Bistro Tables and Chairs: The History Behind Them

Bistro tables and cafe chairs have remained popular for decades, and they’re one of the furniture staples in restaurants, cafes and bistros all across the world. Traditionally associated with the bistros of France, outdoor bistro tables and chairs are no longer limited to Parisian eateries but can be seen anywhere, from London to LA.

What is a bistro table?

Traditionally, a bistro table is a small table designed for al fresco dining. A small bistro table typically has a round table top measuring 24 inches across and stands only 30 inches from the ground.

Bistro tables are manufactured in a wide range of colours and materials, from a mosaic bistro table to wood bistro tables, you’ll be able to find a variety of bistro tables when it comes to looking for the perfect bistro tables and chairs for your restaurant.

Bistro tables are most commonly seen in black or white painted wrought iron, but now there are many other different styles of bistro tables to choose from.

Bistro tables are usually and traditionally round cafe tables, but there have been some attempts to make a square bistro table popular.

Are there larger bistro tables available?

Nowadays, bistro tables are available in a large amount of sizes. The traditional french bistro table sits only two people, but you can achieve the same style with a bigger bistro table. On the market today, you’ll be able to find larger bistro tables that can comfortably accommodate a group of four.

Some of the more modern variants of the bistro table have a hole in the middle designed to hold an umbrella.

This is perfect when dining outside – however traditionally in France, an umbrella isn’t necessary in the outdoor bistro table and chairs sets because the tables and chairs are placed under an awning to protect from the rain.

The larger bistro table is 34 inches round and has a height of around 30 inches.

What is the early history of the bistro table?

As you may be aware, the traditional french style bistro table has its roots in early Europe. Like how they are used today, they were initially designed as tables for pavement cafe dining.

These tables were first used in the early 1600s and they were the perfect size for dining on the street. Paris has always been associated with the city of love, and these tiny two-seat tables are the perfect size for couples looking to share dinner or a bottle of wine together.

By the late 1600s, countries across Europe started using bistro tables as courtyard tables, allowing more and more people to enjoy the outdoor eating experience.

In the 1800s, bistro tables and chairs had become so popular that everywhere – from tiny villages to large metropolises – seemed to offer bistro seating. Bistro tables and chairs were often so popular because they encouraged outdoor pavement seating. This made it highly likely that you were bound to see a friend while dining, adding to the social experience that dining out already offered.

What was the dining experience like before the invention of the bistro table?

Before the bistro table really became popular, the vast majority of dining was held inside on restaurant style tables. The bistro table really helped customers enjoy relaxing and watching the world go by around them.

How has the design of the bistro table changed throughout the years?

Originally, the first bistro tables were made out of marble. However, a marble bistro table is expensive and difficult to manufacture. They cannot be easily made on a large scale, and since bistro tables were becoming common in cities and towns all across Europe, they needed to be made out of a material that was easier to mass produce.

By the 1800s, bistro tables were made out of a wide variety of different materials, including wood and metal. By the late 1800s, bistro tables were increasingly made out of wood and wrought iron, because these materials were some of the easiest to find.

The materials used to make bistro tables and chairs have changed over time, but the wrought iron versions are still immensely popular today. However, some bistro table and chair designs have been modernised by using different materials, such as marble or glass.

An aluminium metal bistro table is often sold and used due to that material’s durability in wetter and colder climates.

Why were wood bistro tables popular?

We don’t often associate bistro tables with wood, but they gained popularity in the past because they were less expensive than a marble bistro table and they were far easier to move around.

Wood bistro tables don’t often have the same level of ornamentation as the wrought iron designs, but they have been in use for centuries. In the 1600s and 1700s, wood bistro tables were rare, but it wasn’t until the 1800s when wood bistro tables really became popular, thanks to German-Austrian furniture maker, Michael Thonet.

How did Michael Thonet revolutionise the wooden bistro table?

Michael Thonet’s work was highly accomplished, and one of his wooden bistro table designs won a top prize at the World Expositions in 1859. This allowed his wooden chairs and, in turn, wooden bistro tables to become popular and renowned across the world.

He also designed a folding bistro table which became incredibly popular in both Europe and America.

This style allowed businesses to take down their tables at night and store them, which allowed them to free up outdoor space when needed and protect their outdoor bistro table in the winter and during spells of bad weather.