At Lazy Magazine, the team has been giving garden chairs a lot of thought this week—particularly when picking out a new table set and deciding exactly how many chairs are necessary.
Finding the perfect number of chairs and table set size requires balancing available space, intended use, and aesthetic appeal. Start by measuring your patio, considering the table and chairs and the space needed for safe movement and comfort.
Think about how you use your outdoor space—do you often entertain large groups, or prefer a cosy setup for family meals? If space is limited, stackable chairs or a garden bench can provide extra seating.
Consider your furniture's proportions in relation to the free space on your patio. A set that’s too large can overwhelm the space, while a set too small can look lost in a larger area.
Choose materials and designs that complement your outdoor decor while withstanding the elements.
How do you find the perfect garden furniture fit?
Our online shop is organised by seating categories—10+ seater, 8-seater, 6-seater, 4-seater, and 2-seater bistro sets—making it easy to find the perfect size for your space. Each set and individual piece of furniture comes with detailed dimensions, and we also offer garden chairs separately, allowing you to add extra seating whenever needed.
In this article, we're taking a closer look at how to choose the right number of garden chairs, how to measure correctly, how to strike a balance between space and looks, what to look for in a garden chair, and how to visualise what will fit and function best in your outside area.
1. What are the key considerations when choosing new garden chairs?
Our table sets are sold with a recommended number of chairs designed to fit comfortably around each table. However, many customers choose to add a few extras—like a garden bench—for those unexpected guests at their next BBQ. Plus, we offer great bundle deals to make it even easier to create your perfect configuration.
However, selecting the correct number of garden chairs or set size involves more than choosing the style you like. To ensure comfort, durability, and functionality, you also need to consider the following factors:
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Space
Measure your patio to ensure the garden chairs fit comfortably around your table while allowing enough room for movement. Leave around 75cm of space around a table for seating and an additional circa 75cm for easy movement. -
Function
Your outdoor furniture should reflect your lifestyle, making your patio more than just a place to sit. Consider how you use your space and the atmosphere you want to create. -
Comfort
Look for chairs with a well-designed seat and backrest that provide ample support. Adding waterproof cushions can enhance comfort for long periods of use. -
Material
Choose materials that withstand the elements. For example, cast aluminium is rustproof and low-maintenance, while wooden furniture requires regular treatment to stay weather-resistant. -
Storage
If space is limited, opt for stackable chairs that can be stored easily. Alternatively, consider a garden bench for versatile seating options. -
Style
The right garden chairs should complement your patio design. Whether you prefer a modern, classic, or rustic look, ensure your choice enhances your outdoor setting. -
Maintenance
Low-maintenance materials such as aluminium and synthetic rattan are easier to clean and care for compared to wooden or fabric-based options.
Think carefully about how you use the space daily versus occasional use such as a family BBQ. Choose garden chairs and furniture types that suit your everyday needs. For occasional gatherings, opt for a set that works for daily use and supplements with extra seating as and when it is needed. By selecting furniture that ticks all the boxes above and best fits your lifestyle, you'll create a functional, stylish space that enhances how you spend time outside in the summer.
2. How do you measure your outside space correctly for new garden furniture?
One of the common mistakes when buying garden furniture is focusing only on the size of the table and chairs without considering the working space needed for comfort and functionality. It’s not just about whether your set physically fits on the patio—it’s about ensuring that it allows for easy movement and a comfortable dining experience.
To create a patio setup that is both practical and inviting, make sure you have enough room for sitting, traffic flow, and safe/comfortable function:
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Sit
Guests need space to sit comfortably without feeling squeezed together. Everyone should have enough elbow and leg room to enjoy their meal without knocking into their neighbour. -
Flow
Free space for people to walk around the table even when garden chairs are occupied, ensuring a smooth flow of movement without anyone having to squeeze past or ask others to move. -
Movement
Room for chairs to be pulled in and out with ease, allowing guests to take a seat or stand up without struggling for space.
A well-planned patio should feel open and accessible rather than cramped and restrictive. To help you get this right, our product pages include detailed dimensions for each garden set.
