Bistro Table – Bistro Tables and Bistro Sets

What are Bistro Tables?

Bistro tables are rounded tables which, as their name suggests, are almost always used in coffee shops and cafés. Nowadays, they are typically made of some sort of durable metal, such as cast aluminium, and often, but not always, they have only one leg, or at least one long leg with four very small ‘feet’ at the bottom. This minimalistic design contributes to the bistro table’s elegance and convenience. Unlike typical dining tables, bistro tables can be fit in considerable numbers into a surprisingly small space, which makes them perfect not only for cafés, but also bars and nightclubs as well.

Modern

In fact, indoor bistro tables are one of the top choices for bars and nightclubs, where space is limited and contemporary elegance is a must. These contemporary tables often boast a single leg with a round bottom, and should be considered in any indoor environment with a modern feel. These tables would also be heavily suited to a small corner of a dining room, where extra dining space is required for working people ‘on the go’ – such tables are perfect in combination with raised stools or high chairs. Contemporary bistro tables can come in many varieties, such as the glass top variety, or even steel. Many of these tables often boast rounded metal footrests near the bottom, perfect for the stools which should surround them. Modern bistro tables need to be carefully considered, since they are not appropriate for every house: only the most modern, chic houses are appropriate for modern bistro tables.

Wood

Although you might consider bistro tables as an exclusively modern piece of furniture, it is worth noting that bistro tables have been around long before McDonalds or nightclubs with neon lights sprang up. The word ‘bistro’ might be uncertain, whether it stems from the russian bistro meaning ‘rapidly’, or it has truly french origins, such as bistrouille, one thing is for certain: wherever the term came from, bistro tables have been around for a long time and as such, there are many more classic, traditional varieties to buy, if your house has that traditional feel. Most wood bistro tables do not have the one leg as their metal contemporaries; rather, they possess the most wonderful four legged designs, often with wonderfully curved legs. Wood bistro tables would be suitable for a more classic themed house, or pub, or café.

Outdoors

No café is complete without an outdoor area for customers to sit out, enjoy the fresh air and sun, while drinking their coffee. It is vital for a café owner to carefully consider when purchasing bistro tables, because these will likely have to be purchased in high volume, and thus the bistro tables will prove to be a considerably large overhead. Therefore, any bistro tables that the café owner buys, have to last. We have a section on this site specifically designed to address these issues in the proper details they deserve; but for now, it is simply prudent to consider that wooden bistro tables aren’t usually appropriate for an outdoor setting. While outdoor bistro tables aren’t exactly synonymous with modern bistro tables, in practical terms, they have to be. When buying the outdoor variety one must consider that the bistro tables will be exposed to the elements and hence, must have a design and composition which provides them adequate protection. Four footed bistro tables are a more prudent choice than a single small round bottom, and glass tops or a metal that has protection against rust would be the common sense choice.

Bistro Tables and Chairs

Of course no bistro tables would be complete without a set of chairs to go with them. The tables are often sold as sets so that the style is consistent throughout. These sets have a unique cultural reputation which spans decades, and are especially appropriate for wood bistro tables in establishments such as pubs and elegant cafés. Bistro tables and chairs sets usually come in a set of 3 pieces (1 bistro table, 2 chairs) or 5 pieces (1 bistro table, 4 chairs), and the bistro tables and chairs are nearly always of the same material, color and style.