Small living spaces have always existed, but many people are moving back to a simplistic way of living, specifically with the small house movement. People these days enjoy having the flexibility of picking up and moving when they want.

Also with cities growing and adding more apartments young professionals are desiring to live in a more trendy neighborhood. These neighborhoods often include luxury apartments with little space.

However, there is a solution to the problem of having a small space. Buying the right furniture that’s compatible with your space is key.

Small Furniture for a Small Space

Decorating is easy, even in small spaces. A simple way to get a dining area in a home without much space is to add a bistro feeling to your home with a few easy touches. Here are some ideas for bringing bistro patio’s furniture into your home.

• Set up a classy patio set inside for a small kitchen area. Our Parisian Rattan Chairs will immediately add class and style to your space.

• Put bistro patio furniture in the corner of your living room. This creates additional seating for when you have guests over. If you buy the Fermob folding chairs, you can set out two chairs at the bistro table, then fold up two additional chairs for your guests. Rattan chairs can be a great addition to your living room. They come in a variety of colors, and are very comfortable.

• Set up bistro patio furniture by your favorite window in your small home and create a space for you to enjoy as your desk, dining table, or project table as you look out at nature all year long.

Don’t Overcrowd Your Space

With a small sized table and chairs, you will have more space for other furniture and/or activities in your space. Folding patio furniture sets take up a very small amount of space and they are built well.

Using them inside your home gives you the ability to create a space around it to bring the outdoors inside. Just the same, if you end up moving into a larger space, you can always use your bistro patio furniture outdoors when you have the space for a traditional sized dining room table.

Selecting the proper furniture is just one way to maximize your space. If you need extra storage use wall shelving, baskets, and plastic bins to hide the clutter.

Most do not consider using their patio furniture indoors. It’s a great option, for small spaces. To learn more about our Sika Rattan Furniture read our blog post "Sika Rattan furniture inspired by Scandinavian Design".

One of the most enjoyable things about fall is sitting by the fire and having a hot drink to keep you warm. In addition, to drink the loving comfort of family and friends telling stories and reciting memories warms the heart. Sometimes, it gets so cozy outside that you just want to close your eyes and sleep the night away.

The easy thing to do would be to grab a couple of old chairs and place your fire just anywhere. But, if you really want a dynamic outdoor experience you should put a little thought into a few details that will make this space perfect!

Before you begin make sure you build or place your fire pit at least 10 feet from your home. You also want to measure the space to ensure you have enough room for your seating and any other accessories you may want to add.

Rattan Seating

Outdoor firepit seating can really determine how much time you spend sitting by the fire. Finding modern patio furniture with a fire pit can be overwhelming. There is so much available when it comes to outdoor furniture.

Rattan chairs come in various different styles and colors giving you the flexibility to be able to decorate your outside space just the way you like. Comfy fire pit chairs are a must, and rattan chairs can be the answer. They are lightweight and durable. Making them easy to move around or use them in another space.

FYI: Natural rattan chairs should be protected during cold and rainy seasons. The skin of the rattan can be used outdoors, however the appearance will turn to a silver/grey color which is considered very beautiful. The rattan will stay strong for years and last longer if it does not have excessive exposure to the outdoor elements. It's recommended to bring inside for winter or use plastic covers.

Sofas and Sectionals

Sofas and sectionals make great patio conversation sets. They give you the opportunity to entertain with a nice amount of guests, and allow everyone to sit comfortably.

With the range of outdoor furniture today selecting the perfect outdoor sofa can take a little bit of time. When looking for comfortability some lean more towards a traditional look and choose wicker furniture. American Country has a great selection of indoor outdoor wicker furniture.

Another style to consider would be a metal sofa or sofa chair that has a comfy cushion. Fermobs Bellevie sofa may be just what you are looking for. It’s water resistant and the cushions are machine washable.

Loungers

Loungers are comfy patio chairs that are perfect if you have a large space. They are outdoor friendly and come in a variety of colors. The Alize armchair is adjustable and stackable.

Now that you have a good idea of how you want to decorate your outdoor space. Learn “How to Install a Fire Pit For Your Backyard”

When you invest in French style outdoor furniture, you want to be sure that it lasts you for years to come. However, if you do not perform proper maintenance, your outdoor furniture will be worn down by the elements, making it difficult to hold on to it for long.

In this blog, we will go over some simple ways you can extend the life of your patio furniture. Read on for more ways to make sure your metal Bistro sets, wood, and rattan furniture lasts for years to come.