For example, our best-selling June—the illustration above provides a recommended floor space guide, helping you visualise how it will fit on your patio. These figures are a guide only and each outside area is different, so follow these simple steps:
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Measure
Take accurate measurements of your outdoor area (length and width). -
Movement
Leave between 50cm and 75cm around the table and chairs for easy movement and comfort, we call this the "working space". -
Features
Include space for pathways, planters, or other features that could affect the layout. -
Furniture
Carefully consider the dimensions of the furniture you’re interested in, including tables, chairs, and additional seating. -
Visualise
Use chalk or cardboard to mark out the space of the furniture on your patio to ensure it fits well and doesn’t overcrowd the area (there's more on how you can do this below).
3. How do you get the balance between space and style?
Achieving the perfect balance of space and style is about more than just fitting furniture into the free space you have available—it’s about creating a welcoming, practical, and harmonious outdoor area, so proportion is key. As we mentioned above, a large set can overwhelm a small patio, while a small set can feel lost in a larger space, so as a general rule of thumb, we would recommend:
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Small Patios
For smaller patios or balconies, a compact 2-seater bistro set or a table with 4 garden chairs works best. -
Medium Patios
For medium-sized patios, a 6-seater dining set balances functionality with space. -
Large Patios
For larger gardens, an 8 or 10-seater set can become a central gathering point.
4. What do you look for in a garden dining chair?
When choosing the right garden chairs, durability, comfort, and low maintenance are key, so look for:
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Durability
Choose materials like rustproof cast aluminium that can withstand the elements and last for years. -
Comfort
Look for cushions or ergonomic designs that enhance seating comfort. -
Low Maintenance
Opt for materials that resist fading, warping, and rusting, reducing the need for constant upkeep. -
Weather Resistance
Ensure the chairs are suitable for your climate, whether it’s sunny, coastal, or rainy. -
Ease of Movement
Select lightweight chairs that are easy to move and rearrange. -
Style
Choose a design that complements your outdoor space and matches your aesthetic. -
Versatility
Consider stackable or foldable options for added flexibility when hosting gatherings.
At Lazy Susan, our chairs are crafted from high-grade, rustproof cast aluminium, ensuring they’re built to withstand the elements and last for years. Unlike wood, plastic, or other metals, cast aluminium won’t rust, fade, or warp, making it perfect for any climate—whether it’s a sunny patio or a coastal area with salty air.
The lightweight nature of cast aluminium makes these chairs easy to move around, allowing you to easily rearrange them for gatherings or find the best spot for enjoying the sun. Whether you're hosting a large gathering or enjoying a casual family meal, Lazy Susan's cast aluminium furniture provides both style and practicality, making it a smart investment for any outdoor space.
5. How many outdoor chairs do you need?
Choosing the right number of outdoor chairs isn’t just about filling space—it’s about creating a comfortable, functional area that fits your lifestyle. The right seating can make a big difference, whether you’re hosting a large gathering or relaxing with family. Here are a few key considerations:
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Space
Start by measuring your patio or garden, and consider the necessary space around the table and chairs. Think about:-
Movement
Leave at least 50 to 75cm around the table to ensure comfortable movement. -
Pull-Out Space
Make sure there's enough room to easily pull chairs in and out. Stackable or foldable chairs can be a great solution to save space when not in use.
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People
Consider how many people you’ll typically need to seat:-
Daily Use
If it’s just for family meals, a 4- or 6-seater might be perfect. -
Occasional Use
For larger gatherings, think about stackable or foldable chairs that can be added when needed. An extendable table can offer flexibility for extra guests. -
Comfort
Also, think about comfort. Do you need padded chairs for longer stays, or are simple, lightweight chairs enough for quick meals?
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Function
The way you use your space will play a big role in determining your seating needs:-
Casual vs. Formal Seating
For informal meals, a smaller set with a garden bench or lightweight chairs might be ideal. If you prefer formal dining, opt for sturdy, comfortable chairs, especially for dinner parties. -
Entertaining Guests
Stackable or foldable chairs are perfect for providing extra seating when needed. A garden bench can also serve as additional seating and an attractive element. -
Multi-Purpose Seating
If you like to switch between dining and lounging, consider a mix of dining and lounge chairs. A modular setup offers flexibility for different activities.
