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 and 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 both residential and commercial outdoor furniture buyers that want to recreate a cafe or pub feel.

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 foot rest 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 which makes it perfect for all weather outdoor dining and al fresco eating.

The Bazza bar set by Telescope Casual.

Patio bar furniture sets come in a variety of 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 to 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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