Address Mildew Immediately

Unfortunately, due to precipitation, mildew is a common problem for patio furniture. A mildewy patio cushion can be a real party pooper, so you could be proactive about addressing this issue. Periodically smell your cushions, pillows, and other fabrics to check for mildew. If you smell even the mildest mildew scent, tackle it immediately.

If you let mildew build up too much, you will not be able to save it. Mix a gallon of water with ¾ of a cup of a bleach and apply it to your mildewy patio furniture and accessories. Wipe it off with water. You will know you have fixed the problem when the mildew smell is gone.

Use tarps

A great way to protect your patio furniture from the elements is to purchase tarps to place over them when they are not in use. Opt for waterproof, vinyl tarps that are breathable, particularly if you are going to cover them for an extended period of time. Tie the tarps down with ropes or bungee cords, or use bricks to hold them down.

When you are looking for impeccable French style outdoor furniture, Bistro Patio carries something for you to enjoy. When you invest in French outdoor furniture from Bistro Patio, you want to enjoy it in your outdoor space for years to come.

However, when life gets busy, it is easy to let the maintenance of your patio furniture fall by the wayside. However, it is worth it to take these quick and simple steps to protect your patio furniture and ensure that it will last longer.

Tip: The Fermob Louvre chairs and opera table make a romantic statement on the Paris balcony.

Regularly Clean Your Patio Furniture

Even if it does not appear that your patio furniture needs to be cleaned, regularly cleaning it can extend its life. Schedule a cleaning every few weeks and you will be able to enjoy your patio furniture for a lot longer.

Use soap and water on your vinyl or aluminum patio furniture, but skip the soap for any wooden furniture you have. If you have teak furniture using a teak cleaner will help preserve your furniture. Clean fabrics using a cleaning solution specifically designed for it.

Prevent Rust With Wax

If you have Louvre metal patio furniture, rust can be an unsightly consequence of not properly maintaining your patio furniture. Prevent this by applying paste wax to your patio furniture, ideally soon after you purchase it.

After you wash your furniture, reapply wax as well. You can use car wax if you have some around, or you can purchase paste wax from a hardware store. If you are diligent about waxing your metal furniture, it will last for years to come.

Let’s say that it is too late to prevent rust; you are already seeing some build up on your metal furniture. Fortunately, it is possible to remove rust. The moment you notice rust, use a wire brush to scrub it away. The sooner you address any rust you see, the easier it will be to prevent your outdoor furniture from completely rusting over.

Preventative measures you take can ensure a long life for your patio furniture. When you are looking for French outdoor furniture, shop Bistro Patio today!

Photo by Fermob

You’ve spent all summer getting your outdoor space ready to entertain and enjoy. Before you know it….the weather is starting to get cold. When that time comes and you want to entertain outside on chilly evenings or during the winter months, now is the time to invest in an outdoor space heater for your patio.

Space heaters make a great addition to your patio space because they ensure you don’t have to wait for the weather to warm up to enjoy your patio. We plan on enjoying our outdoor space and drinking our favorite hot beverage sitting at our metal bistro table and chairs as long as we can.

What is The Best Patio Heater to Buy

There are so many different patio heaters you can buy. Keep in mind though, they are designed to take the chill out of the air, but you are still outside. When considering what type of patio heater to buy think about what type of heat source will be best for you and your area.

Patio heaters come with mainly three heat sources.

1. Propane. Propane heaters can heat up a space quickly, and depending on the size can heat a large space. However, since it omits carbon monoxide it should not be used in an enclosed space.

2. Electric. Using an electric heater is safer, but it may cost you a little extra money. You will have to change bulbs, and ensure there is an outdoor outlet as most come with a cord.They are generally smaller so will not give off as much heat as a propane heater.

3. Wood. Burning wood is the favorite option for most people. It can generate a lot of heat, but make sure you have a safe distance from any structure. To decrease smoke use wood such as birch, hickory, and white ash.

When you are choosing the right space heater for your patio, you have a couple of different considerations to make. There are two main categories of heaters: hanging and standing.

If you have children or pets, a hanging heater is a safer choice than a standing heater. A standing heater is too easily accessible to little ones and their furry friends, while a hanging heater keeps the danger out of reach.

Tip: No matter what heat source you choose caution must be taken when you have your children and pets around your patio heater.

How Large is Your Space

One consideration you should make is the size of your space. If you are working with a small amount of space on your patio, a standing heater may take up too much room. A tabletop heater may be a good option. It can be secured on a patio table where the umbrella hole is located.

Alternatively, if you have a large outdoor space, standing space heaters may be more convenient because they are portable. You can move them around your outdoor space depending on where you would like to entertain.If you're like me I have a nice size space, but I have a lot of patio furniture which makes my space look small.

