Surprisingly uncommon in many UK gardens, the garden coffee table is an often-overlooked gem that has the power to transform your outdoor space into a functional and stylish retreat. However, a well-designed patio isn’t just about picking out stylish furniture—it’s about creating a space that feels harmonious, comfortable, and effortlessly inviting.
Whether you’re enjoying morning coffee, simply reading a good book, hosting a spot of alfresco afternoon tea, entertaining guests with evening drinks, or simply soaking up the fresh air, a well-proportioned side or coffee table alongside a garden bench can make all the difference to your outside space.
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Morning Coffee
Coffee taken with breakfast or at mid-morning.
Having morning coffee on a garden bench can be a delightful and peaceful experience. It allows you to enjoy your coffee while being surrounded by nature, enjoying the fresh air and the beauty of your garden. It can be a great way to start your day and find a moment of tranquillity. -
Afternoon Tea
A light meal consisting of tea, sandwiches, and cakes.
When it comes to afternoon tea, the bench is the perfect piece of outdoor furniture to enjoy a warm cup of tea, sandwiches, scones, and pastries while sitting amidst the beauty of a garden. The serene calm of a garden will significantly enhance the enjoyment of traditional afternoon tea. -
Evening Drinks
Drinks enjoyed in the evening, often with friends or family.
After a long day, relaxing with an evening drink on a garden bench with a coffee table is the perfect way to unwind. Whether it’s wine, a cocktail, or a chilled beverage, the cool evening air and serene garden setting create a peaceful atmosphere. It’s the ideal time to relax or entertain, with the comfort of a well-placed bench enhancing the experience and making your outdoor space a perfect retreat for conversation and relaxation.
Achieving your perfect outdoor oasis isn’t just about choosing a beautiful table. Scale and proportion matter. If your coffee table is too high, it disrupts the relaxed, low-profile feel that makes that setup so inviting. Too low, and it becomes impractical for placing drinks, books, or decorative accents. Likewise, the size of the garden bench (or garden chairs if you prefer) needs to play a crucial role—too bulky, and they will overwhelm the space; too small, and they will feel disconnected from the table.
In this guide, the Lazy Magazine team are exploring how to match our garden benches with our range of garden coffee tables to create the ideal outdoor setup. From choosing the right heights and dimensions to ensuring proper spacing and balance, we’ll cover everything you need to know to achieve perfect patio proportions. With a little planning, you can design a patio that feels as good as it looks—a space where form meets function, and every element works together.
Why is proportion important when pairing a garden bench or chairs with a coffee table?
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Sizing
Proper sizing of garden tables and benches is crucial for both comfort and aesthetics. Matching the dimensions ensures functionality and balance, allowing for easy access to drinks and snacks without crowding the space. A well-sized setup makes your patio inviting and practical, providing a comfortable area for relaxation and conversation. The dimensions of our garden chairs vary a little. For example, our best-selling April (shown in the photo above) has a 45 cm high seat with a 92 cm back, while our upgrade Kate chair has a 42 cm high seat with an 84 cm back. -
Dimensions
Our garden coffee tables range in height from 46 cm for our best-selling Bella (shown above) to 50 cm for the compact Ava, while garden benches are around 40 to 46 cm. It’s important to match these dimensions to create a comfortable setup that works for you. Ensure the table’s height and width align with the bench for easy interaction. You will find the dimensions for all our products in our shop. You must apply them to the space you have to avoid any awkward proportions that could make the space feel cramped. We like to do this by marking them out in chalk or masking tape on the patio itself. -
Seating
Consider how many people you want to seat and allocate about 60 to 80 cm of space per person. Ensure there’s enough room around the table for comfortable movement, especially if you plan to entertain guests. This will help you select the best table and bench combination that fits your needs without overcrowding the space. People need enough room to sit comfortably without feeling cramped or bumping elbows and legs, as well as ample space around the table to let guests move in and out safely and with ease. -
Scale
To achieve a balanced look, match the size of your table with your bench. Our larger coffee tables may need more chairs or a wider bench such as our April, while a smaller bench pairs well with our more compact tables. Proper proportions ensure that your furniture doesn’t overwhelm the space, creating a cohesive and visually pleasing outdoor setting. One of the great things about our collection is its versatility—you can choose from coffee table sets like our Bella (above) or mix and match individual garden benches and chairs with a table of your choice to create the perfect setup -
