Choosing the perfect patio table set involves finding the perfect balance of space, size, functionality, and style.
From a design perspective, Apple's Steve Jobs when referring to the importance of how looks must work in harmony with functionality, stated:
“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”
The same is also true in our gardens and on our patios.
Renowned British interior designer, David Hicks who was known for his bold use of colour, geometric prints, and an eclectic mix of modern and antique elements, when reflecting on the importance of spatial flow and aesthetic balance in garden design said that:
“A garden should feel like a series of rooms, each with its own mood yet part of a harmonious whole.”
At Lazy Magazine, we emphasise the importance of balancing space, aesthetics, and functionality when designing a patio or selecting a new patio set, ensuring the space is both inviting and practical.
A well-designed patio should feel open and comfortable, avoiding clutter while maximising usability. Proper space planning allows for smooth traffic flow, ensuring that furniture placement, walkways, and seating arrangements create a natural and effortless experience. A cramped patio can feel restrictive and uncomfortable, while one that's too sparse may lack warmth and cohesion.
Functionality is just as important—the patio should cater to your needs, whether it's dining, lounging, entertaining, or gardening. Thoughtful design elements—like ample seating, proper shade, and well-chosen outdoor furniture—should enhance both the look and functionality of the space, creating a seamless balance of beauty and practicality for your outdoor living area.
To help you choose the correct size patio table from our collection, we have a step-by-step breakdown of the decision-making process and a case study to illustrate a common mistake many make.
How to plan the perfect patio: Key considerations before you buy new patio furniture set
Carefully measuring your patio before purchasing a new patio set is essential to ensure that the furniture fits comfortably without making the space feel cramped or awkward. By knowing the exact dimensions, you can determine the ideal layout, allowing ample room to move around and ensuring a balanced, visually appealing setup. Calculating how many seats you need helps you accommodate guests effectively while avoiding overcrowding. The right table shape also plays a key role—round tables are great for conversation and maximizing space, while rectangular tables suit larger gatherings and structured layouts.
Proportion is another crucial factor, as oversized furniture can overwhelm a small patio, while furniture that is too small may look out of place and fail to meet your needs. Additionally, choosing functional, durable furniture ensures your set not only looks great but also withstands the elements and remains useful over time. Weather-resistant materials that are easy to maintain will further enhance both practicality and longevity.
Taking the time to plan and evaluate these factors before buying prevents costly mistakes and helps you create a stylish and functional patio:
1. Measure
Before purchasing patio furniture, it’s essential to measure your space accurately to ensure a perfect fit. Use a tape measure to determine the exact dimensions of your patio, deck, or garden, considering obstacles like walls, pillars, posts, planters, or built-in features that may affect your layout options. To create a comfortable and functional seating arrangement, leave at least three feet of clearance around the table, allowing guests to move freely without feeling cramped. Thoughtful planning ensures a well-balanced, inviting outdoor space that maximises style and practicality.
2. Seating
When choosing a patio table, consider how many people will regularly use it and whether you frequently entertain guests. If you host gatherings often, an expandable table offers flexibility, allowing you to accommodate extra guests when needed. For smaller patios or balconies, a compact bistro set with two seats is a great space-saving option. Larger outside areas can comfortably fit a rectangular dining table that seats six to eight people. Selecting the right table size ensures your outdoor space remains functional and inviting for everyday use and special occasions.
3. Shape
Choosing the right table shape is key to optimising both space and functionality on your patio. Round tables are perfect for compact areas and create a cosy, intimate dining experience while allowing for easy conversation. Square tables work well in small patios or on balconies, offering a balanced look without overwhelming the space. For larger patios and gatherings, rectangular tables provide ample seating and a structured layout that suits family meals and entertaining. If you want a spacious feel with a softer aesthetic, oval tables eliminate sharp corners, making them a guest-friendly option that enhances movement and comfort. Selecting the right shape ensures your patio remains stylish, practical, and welcoming.
4. Proportions
Maintaining the correct proportions in patio design ensures a balanced and comfortable layout. Avoid overcrowding by selecting a table that fits well within the space while leaving enough room for easy movement. To maximise functionality, opt for chairs that slide neatly under the table when not in use, helping to conserve space. For an even more efficient seating solution, consider pairing with patio benches—they provide ample seating while taking up less room than individual chairs, making them a stylish and practical choice for smaller patios. Thoughtful proportioning creates an inviting outdoor area that feels open, functional, and well-organized.
5. Functionality
Functionality is key when selecting patio furniture, as it directly impacts comfort and convenience. Ensure there’s enough elbow and leg room per person for a relaxed dining experience. If you plan on pairing with a parasol for shade, then make sure the table has a hole for the pole. For smaller spaces, folding or stackable chairs are great choices, as they offer flexibility and easy storage when not in use. Paying attention to these functional details ensures your patio set not only looks great but also complements your lifestyle and how you enjoy the space.