How Cold Does it Get

When choosing between standing and hanging heaters, you should also think about how cold it gets in your region. In general, standing heaters heat spaces less efficiently than hanging heaters.

If you live in a colder environment, you will likely benefit more from hanging heaters. Alternatively, if you live in a warm weather climate, like California, you may find that standing heaters work just fine, and better match your aesthetic.

Make Your Space Warm and Cozy

One of the great joys of life is being able to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature. Adding a patio heater will give you the opportunity to do this even when the weather turns cold. But, what can you add your outdoor space to make it even cozier?

Choosing the right kind of furniture and accessories can add to the comfortable and pleasant experience to your outdoor retreat. Comfortable seating can make the difference. Why not, have a footrest or stools to prop your feet up. Add a stylish bench and pillows to create an unconventional look.

Regardless of the outdoor heater you choose, at Bistro Patio, we carry the French patio furniture you need to complete your outdoor space. Shop our selection here today!

Outdoor seating has become a life-saver for most restaurant owners. While business has been impacted severely due to the pandemic, being able to utilize an outdoor space for extra seating has been a help to many in the restaurant industry.

For some this new dining option has helped those in the industry recoup business that was lost during the shut down. When given an option some customers may feel more comfortable sitting outside versus inside where it is believed the virus will spread more quickly.

So if you are a restaurant owner how do you decide what type of seating is best for your restaurant or cafe? If you were to google this question hundreds of seating options will pop up, but finding commercial seating for your restaurant may not be as hard as you think.

First you want to consider your restaurant seating layout. Will your restaurant seating include booths with mostly tables and chairs? After you know how and where you want to place your new furniture consider these 3 factors.

1.Style

Selecting furniture according to the type of restaurant you have is important. If you are a fine dining restaurant choose quality materials, and luxurious patterns. Bistro sets are great for casual dining restaurants and cafes. Industrial vintage chairs are durable and unique.

With the huge variety of restaurant furniture out there it is great to find tables and chairs with different heights, styles, and colors. If you are looking for bar seating a good option are the Simone Bar Stool. These will add beauty and style to a restaurant that has a contemporary vibe.

2. Climate

If the location of your restaurants experiences all 4 seasons you may want to take this into consideration. If purchasing for indoor and outdoor use, make sure the furniture is weather-resistant.

Most metal bistro tables and chairs will do well all season. Wicker may be another material that you will want to consider, but not all wicker is made for outdoors. If you ask us we like to stick with Fermob's selection of bistro furniture. Another material that does well is Rattan.The rattan bark is preserved making the chairs suitable for outdoor use.

3. Comfort

For some comfort trump's style. So when selecting a chair notice the back height and seat depth. Notice your posture when sitting in the chair. What type of material is the cushion made of? Sit for a little while in the chair to make sure it’s comfortable for a long period of time.

Expand seating areas

Photo by RMH architects

What if space is limited? Think about any unused space you may have available to you. Sidewalk patios have become very popular in recent months. Adding a few patio tables and chairs and creating a front yard patio will give you additional seating, and create what we like to call pandemic dining.

We love how Wallabys in Ames, Iowa utilized their space. Rooftop patios are a great option for outdoor seating. Add a few commercial patio heaters and use this space for most of the year. Another great option could be a beer garden if there is an open lot nearby. People love to enjoy good weather, drinks, and friendship. Give them this reality with a cozy inviting seating area.

Tip: If you need inspiration for creating beautiful patios find restaurants with outdoor seating near you. It may spark an idea to help you get started.

Buying furniture that can be used indoor and outdoors is a great investment.To find commercial tables for sale and more head over to bistropatio.com. Find the perfect seating for your restaurant!

When you hear the term bistro furniture it may seem self explanatory, but where did it originate? Why is it so popular today? Where can you find bistro furniture for your restaurant or backyard patio?

Let me first start off by saying I’m a little biased because this type of furniture is my absolute favorite. It is classic and timeless, but what exactly is bistro furniture? To best answer this question we should turn to one of the top manufacturers of bistro furniture.

Notice what Fermob’s description of bistro furniture is. “The iconic folding metal Bistro tables and chairs of Paris, created at the end of the 19th Century, were a godsend for the terraces of the small cafes (bistros in French) that were flourishing everywhere at the time.

The new style of furniture, practical and quickly put away, was all the more successful with café owners in that it spared them the rent for a fixed terrace. The success of this “articulated” furniture has inspired many engineers in search for resilience, practicality and comfort.”

So there you have it! A glimpse into the history of bistro furniture. When mentioning bistro furniture we have to talk about other furniture styles that are included in the bistro family. Rattan is also a very popular and stylish choice in furniture today. Along with French cafe tables, and chairs, umbrellas and industrial bistro chairs.