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6. How do you visualise your outdoor space?
When buying new outdoor furniture, envisioning how it will fit and look in your space can be tricky. The goal is to create an environment that’s spacious, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. To help you visualize your layout, try these practical techniques:
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Sketch It
Draw your patio or garden to scale, including the dimensions of your existing furniture. This helps you see how it fits and ensures there’s space for movement around seating. You can also include other features like plants or lighting to get a fuller picture. -
Design It
For a more precise approach, use a garden design app to digitally place furniture in your space. These apps let you experiment with different layouts and even visualize a 3D version of your design, helping you spot potential issues. -
Mark It
Physically mark out the size of furniture on your patio using chalk or cardboard cutouts. This gives you a tangible sense of scale and allows you to walk around your future layout to check for enough space.
Once you have a visual of your current furniture arrangement, try different layouts to see what feels best. Consider placement in corners or central locations, and ensure access points remain clear. If you're unsure, check out Pinterest, design blogs, or social media for inspiration. You may find layout ideas or similar furniture arrangements that work for your space.
By visualising your space before buying, you’ll make more confident decisions and avoid mistakes like overcrowding. Whether you sketch, use an app, or mark dimensions on your patio, these techniques will help ensure your outdoor furniture fits perfectly and enhances your space.
7. What are the recommended space guidelines per garden chair?
When planning your outdoor seating arrangement, it’s important to leave enough space around your garden chairs for comfort and practicality. Here are key guidelines to help ensure your seating area is spacious and functional:
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Number of Chairs
Leave a minimum of 50 cm (75 cm if you can) between the table and the back of each chair. This ensures guests can sit comfortably and move around easily when getting up or sitting down. -
Movement & Traffic Flow
In addition to the chair space, allow an additional to 50 cm to 75cm of extra space for comfortable movement around the table (working space). This lets people pull out chairs and walk around without obstruction, keeping your space comfortable for gatherings. -
Total Space Requirements
The space needed around your table depends on how many chairs you use and how much room guests need to move. For example, a 6-seater table requires 150cm of extra space (75cm per side for seating and movement). Larger tables or additional seating will require more space. -
Chair Type
Different chair styles affect the space needed. Armchairs take up more room than slimline dining chairs, so adjust accordingly. Larger armchairs may require extra space to accommodate their wider footprint. Our product pages provide detailed space estimates for each set, helping you visualize how much room you’ll need for your chosen furniture. -
Additional Features
If you plan to add outdoor features like planters, rugs, or side tables, be sure to account for their space requirements to maintain a balanced and functional layout.
By following these space guidelines, you’ll ensure your garden chairs and dining set fit comfortably, providing enough room for movement and a relaxed outdoor dining experience. Proper spacing is essential for an enjoyable and functional patio environment.
Our final thoughts...
When designing your outdoor space, balance comfort, functionality, and aesthetics. By measuring your area and factoring in space for seating and movement, you'll ensure your garden furniture fits and enhances your outdoor experience.
Think beyond fitting furniture—consider how it will be used. Whether hosting large gatherings or enjoying family meals, the layout should complement your lifestyle. Leave 50 to 75cm of space around each garden chair for easy movement, avoiding overcrowding and creating a practical, spacious environment.
While focusing on functionality, don’t forget style. Choose furniture that aligns with your garden’s aesthetic to create a relaxing oasis. Whether sleek cast aluminium, cosy wooden benches, or modular pieces, ensure your furniture complements your style and patio feel. Choose weather-resistant, low-maintenance materials to ensure longevity with minimal upkeep.
Finally, reflect on how you use your space. If you entertain often, opt for larger sets with extra seating options like stackable chairs or side tables. For a peaceful retreat, smaller sets with waterproof cushions or garden benches can create a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. With the right balance of seating, space, and style, your patio will be both functional and enjoyable for you and your guests.
If you still have any questions or are unsure about anything, please don’t hesitate to contact our sales team:
Tel: 01243 92 89 33
Email: sales@lazysusanfurniture.co.uk
Contact Us: https://www.lazysusanfurniture.co.uk/contact-us/
If you have photos of our garden furniture, we’d love to see a few snaps for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
