The best patio table and chairs are all about welcoming you into the increasingly popular world of al fresco dining. By finding the right spot in the garden, you can make sure everything is as comfortable as possible, allowing you to dream away your evenings while eating out in the sunshine.
Do you want to know how to select the best garden furniture, including the best patio table and chairs? Would you like to learn about the best outdoor table décor ideas for your garden? You are in the right place.
Choosing the best patio table and chairs for your garden
The best outdoor dining sets for al fresco dining, including the perfect dining table, are all about combining style and comfort in perfect harmony. Get the balance right and you will be able to set the tone in a way that is sure to welcome you into the world of outdoor living like never before.
Material considerations
Our approach to finding the best patio table and chairs for al fresco dining starts with a deep dive into the various materials that are on offer to you. Why? Because here at Shedstore we believe that it is getting the basics right that truly matters.
While traditional summer houses are mostly made from wood, and anti-theft bike storage is most effective when made from metal, there is greater choice when it comes to outdoor furniture.
Wooden garden furniture
Even the best wooden garden table will have a few pros and cons you need to weigh up against one another:
- Country style or contemporary - the aesthetics of wooden furniture are often better aligned with a country style rather than something more contemporary
- Finish quality upkeep - you will need to maintain the quality of the finish to make sure the wood is not compromised
- Scuffing issues - wood can be scuffed and scratched quite easily, especially if the little ones tend to get a little boisterous
Is rattan a good alternative to wood?
Although, not wooden it is also worth mentioning rattan furniture (it is made from the stems of tropical plants). Rattan is an excellent natural choice for durable and stylish outdoor seating, offering versatility for various settings, from spacious gardens to small balconies.
Metal garden furniture
Metal patio furniture offers a few other factors to think about too:
- Flaking and peeling - paint can flake off metalwork if it is chipped and then left open to the elements
- Increased durability - the durability of metalwork is always likely to outdo plastic and wooden options
- Need for chair cushions - some may find that adding chair cushions is necessary to achieve sufficient comfort
Plastic garden furniture
And for those who prefer a plastic option:
- Colour options - you will have a wide array of colours to choose from and virtually no maintenance requirements
- Cost - plastic tends to be lighter and cheaper than wood and metal garden furniture
- Fading and warping - intense sunlight could potentially cause fading and warping
Size and space
Choosing the best patio table and chairs for your new take on al fresco dining is also a matter of getting the size and space right. You would measure up any of our range of wooden greenhouses and walk-in greenhouses to make sure you had room, so why not take the same detail-orientated approach to your seating? It makes sense when you put it in these terms. For those with a smaller outdoor space, selecting outdoor furniture designed to maximise style without sacrificing valuable square footage is essential.
The best approach is to start with the position you want your dining table to be in. Choosing a part of the patio that will catch the most sunshine and create a focal point is the way to go here. Get settings just how you want them, lay out where your garden chairs will be, and then start to assess how much space you have around the edges. You will want to leave at least a metre on all sides so that everyone can get seated and get around the dining table with ease. Any closer than that and you will end up feeling a little cramped and on top of one another.
Best garden furniture style and design
The key to truly inspired al fresco dining is to make sure that you choose a style that is in keeping with the rest of the garden. Our list of the best outdoor dining sets features lines and aesthetics in every style you could wish for, all so you can set the tone for a space that is sure to make you feel right at home:
Boho
Is lighter and airier, allowing you to add something of a dreamy quality to your latest addition.
Modern
The more minimalist air of contemporary furniture and the way in which it combines clean lines with flawless finishing is also worth a look.
Rustic
Have a slightly rough and ready look to them that combines vintage style with countryside elements.
Many homeowners opt for a classic combination of elegant metalwork in a floral design for the chair backs alongside a more minimalist glass tabletop. The beauty of this approach is that it allows the dishes you are serving to become the stars of the show and all in a way that blends beautifully with the more artistic nature of the seating. Get the balance right and you will have a communal space that you and your guests never want to leave.
What to look for in dining sets
The best wooden garden table is one that sits beautifully alongside one of our communal garden benches, Having a touch of style and sophistication is one factor, but it is getting all the other elements lined up and in harmony with one another that makes all the difference. Here are a few aspects you will need to consider:
- Comfort - is a bigger deal than style in many ways because it is what will keep everyone at the dining table once they have been drawn to their seats. Something as simple as a chair back with a bit of a lean on it and a cushion on the seat itself really can make all the difference
- Quality - is the name of the game when you want outdoor furniture that will withstand the elements and regular use, and will not feel the strain when you put it in and out of storage over the years. Our goal is to make sure you find something that is made to the highest standards out there
- Weather resistance - is key if you want to be able to leave your best patio furniture outside most of the time. Think about treating timber and professionally finished metalwork and you will be on the right track. You will also want to ensure any plastic furniture you buy is rated as UV-resistant
Budget considerations for outdoor furniture
In our experience, finding the best patio table and chairs for al fresco dining is also about finding a price that makes you smile. No matter which of our dining or garden tables you choose, you need to make sure you get something that represents value for money for you. Look through Shedstore’s garden furniture, which features many excellent affordable options, including trendy designs for the summer season.
