Evoke the look of Paris bistros or Italian street side cafes by using folding bistro tables in your interior decor. Folding bistro tables provide an ideal small-space solution that simply flatten to a few inches when not in use. You can also use them year-round as permanent fixtures in your home. Decorating with bistro tables can invigorate a forgotten corner with a signature style. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Select a style of folding bistro table that suits your needs. Classic French bistro tables feature solid steel construction, round tops and skinny legs. Many designers have modified the traditional look, so you can choose from rectangular, square or oval tables. Pedestal-style supports, teak surfaces and wrought iron frames are other options.
2. Study your floor plan to determine which spaces benefit most from folding French bistro tables. Space is required for the table and for people to comfortably sit around it and slide their chairs in and out. A nearby window or other source of light makes the space more charming for sitting, eating and drinking, but avoid placing the table in strong, direct sunlight.
3. Protect your floor. Metal bistro supports are unkind to soft wood floors, hand-painted tile and plush rugs. Protect the area where you set your bistro table and chairs by covering it with floor finishes like a bamboo mat, modular carpet tile or sturdy tile flooring. You can also place rubber tips directly on the metal feet of tables and chairs.
4. Create atmospheric surroundings for your French bistro decor. Simple wooden or metal cafe-style chairs keep the look casual. You can add cushions with fleur de lis symbols, stripes, faded florals or toile for a charming French country look. Hang a large chalkboard nearby for posting specials of the day or grocery lists. Paint a wall in a bistro-inspired shade such as stone gray or jaunty royal blue. Decorate your table or a nearby cart with espresso cups, a French press, bags of coffee beans, wine glasses and wine bottles. Keep a stack of French linens nearby, rolled in baskets or buckets.
5. Illuminate the area around your folding bistro table. A chandelier or a pendant light adds sculptural style overhead, while wrought iron holders with pillar candles provide mood lighting.
Tags: bistro table, bistro tables, folding bistro, French bistro, bistro tables
