you are, your dining room furniture is bound to become dirty. Whether you spill a drink or the kids’ craft projects have gotten something sticky, there’s a lot that happens at our dining tables to cause messes. Here are our top tips for keeping your dining room sets clean depending on what material they’re made from.

Glass Dining Furniture

First, remove the top layer of dust and debris with a plain dry cloth. Any small grains of sand or salt can scratch the glass while cleaning. Next, dip a towel into hot water and get it damp. Rub the cloth over the table, paying special attention to any spills or sticky spots. If necessary, you may add soap to the water but be sure to rinse the table with a clean towel before drying it off. Then, grab your store-bought glass cleaner or make your own with equal parts vinegar and water. Spray it on the glass and wipe off with a lint-free towel. If your glass table has a metal or wood frame, read our tips for cleaning those, below.

Metal Dining Furniture

Whether your table is all metal, or a combination of metal frame and wood or glass tabletop, you can use Bar Keeper’s Friend on the whole thing. After removing dust and larger pieces of debris, sprinkle the powder over the table and rub it with a damp sponge. Wipe it dry then buff with a chamois cloth. If you have more difficult spots, hot water can do the trick with a sponge or cloth. For stubborn messes, add a little soap to the water.

Wood Dining Furniture

For a wooden table, you want to make sure the vinegar or water doesn’t soak into the wood. First, remove the top of layer of dirt with a slightly damp towel. Next. use warm water and a cloth to clean it and add soap if necessary. Then, dry with a highly absorbent cloth. You should also take care to ensure water rings from glassware are promptly wiped up and pay attention to the humidity levels to keep your wooden furniture dry and pristine.

Prevent Messes in the First Place

The best way to avoid stains and sticky messes is to prevent them from ever happening. Ideally, you can find a gorgeous tablecloth to cover your table that will match your dining room decor. For less coverage, use placemats at each of the dining chairs. For craft projects, lay down several sheets of newspaper or use an old bedsheet like a tablecloth to protect the surface.

Time to Upgrade your Dining Furniture in San Francisco?

If your current dining room set is beyond cleaning, stop in to visit us at California Stools, Bars, and Dinettes. We have a wide range of dining tables and chairs in several materials and design styles. Our large selection is what makes us one of the best furniture stores in the Bay Area. Our in-store Furniture Experts can help you find the perfect dining set for your home and lifestyle. We look forward to seeing you in our stores soon!

Everyone loves having a well-designed dining room. However, not everyone has the skills to do it themselves or the budget to hire a professional. To help you out, we’ve gathered a list of five important interior design tips to think about when designing your own dining room.

1. Bench Seating

The farmhouse style has become a popular trend in the last few years. To match this esthetic, many homeowners are choosing to use bench seating at their dining tables. This can be done either to replace the traditional dining chairs, or in addition to them. For example, you may have the heads of a rectangular table as traditional chairs, while the sides are benches. Or, the heads and one side of the table have chairs, while the opposite side is a bench.

2. Table Shape

The shape of your table will depend a lot on the size of your family and the shape of the dining room. If you have a room that is shaped like a square or rectangle, you may want to maintain consistency by choosing a table in the same shape. If you’re looking to spice things up, you can contrast a room of right angles with a round table instead.

3. Color Palette

Some homeowners like to have all their rooms with a matching color palette. Others want more variety to evoke a certain feeling in each room. Whichever side you’re on, California Stools, Bars, and Dinettes has a variety of dining room sets to suit your taste. If you want a cohesive look, choose from black, brown, or gray dining furniture in San Francisco. For a little more vibrancy, try peach-colored upholstered chairs with a glass table-top and navy blue accent wall, or bright blue dining chairs in an otherwise monochromatic room for a little “pop”.

4. Materials

Along with the popular Farmhouse-style trend of bench seating, wooden dining tables and chairs have also made an impact on interior design. They offer a natural, rustic look for the casual and cozy home. For a more streamlined and industrial home, metal table and chair legs give a sleek look. You can pair this with a metal or glass table-top and upholstered or metal seats. The idea of minimalism is also popular among young homeowners. Glass tables and slim dining chairs lighten the visual clutter in your space.

5. Accessories

Of course, any room doesn’t feel like “home” until it’s accessorized! If you’re brave enough, or don’t have small children and pets, try placing an area rug under your dining table. You’ll also need plenty of light, so look for a pendant or chandelier that matches your esthetic. Show off your personality with a table centerpiece and framed art on the walls.

Start Your Dining Room Design Today!

California Stools, Bars, and Dinettes is one of the best furniture stores in the Bay Area. We offer a wide variety of dining tables, dining chairs, and dining room sets in various styles to suit any room. Come shop with us in-person today or view our inventory online. Don’t hesitate to give our furniture experts a call with questions!