Why is bistro furniture popular today?

Bistro furniture is versatile, comfortable, and stylish. No matter the reason you are looking for outdoor seating. Whether you are a restaurant owner looking for outdoor seating due to the pandemic or someone who wants a bistro set for their outdoor space bistro furniture can be the solution.

This type of furniture is perfect for bars and restaurants in need of commercial furniture. Most metal bistro chairs can be easily and quickly stacked which means they are easy to move and weather resistant. From bar height stools to benches bistro furniture may be the answer for your business!

For those of us just looking for a patio set to compliment our backyard decor bistro furniture can make it easy to decorate with. Most furniture comes in different colors and styles. My favorite style is rattan chairs. More specifically the Parisian Rattan Chair. It comes in 6 different colors, and will easily upgrade your space.

Rattan vs metal which better?

The answer to this question really comes down to just personal style. Both of these materials hold up well in any type of weather. Although It’s always a good idea to store your outdoor furniture during the winter months if not in use. This will help to preserve the life of the furniture.

Here are the pros for most metal bistro tables and chairs:

• High Protection Treatment for outdoor use
• Galvanized steel, curved slats
• Reinforced frame
• Plastic part for slower, smoother and safer folding

Check out the pros for most rattan furniture:

• Comfort sitting and durable
• Cleans with a damp cloth
• Stack-able

FYI: Rattan is the only material that can be harvested in nature and used for furniture without any processing.The skin of the rattan is very strong and hard wearing and can be used outdoors. However its natural color will turn silvery grey. This transformation is very beautiful and adds character to the furniture. The cane will stay strong for years however the appearance will change. Rattan furniture will last longer if not exposed to water or excessive sun. We also recommend the furniture to be stored inside during winter. Rattan furniture used on covered patios and terraces will last for generations. Enjoy this beautiful and natural product.

Where can you buy bistro furniture?

Finding bistro furniture is actually pretty easy. If you search the web you will find bistro sets in different price ranges. However, if you want quality furniture that will last a long time then please visit our website at bistropatio.com

Bistro Patio Furniture offers high quality bistro furniture by Fermob, the well-known French manufacturer. Featuring patio furniture from it’s Bistro range of folding chairs and tables made of durable powder-coated steel which comes in 24 colors. In addition, we offer Sika Design Rattan Chairs, and Haste Garden bistro furniture. For pricing and inventory please visit us at bistropatio.com or contact us at 515.233.5812

Bistro chairs have been chic and fashionable since they first appeared in the late 19th century, and the selection on our site is comprised of the highest quality chairs created by the best designers in the world. You've seen them on the streets of Paris and in New York City's Bryant Park, and now you can add them to your patio. Match them with a new patio table and your summer gatherings will be the talk of the neighborhood. If you own or manage a cafe, our chairs will make the perfect addition to your outdoor seating area.

Improve your patio and provide seating for all of your guests with our bistro folding chairs. They're easy to move, set up, and store, so when you're planning your next party, you won't have to worry about where everyone will sit. Your guests can enjoy the wonderful food, conversation, and atmosphere that you'll provide, and everyone will leave thinking about the next time they can come sit on your exquisite chairs.

Our Felicia Folding Rectangle Table is an ideal addition to any outdoor seating area, and with the convenience of a folding table, you can quickly set up and take down your exterior dining room when you need to. If the sun is shining, you can host more customers and serve them a delicious meal without making them wait for a table to open up inside your restaurant. When it starts to rain, or at night when you're closing up, your table will fold up and store easily until you need it the next day. Bistro Patio carries tables of various sizes and shapes, so depending on your dining configuration, you can select a table or two that fits your needs.

We also have bistro folding tables that are perfect for drink and appetizer service, such as this 28" x 28" Square Folding Table, which would also make a great addition to your deck or patio at home. You can also find tables with holes already made for umbrellas and other shades, keeping the sun out of your customers' eyes while they enjoy your fine cuisine.

Bright when outdoors, deep when inside, it evokes a whole range of universes: the ocean, the jungle, warm exoticism or even a frozen desert.

Mysterious & soothing, Acapulco Blue brings new perspectives to the Fermob color chart. In conjunction with shades of green or blue, it brings soft harmonies to the garden.

This new, deep color will fill our gardens with a refreshing intensity.

Red Ochre decorates furniture with a fiery temperament. Red Ochre is a volcanic but wise natural, ancient color.

Its elegance chimes with the present-day trend for returning to the roots and the land. A powdery, authentic, glowing hue, it adds a touch of spice to the warm tones in the Fermob color chart.