Shopping at the end of a season will often allow you to get last year’s big-name design for less because the stock is being cleared with a new release in mind. If you like what you see and it is available for a price that fits your budget, does it really matter if there will be something new added in a few weeks? We do not think so, so please feel free to browse our sale items and find something that speaks to you on a deeper level.
Al fresco dining tips
The key to mastering the art of al fresco dining is to find a way to bring the whole family outside with a smile in your outdoor space. When you are ready to try it, here are a few ways you can enjoy an outdoor dinner party.
Tips on setting up your patio for al fresco dining
Creating a comfortable and inviting dining space with outdoor furniture so you can enjoy traditional al fresco dining is simple:
- Coffee table – as well as a dining table we always recommend adding a coffee table too if room permits
- Cushions - offer chair cushions with an outdoor storage box close to hand so that everyone can personalise their space without going back inside
- Heating - add a patio heater so that a gentle breeze does not turn into something that gives you and your guests a real chill once you are sat down
- Shade - find a way to add a little extra shade with a gazebo or awning and you will be able to create a setting that is restful and relaxing in all seasons
The more you focus on comfort, the more the rest of the family will want to come outside and join you.
Weather resistant considerations
The best patio table and chairs need to be able to adapt to different weather conditions with minimal effort. Pergolas will take the edge off the intense summer heat while maintaining airflow, while umbrellas are ideal if you want a more total approach to shade.
A durable and weather-resistant choice of garden furniture will ensure that you are not forever putting it back into storage the moment there is a light shower. This will make sure that you can quickly and easily adapt your space to fit your needs as they inevitably ebb and flow with the seasons. Ideal when you want to really enjoy your home’s new addition. Garden trading offers a wide range of such durable and stylish garden furniture and accessories.
Outdoor lighting
Getting the most out of the best outdoor dining sets and wooden garden furniture offerings in our collection is all about embracing the art of fine-tuning your outdoor lighting. Use it to enhance the dining experience and you will be able to set the tone with a sophisticated ambience that invites you and your guests to take your seats.
Personally, we love the idea of using fairy lights and lanterns so that you can create a warm yet soft light that pairs beautifully with the sunset. You want warm white, rather than brilliant white bulbs here, all so you can create that homely vibe that will tie everything together.
Outdoor table décor ideas
And just before we go, we want to give you a few outdoor table décor ideas that will finish the space off in style in a way you simply will not be able to believe. Stylish dining table settings that combine homely tablecloths in a tartan fabric and placemats made from wood or slate could be a fantastic way to add a country feel to the place.
If you like this idea, go ahead, and look for floral centerpieces that enhance the dining experience thanks to their clever use of metal jugs and wild foliage. Not everything has to be crisp and contemporary if you do not want to go in that direction. You can find these items at some of the best garden furniture stores, which offer impressive selections ideal for outdoor aesthetics.
For those who want to be a little more modern and minimalist, a simple metal sculpture in the centre is all that is needed when you want to tie everything together. Crisp, clean lines and monochrome designs for your tableware will then tie everything together in perfect harmony.
Final reflections
We opened by discussing how to choose the best patio set for your outdoor area. The material chosen is critical for many reasons, which is why we provided summaries for wooden, plastic and metal garden furniture options. The size of outdoor furniture is important too, with buyers needing to be sure that the size of their garden space is large enough.
We next talked about garden furniture set styles with discussions about boho, modern and rustic as options. Features of a dining set is important too, with our focus being on comfort, quality and the need to buy weather resistant outdoor dining furniture. We appreciate you will want the best garden furniture, but budget is an important topic we discuss.
We finish with some al fresco dining tips, which we recommend for your next dinner party. New outdoor furnishings are all-important. Ensure you buy just what you need to WOW your diners. Top-off your outdoor space with some extra garden accessories, with luxury garden sofas being a crème de la crème purchase!
Contact us
You can enjoy the splendour of al fresco dining when you buy the best patio table and chairs from Shedstore. If you need further support, why not contact our team who have extensive knowledge of the best outdoor dining sets?
Contact us in these ways:
- Telephone calls – 0333 003 518
- Emails – send these through our contact form
- Message us – use our Live Chat app to message with us in real time using the orange button!