Comfort
Ensure there’s enough legroom underneath the table for comfort. Tables that are too high or low can restrict movement while having ample space underneath makes sitting more comfortable and less cramped. This is more important if you opt for one of our bistro-style tables that can also be used for meals as well as drinks. For added comfort, pair our garden benches with our range of fitted bench cushions. -
Layout
Leave at least 55 cm to 75 cm of space around the table for seating, plus another 55 cm to 75 cm for easy access. This is just a general guide—it may be less if, for example, a bench is placed against a wall and only requires side access. Use our masking tape or chalk method to best visualise furniture placement before purchasing to avoid overcrowding and ensure smooth flow. Keep a comfortable distance between pieces for a practical, spacious layout. -
Material
Choose materials that complement each other for a cohesive design. Whether it’s wood, metal, or wicker, the finishes should align with your patio’s style. Mixing materials can add interest, but maintaining consistency in texture and colour will ensure a harmonious outdoor space. At Lazy Susan our classical styling allows you to seamlessly coordinate different pieces. For example, you could start with our Bella Coffee Table Set (pictured above with two April Chairs) and enhance it with a Jasmine Bench—available for up to 30% off in our bundle deals—to create your perfect setup.
Creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space isn’t just about selecting stylish furniture—it’s about ensuring every piece works together. A garden coffee table can be the heart of your patio, providing a convenient and inviting surface for morning coffee, afternoon tea, or evening drinks. But to truly enjoy your space, scale and proportion are key. The right balance between table and bench height, width, and depth ensures both comfort and practicality.
Choosing the best furniture for your garden dining room
When selecting the right garden coffee table and bench combination for your patio, several factors should be considered, including size, space, material, comfort, style, durability, and functionality
1. Size: Finding the perfect coffee table size for your outside area
The height and width of your coffee table and bench are essential for comfort and style. A low-profile coffee table, like our Claire, paired with a bench like our April, creates a relaxed and stylish setup—perfect for enjoying tea or coffee outdoors. Compact furniture like a bistro set, folding table and chairs, or a garden bench with a small side table like our Willow work best in small gardens. In larger gardens, multiple pieces, such as a 6-seater dining set complemented by a Bella coffee table set will provide multi-function and ample seating. Before purchasing, measure your patio space, considering doorways, steps, planters, pathways, and BBQ areas to ensure a comfortable layout.
2. Space: Creating a functional patio layout
Once you've measured your space, focus on flow and accessibility. Avoid overcrowding by leaving enough room for guests to move comfortably. Use chalk or masking tape to outline furniture dimensions and visualise perfect placement. Ensure the table-to-bench distance allows for easy access to drinks and food. If you frequently entertain, consider pairing a relaxed coffee table set up with a formal alfresco dinner party, such as our 6-seater June and a bench and side table combo like our Ava paired with Jasmine Bench (shown above).
3. Material: Selecting the best for the UK climate
Your choice of material should suit your garden’s climate, exposure, and aesthetic. Metal is durable, rust-resistant, and sturdy enough to withstand high winds. Wood offers a classic and strong look but requires regular maintenance. Rattan is lightweight and easy to move but is best suited for covered areas. Our cast aluminium collection is a popular choice, providing a weather-resistant, durable, and stylish solution.
4. Comfort: Enhancing your outdoor relaxation and enjoyment
Comfort is key to creating an enjoyable outdoor space. Look for contoured seating and armrests for ergonomic support, and add cushions—like our Bench Cushions available at checkout—for extra comfort. Opt for stable, well-built designs to prevent wobbling or discomfort over time. Checking customer reviews before purchasing can also provide valuable insight into the comfort and durability of different designs.
5. Style: Harmonising with your home and garden style
A well-matched patio dining table or coffee table set must complement your existing décor. Our collection leans toward classic elegance, making it ideal for UK gardens. However, whether you prefer modern minimalism or classical charm, selecting a coffee table and bench that align with your style ensures a cohesive and inviting outdoor space.
