What is the Difference Between Patio Bistro Furniture vs. Bar Furniture?
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Both bistro and bar furniture originate from European pub design aesthetics. Winding old world roads are still lined to this day with quaint cafes decorated with colorful awnings and street-level patio bistro furniture. English pubs known for fish, chips, and beer on tap maintain the original artistic taste of patio bar furniture. Both styles were introduced to America via the influx of European immigrants on the East Coast. Some enclave neighbors in New York still preserve the old-world aesthetic. Stroll the streets of Little Italy, Chelsea, or post-pandemic eateries in the borough of Brooklyn and you’ll feel transported to the small patio pubs and outdoor dining cafes of yesteryear. The bayou bars of New Orleans might be the best representation in the western world of patio bistro furniture found in the décor of creole cafes.
You don’t have to travel further than your backyard or balcony if you want to create a café on a small patio or any available space in your home. A wide selection of patio bistro furniture and patio bar furniture is accessible to residential and commercial outdoor furniture buyers who want to recreate a cafe or pub feel.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bistro vs. Bar Patio Furniture
Height sets them apart. All bar sets are bistro sets, but the key differentiator is height. Bar sets sit higher than bistro sets, changing the look and feel from casual café dining to a more elevated pub vibe.
Tabletops ~34–36 in; chairs ~24–26 in. Bistro sets are typically table height with 34–36 in tabletops paired to 24–26 in counter chairs. Classic woods include teak, acacia, and eucalyptus. Three-piece sets are common, often round or square, stackable, foldable, and easy to move.
Tabletops ~40–42 in; stools ~28–30 in. Bar sets are counter-height or higher, often with a footrest for comfort. Tops may be square, round, or rectangular. Three-piece sets are typical, though some seat four.
Wood and metal dominate. Bistro: wood (teak, acacia, eucalyptus) plus metal or glass-top options. Bar: wood or sturdy, often immovable metal frames. Stainless is heavier than aluminum; cast iron is extremely durable and rust resistant outdoors.
Bistro sets shine in tight spaces. Lightweight, stackable, and foldable bistro sets are easy to transport and store. They can double as chic side tables or coffee/tea spots, fitting sunrooms and compact outdoor areas.
European café and pub roots. Both draw from European street cafés and pubs, now echoed in U.S. neighborhoods. Bistro leans cozy café; bar leans lively pub. Bring either feel home without leaving your backyard.
Great for both residential and commercial. Bistro sets often serve cafés and compact homes alike. Bar sets are popular commercially, yet homeowners who entertain will appreciate their height, presence, and versatility as cocktail or serving stations.
What is Patio Bistro Furniture
The Toni bistro set is configured to sit at dining height for cozy, comfy patio eating.
Through the centuries, bistro furniture has maintained consistent design elements. Bistro sets are typically table height. Bistro tabletops range from 34 inches to 36 inches and are often paired with 24- to 26-inch counter chairs. Patio bistro furniture is traditionally made of wood. Teak wood, Acadia and eucalyptus are some of the most popular on the market for their classic, natural color and long-lasting durability. Wooden 3-piece sets are usually sold with a round or square table top and two matching chairs. These styles are stackable, foldable and transportable. The ease and versatility of the lightweight pieces make them popular for multipurpose small spaces.
The Parisienne bistro set by Woodard
It’s also quite common to see café furniture sets made of metal or with glass table tops. Some metal materials used are steel, aluminum and cast iron in classic colors or painted pop hues for those with eccentric style. Patio bistro furniture is commonly used commercially as restaurant furniture for indoor or outdoor dining. Residential uses are suitable for small spaces like small patios or sunrooms. Alternative, nontraditional uses might be using a bistro set as a side sofa table topped with a decorative lamp or books. Bistro furniture is also called café furniture. Café furniture can also be used as chic corner coffee clutches or tea tables. Surrounding décor and frequency of use are key factors in choosing the construction that’s best suited for your space and style.
What is Patio Bar Furniture
The Vino bar set is designed to sit at counter height for a more chic and restaurant esque feel.
All bar sets are bistro sets, but the main differentiator is height. Patio bar furniture sets tend to be higher counter height than patio bistro furniture. Bar tabletops can sometimes be a bit wider with measurements ranging from 40 to 42 inches. Patio bar furniture is frequently matched with taller 28- to 30-inch bar stools that usually feature a footrest for comfort. Similarly to patio bistro furniture, patio bar furniture is commonly constructed of wood or metal materials and sold in sets of three, although some can accommodate four. Patio bar furniture is most popular in sturdy, immovable metal frames that can withstand frequent use. Stainless steel is a heavier and stronger metal than aluminum models. Cast iron is one of the most durable and rust resistant metals, making it perfect for all weather outdoor dining and al fresco eating.
The Bazza bar set by Telescope Casual.
Patio bar furniture sets come in various tabletop styles, including square, round and rectangular. Bar furniture is sometimes referred to as pub furniture. Although more popular as commercial restaurant furniture, residential buyers that like to entertain over cocktails and conversations should not shy away from these sets. Entertaining options are endless for pub furniture that can be converted to a cocktail staging station, small serving table or hors d’oeuvres stand. These sets can also be used on small patios as an outdoor dining option for either residential or commercial spaces. At home, a quiet kitchen nook can be converted into a cafe corner. Pub furniture is adaptable for internet cafes, small patio eateries, outdoor dining sets for tapas and small plates and so much more.
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