6. Durability
Durability is important when selecting patio furniture, as it determines how well your set will withstand the elements over time. Metal is incredibly sturdy and long-lasting, though adding cushions can enhance comfort. Wood offers a classic, timeless appeal but requires maintenance, such as sealing, to protect against moisture and wear. Glass provides a sleek, modern look but needs frequent cleaning to maintain its clarity and shine. Plastic and resin furniture are lightweight, budget-friendly, and weather-resistant, making them a practical, low-maintenance choice—though they may not be as durable in the long run. If shopping online, use masking tape or cardboard cutouts to better visualise how the furniture will fit in your space.
A Case Study: Choosing the right garden table size from Lazy Susan
Introduction: The importance of scale and flow
We have produced several floor plan diagrams for Lazy Magazine articles, including the one for our Mia Round Garden Table (shown above). These diagrams provide a clear visual guide to help customers choose the right-sized patio table—often the trickiest part of the ordering process.
Scale and flow are crucial for a patio. The table should be large enough to function well but not so big that it restricts movement or overwhelms the space. In this case study, we examine a common mistake and how our team helped a customer find the perfect patio table set for their garden.
The Challenge: Ordering the correct size patio table
Many people struggle when it comes to choosing the correct number of patio seats and table size. To address this, we’ve developed this case study based on real customer service experience to highlight common mistakes and solutions. It will focus on one of the most frequent issues: selecting a table that fits in terms of both its functionally and aesthetic appeal.
Background: Shopping online for patio furniture
A customer in Nottingham recently purchased our 6-seater Catherine Set as part of a bundle, including Kate Chairs, Seat Pad Cushions, and a 2.7m Parasol with Base.
Their newly built home featured an L-shaped raised timber deck, accessible through large French doors from the open-plan kitchen and dining area. The deck was framed by a metal and glass railing, bordered by a garage wall on one side, and adorned with a large BBQ grill and several planters from their previous home.
Their dark grey aluminium French doors influenced their choice of our Antique Bronze finish to complement the deck’s aesthetics. However, with the BBQ occupying one side, patio space was limited, leaving a rectangular area for dining. They decided that our oval Catherine Table would be a perfect fit, positioning it lengthwise to maximise movement and functionality.
As a family of four and with frequent summer visits from the husband's parents, a six-seater set seemed ideal. Their goal was to create a seamless indoor-outdoor dining area that complimented the BBQ setup and allowed for a smooth transition from the home to the patio.
The Issue: Too many garden chairs?
The order was placed and delivered within eight working days. Upon delivery, the customer and her husband assembled the furniture, laying out a blanket to protect it and following our instructional videos.
As they positioned the table, they quickly noticed space constraints (illustrated in the diagram above):
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The heads of the table were too close to both the step and the French doors.
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The French doors couldn't open fully without hitting the chairs.
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The overall layout felt too tight, limiting movement.
Fortunately, they hadn't fully unpacked or assembled the table. Recognising the issue, they reached out to our customer service team for advice.
The Solution: Getting the right set size for the patio dining area
After discussing their patio layout, our team identified the issue: They had measured and factored in the table and chairs but failed to account for the necessary working space around them.
We typically recommend 75 cm around the table for ease of movement. While this can be reduced to 50 cm in tighter areas, their layout didn't allow this flexibility due to the step and door clearance.
We suggested downsizing to the June 6-Seater Patio Table, which, at 150 cm in length (below), was significantly smaller than the 208 cm Catherine Table (above)—freeing up over half a meter of space. The Kate Chairs, seat cushions, and parasol remained compatible, requiring only a table swap.
Since the Catherine Table was still in its original packaging, the return process was straightforward. The customer agreed to the shipping costs, which we deducted from the price difference between the two tables. If a larger table had been needed, they would have covered the additional cost and return fees.
Conclusion: Patio Table + Patio Chairs + Working Space
The customer was extremely pleased with the solution:
"Lazy Susan's team was super helpful. As soon as we laid the table box flat, we realized the issue. Their team understood our problem and suggested the smaller table, which now fits perfectly. Communication was excellent, and the collection and redelivery process was seamless. We love our new furniture and now have the perfect outdoor dining space!"
This case highlights the importance of factoring in Garden Table + Chairs + Working Space when planning a patio setup. Always measure carefully, considering elements such as doors, large planters, BBQs, fire pits, steps, walls, etc.
Our final thoughts on choosing the right table set size...
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Measure your space carefully. Include surrounding obstacles and clearance for movement.
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Account for working space
We recommend 50-75 cm around the set. -
Consider your patio layout
Raised patios, doors, and steps require extra planning. -
Use cardboard, chalk or masking tape
To visualise the setup before ordering. -
Factor in flexibility
Smaller tables can often meet seating needs without compromising on space.
Ultimately, choosing the right size of patio table set is about balance—ensuring comfort, functionality, and a seamless outdoor experience. Thanks to careful planning and our customer support team’s guidance, this customer now enjoys the perfect patio setup for family gatherings and summer barbecues.
If you have any questions regarding what set size is best for your patio, please don't hesitate to contact our Customer Service team. If you have any photos of your new patio table set, we’d love to see some for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload It Here.