6. Durability: Investing in long-lasting quality and durability
Durable outdoor furniture should withstand the elements and maintain its beauty over time. Choose weather-resistant materials that are rust-proof and UV-resistant, and opt for low-maintenance options like cast aluminium or treated wood. Prioritise structural integrity to ensure pieces are sturdy enough for frequent use. A well-built bench or coffee table should enhance safety by reducing the risk of tipping or breaking.
7. Functionality: Ensuring practicality in your outdoor space
Your furniture should fit your lifestyle. Consider whether you need it for lounging, dining, or socialising, how many people will use it regularly, and whether flexible seating arrangements are necessary. By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose pieces that look great and enhance your everyday outdoor living experience.
Our favourite garden coffee table and bench combinations for Summer 2025
Once you’ve considered the factors above, here are some recommended furniture pairings from our collection to help you create a beautifully balanced patio space:
1. Garden Coffee Table Set: The perfect solution
Our Bella Garden Coffee Table Set is perfect because it combines elegant, weather-resistant cast aluminium with a compact, stylish design, making it ideal for cosy coffee mornings, alfresco afternoon tea or sunset drinks with a loved one.
1. Bistro Sets: Compact & Cosy
A bistro set like our Eve is perfect for intimate coffee moments and ideal for small patios or balconies.
2. Garden Benches with Coffee Tables: A Relaxed Setting
Pairing a low coffee table with a garden bench creates a laid-back, elegant space. Our Claire Coffee Table Set with an April Bench (pictured above) is a customer favourite.
3. Garden Chairs with Coffee Table: Balanced & Practical
For a versatile option, a coffee table with two chairs offers a comfortable yet stylish seating arrangement as shown above with our Claire set.
4. Outdoor Dining Table Sets: For Larger Family Gatherings
If you love hosting, consider a dining table set, like our Alice Table with Kate Chairs, paired with a Jasmine Bench for extra seating.
5. Garden Bench with Side Tables: Perfect for Small Spaces
For a space-saving solution, pair a compact side table like our Willow (shown above) or Ava with an April bench to provide just enough surface space without cluttering the area.
Our final thoughts...
Choosing the right garden coffee table and bench set is about more than simply selecting stylish pieces—it's about ensuring your outdoor space is both comfortable and practical. A well-proportioned and thoughtfully arranged patio should invite you outside for relaxation, socialising, and enjoyment.
By focusing on key factors like size, material, comfort, and durability, you can create an outdoor environment that looks great and fits perfectly with your lifestyle. Whether you enjoy intimate coffee moments, larger family gatherings, or simply lounging outdoors, the correct furniture setup will help enhance those experiences.
The importance of size cannot be overstated. A properly sized coffee table and bench combination will ensure that your space is not overcrowded or cramped. Too often, people overlook the balance between height, width, and seating capacity, which can affect both the flow of movement and the overall aesthetic of the space.
When furniture is proportioned correctly, it elevates the space by promoting functionality and comfort. This means creating room to move freely while maintaining a cohesive design where every piece complements one another.
Beyond sizing, the material and style of your furniture also play a crucial role in determining the look and feel of your outdoor setting. Whether you prefer classic teak, sleek cast aluminium, or modern poly-rattans, matching the materials and finishes to your existing patio design will help you achieve a harmonious aesthetic.
Similarly, comfort is key—look for furniture that suits your needs for lounging or dining, with enough space for comfortable seating and legroom. Adding cushions, choosing ergonomic pieces, and selecting durable materials that withstand the elements will ensure that your patio remains inviting for many years.
Finally, functionality is what ties everything together. When you choose adaptable furniture that suits the specific outdoor activities you enjoy—whether it's a compact bistro set for cosy moments or a larger coffee table set for entertaining—you're setting the foundation for a truly versatile outdoor space. The ability to adjust your setup with different coordinated table types or additional seating ensures your garden is ready for any occasion.
Ultimately, achieving perfect patio proportions comes down to considering how all the different pieces or sets work together. By paying attention to size, layout, comfort, and style, you’ll create a functional, beautiful space that allows you to make the most of every moment spent outdoors.
If you have any photos of our garden coffee tables, we’d love to see a few for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
