Bistro and Pub Tables |
Bistro Tables (also called Pub Tables or Counter Tables)
There are three basic standards for the height of kitchen or dining tables and each style of table certainly has its place in how your dining room or kitchen is configured.
The first and most popular is the standard dining room table height of approximately 30 in. This height is where you find the vast majority of all dining table styles, whether it is a farmhouse-style table, trestle table, pedestal table or trestle table. The height is designed to allow for a comfortable distance from the tabletop surface for eating, and should allow for most side chairs to fit comfortably beneath it. Dining chair seat heights usually range from 19 in. to 21 in.
The second height is that of a bistro table, also called counter-height (and sometimes even called "pub height") and measures approximately 36 in. high. The most important aspect of the bistro table is that the height can accommodate counter stools, which usually have a seat height from 24 in. to 26 in. (see the diagram at left). Bistro table and stool sets lend themselves beautifully to smaller dining spaces and breakfast areas and adding a set to your home entertainment area can create a homey, pub atmosphere.
We have seen our manufacturers introduce more counter height table groups in recent markets. There is general agreement that having a higher height produces a more mature look (certainly, one should be aware that the higher the seating, the less child-friendly it may be). It also produces a more intimate setting, maybe because it does remind one of a pub or restaurant. Hooker Furniture, Lexington Home Brands, and Stone County Ironworks all have beautiful collections in both wood and iron, as collections or stand-alone items. Our experience has been that with complete collections, homeowners are generally replacing an existing set (of either dining height or bistro/counter height). With individual tables, particularly ones made in wrought iron, they are typically pairing with existing counter stools they already have, or they are adding additional seating to an area that has a counter already.
The choice of materials for the table top can be wood, metal, glass, or stone. All-wood collections keep wood for consistency, although come contrast the finish on the base with that of the top (these is a lovely and dramatic effect). Iron bases, such as those made by Stone County Ironworks and Johnston Casuals, work great with all three wood tops can add a more homey, rustic touch, glass tops look great with more contemporary designs, and stone tops give a sophisticated, southern-European feel. Hammered copper tops are also becoming more popular for both counter and bar-height tables, and their prices have dropped dramatically.
Lastly, when selecting your bistro table, you will obviously need to consider the style and functionality of the counter stools that will surround it. In a nutshell, you have the options of stationary stools or swivel, backless or with-back stools, and armless or arm stools. It's a lot to consider, and that is without even discussing the actual style!
Some Helpful Links, mentioned above:
- Shop counter stools, all styles
- Hooker Furniture Bistro and Dining Tables, mostly wood collections
- Lexington Home Brands Bistro and Dining Tables, mostly wood collections
- Stone County Ironworks Tables
- Johnston Casuals Bistro and Bar Tables
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