A bistro table is a small, often raised, dining table that is usually associated with smaller, moderately priced restaurants known as bistros. Originally a French invention, the bistro table can now be found in a wide variety of uses, both by businesses, and by individual consumers in their homes.
The draw of these tables is the size and modesty of its design. In general, you use one of these pieces in a location where space is somewhat limited. Their smaller size allows them to be more easily arranged in a room. Being raised, it also gives the perception that there is more floor space in the room than there actually is.
In the home, there are a wide variety of locations that are suitable for bistro tables. The most obvious is the kitchen. In this culinary setting, there isn’t a lot of room for tables. Most of the space has to be left empty so that the chef can work efficiently. A bistro table, being smaller, is often the best choice for this setting, as it can give the cook an extra surface to work on, without getting rid of a lot of the floor space available.
Often these tables can be found outside, in the back yard. Whether you have a large or small back yard, a bistro table is perfect, because it creates an intimate setting that allows 2-3 people to sit quietly and chat, without having to shout to be heard. It also acts as a place that you can set things, like plates at a barbecue, or recreational items such as balls, rackets, or toys.
The front porch is another place you will often find these tables being used. Most of the time, bistro tables are manufactured for indoor or outdoor use, is built to stand against the vigors of nature. Their tiny size makes it a lot easier to move these pieces in and out of a space, giving them the ability to exist in flux.
The nature of these tables is that you can turn any environment into a gathering point. Its presence gives a setting an air of being a dining room, allowing you to serve food and drinks in any space you like.