For many of us, coffee is an important part of our morning routine. Whether you take time to savor it with a small breakfast or pour it in a to-go tumbler on your way out the door, make the process of brewing your perfect cup more streamlined with a coffee bar in your home. Here are a few ideas to inspire your DIY skills.

Start with a Small Nook

A popular trend in home remodeling is to create a coffee nook. This can be a great way to use small or awkward spaces in your kitchen and dining room. A simple shelving system, rolling cart, or repurposed furniture item can make for a quick solution. Of course, you can also go for custom cabinetry to ensure all your coffee-making accessories have their perfect spot.

Add Comfortable Seating

Once you have your coffee station set up, you’ll need a place to enjoy your morning brew. Your kitchen island or dining room table are likely your go-to locations now but consider adding a special area for your coffee bar.

Bistro tables are the ideal solution to mimic a smaller dining table. These are often just large enough for two seats but are usually around the same height as a standard dining room table, at 28″ to 30″.

Pub tables sit higher than bistro tables at around 42″. Common designs are meant for two seats, but larger tables that fit four and six seats are also available. Keep in mind that with a taller table, you’ll also need taller seating.

Barstools are the perfect accompaniment to pub tables, but they also work well for bar-height kitchen islands. If your space doesn’t allow for a small table or kitchen island, consider adding a shelf in front of a nearby window instead. This will create the feeling of sitting in front of café windows and watching the world go by.

Personalize the Space

Since this is your very own coffee bar, you get to decorate it however you like. You can choose to keep the same color palette as the rest of the kitchen area if you want a cohesive look. If your coffee bar is a bit separate from the main space, you might be interested in giving it a different esthetic.

• Consider adding a vase of fresh (or fake!) flowers to the bistro or pub table.
• Framed art in colors that match your current palette will help the space “pop”.
• Vintage signs related to coffee or breakfast offer a unique way to decorate your coffee bar.
• Inspiring quotes will set intentions for the day and start your morning off right. 

Start Designing Your Perfect Coffee Bar Today!

California Stools, Bars, and Dinettes is one of the best furniture stores in the Bay Area. We offer a wide selection of dining room tables, pub tables, and barstools in San Francisco. Please visit one of our locations today or shop online to find the perfect set for your coffee nook. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or for assistance in selecting the right furniture. Our friendly furniture experts are happy to help!

Most of us reach a certain age where it’s no longer fun to go out and spend all our money drinking at the local bars with our friends. Instead, we prefer to invite them over for a quiet night of drinking at catching up at home. Make the occasion even more special by serving up drinks at your outdoor home bar. Don’t have one yet? Here are a few ideas to spark your imagination.

1. Storage

The first thing to consider is how big you want your home bar to be. If you’re looking for a simple set up, try piecing together a couple wooden pallets with shelves on the inside. For something more elaborate, build a small refrigerator into the counter and include space for your glassware, shakers, jigger, muddler, bottle opener, etc. Also consider if you’d prefer to keep everything you need for making drinks outside in your bar, or inside, then carry it all out on a tray or bar cart.

2. Barstools

It’s always a good idea to have a couple barstools nearby so your guests aren’t stuck standing at the bar for hours on end. Keep in mind that barstools come in different sizes. For the average kitchen counter height, stick with 24″ to 26″ tall barstools. If you want something at bar height, go for 28″ to 30″ high.

3. Outdoor Kitchen

Many times, drinks come with snacks or a meal. If you want to serve up some treats at your outdoor home bar, add an outdoor kitchen. You can keep it simple and include just a pizza oven or warming griddle. If you have an inner professional chef, go all out with a grill, stove, open counter space, sink, cutting boards, and anything else you desire.

4. Additional Seating

Especially if you’re including an outdoor kitchen, you’ll want to have additional seating. Bistro tables are ideal for two guests who are just having a drink or light snack since they tend to be on the smaller size. Pub tables are better for slightly larger groups and if you’re serving a full meal since they are about the size of a standard card table. They are also perfect for playing card games while you enjoy a beautiful night outside.

5. Lighting

You’ll want your outdoor home bar space to be bright enough to see at night, but without ruining the ambiance in your backyard. Hang string lights in front of the bar and hanging pendant lights overhead. You can even opt to have dimmable bulbs that allow you to change the brightness as you wish. Turn them up when you need to mix a drink, then turn them down to enjoy some casual conversation.

Design, Build, and Style Your Perfect Outdoor Home Bar!

