Ask Jennifer Adams: Do tall tables and bar stools work in a kitchen?
Love those tall dining table sets at your favorite restaurant? Wondering if a tall kitchen table and bar stools will fit into a studio apartment? Here's how to make a bistro set work!
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Q: My new studio apartment is tiny, and I really need to get a dining table that can double as a desk because I work at home a lot. I also often have friends over for small dinners and wine. I really like sitting at those tall tables in restaurants and bars and kind of want one for my place. Do you think that would suit my needs?
A: Bistro-height dining tables are a great idea for small places, especially if you like the social atmosphere of bars and restaurants. A tall dining table will be a perfect way of expressing yourself and creating a space that works hard for you and your lifestyle. Everyone seems to gather in the kitchen, anyway (no matter how big the traditional dining table is), and a tall table will help make a more fluid and casual social atmosphere.
Place your dining table (of any height) next to a wall or even in a corner to save some floor space, and when necessary, pull it out to seat more people. A table that is 36 inches square will accommodate four for a meal, and more people for cocktails, snacks, and wine because some might be standing. Round tables fit into smaller spaces, but can feel awkward as a desk or for a sit-down dinner because, literally, there is no room for your elbows. Some bistro sets may also be expandable.
Tall dining tables come in different heights, generally at either 36 or 42 inches. Consider your kitchen counter heights — most are 36 inches high — and if you need stools for the kitchen, a bistro table that's also 36 inches may allow you to use the same stools.
As a desk, a tall table is more versatile than a traditional table because you can stand to work. That said, a more comfortable standing height to type is 42 inches high. For reference, sneak a tape measure into your favorite bar!
Send in a photo of what you decide.
Have a design dilemma? Jennifer Adams is an award-winning designer, TV personality and author of the upcoming book "Love Coming Home: Transform Your Environment. Transform Your Life." Send your questions to AskJennifer@JenniferAdams.com or for more design ideas, visit Jennifer's blog on her website at www.jenniferadams.com.