Which Outdoor Dining Set Is for You?
Eating alfresco is one of the great joys in life. What could be better than sitting outdoors on a nice afternoon or a beautiful evening and breaking bread with family and friends? Creating the perfect dining experience is an art - you need a delicious meal, tasty drinks, distinguished guests, and beautiful furnishings.
While we can't help you take your kitchen by storm, when it comes to the best outdoor dining furniture, we've got you covered. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to help you choose the right tables, chairs, and other furniture for the perfect dining experience.
Step 1: Which outdoor dining set is right for you?
Outdoor tableware is available in a wide range of styles, sizes, and materials. When choosing the right product, you need to consider several factors:
Durability: how durable will the material be when left outside?
Maintenance: how easy is it to keep clean?
Appearance: how will the material look over time?
Design: does it complement the style of your current outdoor space?
Comfort: is the seating designed with contoured seats or cushions?
Weight: is it easy to move the furniture and can it withstand strong winds?
Price: how much value will you get from the dining set (i.e. how often and for how long)?
Seating capacity: will you be able to seat your family and friends comfortably around the table?
Step 2: Determine how much space you have
Look at the various tableware options available and, once you have narrowed down your choices, consider the overall 'footprint' or the space that the table and chairs will take up.
Carefully measure your outdoor space and use tape to mark the size of the table.
Then create a similar template for the chairs so that you can see how they will interact with the table and the space as a whole.
You will need to leave some space between the chairs and enough space around the outside for people to walk around easily.
If you don't keep your tableware outside all year round, you will need to make sure that you have enough space to store it.
Step 3: Choose the right table for your dining room
The dining table is the heart of your dining space, so it's vital to get it right. Consider the type of dining experience you want to create, your current layout and how many diners you typically have.
Table form and function: points to consider
Consider carefully the height of the table. Standard tables are more suited to everyday dining and formal gatherings, while taller bar tables and barstools are suitable for quick meals and game nights.
If you have young children, you may need a slightly lower table so that they can get in and out of their chairs and get to their food more easily.
Check the position of the legs on the table, this will affect where you place your chairs and arrange your guests.
Think about the overall size of your dining table and how much space you will need when it is surrounded by chairs. Make sure there is enough space on the deck or patio to comfortably place the table and chairs while allowing people to move around easily.
Once you have determined how many people can be accommodated, we recommend choosing a table size that can accommodate 1-2 additional dining spaces. Even if you don't reach maximum capacity, the extra elbow room will be appreciated.
The shape of the table is another key consideration. You want a shape that fits your current layout and you want it to accommodate your entertaining needs. Rectangular tables are perfect for formal dining and dinner parties. For everyday dining or intimate gatherings, a round or square table will suit you perfectly.
If you want to install a parasol, look for a table with a central hole.
Step 4: Choose the right dining chairs
Your guests will want to sit and relax in comfortable chairs as they enjoy their meal and conversation. You can choose chairs to match your table or combine them with an eclectic design. For simplicity, you can also purchase a complete dining set, including a table and two, four, or six matching chairs.