California Stools, Bars, and Dinettes is one of the best furniture stores in the Bay Area for styling your outdoor home bar. We have everything you need to complete the look including bistro tables, pub tables, and barstools in San Francisco. Visit our San Jose or Pleasant Hill locations today to start designing the outdoor home bar of your dreams!

An at-home bar is the first step to living a luxurious life in the comfort of your own home. When designing your own at-home bar, small details go a long way. From picking out furniture as simple as barstools, you can create an entirely different look for your home bar. Barstools come in a variety of colors, bar heights, materials, and even a backless barstool these days. One of the most important choices to make is between a metal and a wooden barstool. Although this may seem like an easy choice, there may be a variety of things to consider that are not so obvious.

Wood Barstools

If you are striving for a more traditional look, wood barstools are the way to go. Homes built over 10,000 years ago typically used a lot of timber as the primary construction material, so there is no better way to give the bar a more traditional look than a wood stool. In addition, solid wood barstools are typically a great choice for many kitchen counters, especially if the floors are made of solid wood or hardwood.

Wood stools can have very intricate designs carved into them through fine-tip carving tools, or they can be designed using different staining patterns. Many valuable advantages are also overlooked when it comes to a stool seat made of wood. Aside from the décor, stools made of wood can easily be transformed into other furniture pieces. With the right shades of paint, wood barstools can make a perfect nightstand in a bedroom.

Metal Barstools

While there are many great benefits of having a wood barstool, there are equally as many benefits to having a metal barstool. One of the greatest benefits a metal barstool is that it’s easy to clean. They are easily wipeable which eliminates stains on the stool base. Metal barstools also come in handy when it comes to outdoor seating, these stools tend to be more weather resistant, and water will not cause significant damage to the stool. In addition, swivel stools are now available in metal. Swivel stools are growing in popularity due to convenience and comfort.

The design possibilities for a room when it comes to metal barstools are equally as endless as those of wood barstools. If a modern look is what appeals to you, for example, a metal barstool will likely be a good option for your home. Many newer homes have stainless steel appliances that metal barstools perfectly complement.

Shop Barstools In the Bay Area

At California Barstools and Dinettes, we offer a wide variety of both metal and wood barstools. Browse our collection of adjustable, backless, swivel, and stationary barstools online and in store. We have two locations in the Bay Area — in San Jose and Pleasant Hill. With our large selection, you’ll find a barstool that fits both your needs and style preferences. Be sure to check out our selection to find the perfect barstools for you!

A breakfast nook is a home feature that is not often included in floor plans for modern homes. It was originally used as a spot for people to enjoy a casual meal instead of serving at the formal dining room. Most homes these days have just one area for dining, but that’s not always enough. Here are eight reasons you should add a breakfast nook to your home.

1. Homework

In today’s homes, most rooms serve multiple purposes. The kitchen is a common gathering place, and it’s likely that kids do their homework here. Give them a space to get their work done without sacrificing your dining table or counter space.

2. Coffee & Cocktails

Sharing a drink with friends or family is a popular way to catch up on life. A breakfast nook featuring dinette sets in San Francisco gives you an intimate place to enjoy this time when the weather isn’t ideal for sitting on the patio.

3. Lack of Counter Space

For smaller kitchens with less counter space, adding barstools next to the counter is a popular choice to add more seating. However, it can be difficult to prepare a meal when children or guests are seated there. Bistro pub tables in San Francisco are a great addition to give you more room at the counter.

4. Weekend Brunch

Since casual dining was the original purpose of the breakfast nook, it’s the easy choice for serving up weekend brunches of pancakes, waffles, and eggs.

5. Kid’s Craft Projects

From coloring to knitting and building blocks, kids love to be creative. With a designated area for these projects, kids can feel free to explore their imaginations without getting in the way of others.

6. Monitor Children

Cooking dinner can take a lot of your attention. When the kids are in another room, you might not be able to manage both tasks effectively. Including kitchen dinette sets into your home gives kids a safe place to play while you prepare their meals.

7. Make an Awkward Space Functional

Especially with older homes, there can be small pockets of space that you’re just not quite sure what to do with. Building a breakfast nook in one of these areas helps you give purpose to an otherwise unused space.

8. Add More Storage Space

Since breakfast nooks are meant to be casual, bench seating is a popular choice. This also gives you the opportunity to create more storage space. Whether the bench features little doors you can open from the front, or if the seat can be pulled up, you’ll add more storage space to your kitchen and dining area.

Shop for Dining and Kitchen Furniture in San Francisco

California Dining & Barstools is one of the top furniture stores in the Bay Area. We have a wide variety of bar stools, dinette sets, and kitchen tables and chairs to suit any design style and budget. Visit one of our two locations today in Pleasant Hill or San Jose to see what we have to offer. Of course, you can always contact us online if you have any questions.