How to Choose the Right Patio Table for Your Outside Space

Last Updated: 27/07/24

Choosing The Right Patio Table Size

There's a bit more to choosing the right patio table size than simply getting out the tape measure. The 'right' patio table means first considering the shape and style you want. Then, you can think about what will fit nicely in your outdoor space. Creating a relaxing space outdoors starts with choosing the right furniture.

It’s important not to overwhelm your patio as you risk making it feel cramped. You don’t want a table that is too big and leaves no room to move around! Equally, if the table is too small for the space it could feel lost.

Finding the right patio furniture can be a little overwhelming because there is so much choice out there. You certainly don't want to buy on impulse or because it looks like a bargain. If it doesn't do the job it's not really a bargain!

We've put this patio table size guide together to help you narrow down your choice, so you're fully prepared for shopping in-store or online at JB Furniture.

Which Shape Of Patio Table Should You Choose?

We advise customers to work with 3 criteria when choosing the right patio table size for their garden:

• ●     How will you use your patio table?
• ●     What kind of space do you have?
• ●     What style will you go for?

This is how our criteria fits together.

How Will You Use Your Patio Table

It’s a good idea, to begin with, a list of why you want a patio table and how you'll use it. Generally, this comes down to deciding whether you need a table for lounging with family and friends or more formal dining. Then, this leads you on to thinking about other items of furniture you'll need to accommodate, such as seating.

Many people like to think about their guests and how many people they would like to be able to host. However, we would say think about your needs first, how you will use the garden and then consider your guests. After all it is your garden.

Is a sofa set going to work or, do you favour traditional chairs? Do you need a parasol? Will you be wanting to fit a barbecue in the same space or would a table top firepit built into the table work better? So you see, the patio table might be the key piece but don't forget to spend time working out what other accessories will complete your outdoor dining scene.

What Kind Of Space Do You Have?

Time to assess the space you’re planning to furnish: is it a hardwood deck, patio, poolside, or garden? Each of these outdoor areas has a set of characteristics to consider. For example, if you're working in a space surrounded by a lovely garden, then you might want to consider a rattan table and chairs in keeping with your natural surroundings. A sleek and minimalist style, however, would probably best suit an area just outside a sleek, glass-enclosed interior.

If you're limited in terms of space, then how about multi-function and clever storage options? Dynamic coffee tables can elevate to become dining tables. Or, look at patio tables and chairs that can fold up, stack or collapse. Seating sets with modular sectional sofas will give you the freedom to adapt your space as required.

Finally, what's the best material for your patio table and chairs? At JB, all our furniture is durable but some of it is very lightweight and works better in sheltered areas rather than very windy conditions. Is sturdy furniture something you should think about therefore?

Assess your space

We know this might seem obvious but you must measure your space before doing anything! We would advise you to get out into your garden with a tape measure, pen and paper. Then measure the length and width of your patio to get the overall footprint of your space (remember to note this on your handy pen and paper). 

Next, think about how much of your patio you want to occupy. Maybe you just want to use a corner of it for furniture or perhaps you want to use the whole space - the choice is yours. 

Map out your space on a piece of paper, include the overall dimensions then you could sketch out where you would like your patio table to go. Doing this will give you a better idea of how big your table can be.

Note any existing fixtures like BBQs, fire pits, or plants that might influence table placement. Consider the space and if you will be adding anything else to it. For example, do you eventually want to add an outdoor kitchen or a BBQ?

Visualise Your Furniture

It might help to visualise a patio table in place. To do this, measure the space like mentioned above and then get the chairs out of the house if necessary!  Putting the chairs in place allows you to see just how much space you have used and have left. Doing this will clear up any doubts and confusion about whether the table is too big or too small. A handy tip we recommend is to position the chairs sitting slightly away from where the table will be. This ensures users have plenty of space to get in and out from the table.

Another way is to use a sheet or large piece of cardboard, cut and folded to size.

What Style Will You Go For?

What kind of comfort level are you seeking? Do you want your outside space to be a continuation of inside? Hanging out and enjoying yourself is naturally your primary focus, but do you do it with an elegant wrought iron set or more laid-back bistro style?

Your outdoor space should influence the style and shape of the patio table you choose. At JB Furniture, we offer the main styles of patio table - square and rectangular, oval and round. There are no hard and fast rules but the following guidance might help you make the right decision for your needs:

Square Patio Table

Square and rectangular patio tables look great in environments that feature straight lines and box-like shapes. If you're a bit pushed for space, chairs (or benches) can be lined up against walls and fences. This could give you the space to fit a rectangular garden table which will enable you to seat more people.

Oval Patio Table

If your outdoor space is a reasonable size, and features curves, then an oval patio table might work well. The lack of corners means you can seat more people while maintaining a friendly and cosy setting.

Round Patio Table

Round patio tables also work well in round-shaped spaces. They're a good use of space and can have a more informal feel to them. It's worth remembering that both round and oval patio tables can give you more room in comparison with similar-sized square and rectangular tables.

 Casual sofa dining with a height-adjustable table, gives you complete flexibility.

Additional Features

As well as the shape of your garden table think about the features you might want. For example, maybe you would love a firepit table.

Think about the type of garden you want to create, think about the overall look and feel. If you’re looking to sit out for as long as you can then consider a built in firepit.

Perhaps you like to sit outdoors but don’t want to be bothered by the sun. If that’s the case we would recommend looking at parasols - some tables even come with a parasol in the middle.

To some these features can seem trivial however they add functionality and convenience to your patio space. They allow you to use your garden as you would like to. 

Materials

When it comes to materials you are spoilt for choice! The type of material you choose will influence the look of your outdoor space, so it is important to consider the materials used.

Teak

Teak is a great choice for outdoor tables it is long lasting and hardwearing. Wooden furniture is known for its durability, it’s part of what makes it so popular.

One thing to note is that as teak is a natural product its appearance will change. Once exposed to the elements you may notice slight cracks on the teak as well as the colour changing to silver. This is all part of the ageing process - it has no impact on strength or durability.

Glass top tables

Glass topped garden tables have been around for a long time. They have a simple yet sleek appearance. If you are purchasing a glass table top just make sure that the glass is toughened, if not it is unsuitable for outdoor use.

Recently we have noticed a shift away from this style of garden table as many customers feel that they are dated. Not only that but they can be bothersome to keep tidy as it is easy for things to get underneath the glass. However, the beauty of a glass table top is that it shows off the material used underneath the table such as hand woven rattan.

Ceramic top tables

We have noticed a rise in the popularity of ceramic garden tables. We feel that this is down to their modern minimalistic look and low maintenance.

Ceramic tops are usually available in grey or sandy tones to compliment the colour of the seating arrangement.

Aluminium

Aluminium is used in many garden table sets. If aluminium is not featured on the table top more often than not it is used in the construction of the frame or table legs.

The reasoning behind this is simple, aluminium is lightweight and hardwearing. Not only that but aluminium tables and frames can stay outdoors all year round as they are rust resistant.

Measuring A Patio For Outdoor Dining

You know what kind of space you're working with, how many people you can seat, the extra accessories to fit in and the effect you want to create through your individual style. Now let’s get down to dimensions.

It's important that your table is scaled proportionally to your space, ensuring you still have enough room for chairs to be easily pulled out, and for you to manoeuvre around the space. We advise our customers to think about 'flow'; how will your guests move around the space, and access the kitchen inside your house, for example?

As a general rule, you should allow about 75cm either side of the table to allow people to sit down and get up easily from their seats. Then add another 75cm of  'moving room' so you (the host) can get around the table when people are seated. Of course, this is very much a guide; there's nothing stopping you from squeezing in a few extra people if you want! You just need that balance of close enough to be cosy, far enough apart to feel comfortable.

It might help to visualise a patio table in place. To do this, measure the space using whatever items you have to hand - get the chairs out of the house if necessary! Another way is to use a sheet or large piece of cardboard, cut and folded to size.

At JB Furniture, we give full table dimensions and the website is broken down into 2, 4, 6, 8+ seater tables.

Furnishing Your Outdoor Space Starts With The Right Patio Table

The growing indoor-outdoor lifestyle has really influenced our desire to eat outside in the UK. Consequently, 'furnishing' your outside space requires you to spend almost as much time as you do on your interior design.

Think about what you need and how it will look. The number of people you can entertain, the shape of your table and where it will be located. Then you can shop online or visit a JB Furniture store and get exactly the right patio table size.

Further Reading:

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