Garden table set size and shape are the most tricky of all the articles we do. Patio and garden design in general is highly subjective and personal.
What one person finds beautiful or functional, another might not, and this makes it challenging when trying to provide universal advice or guidelines on what styles or sizes will potentially fit best.
That said we are never one to shy away from a challenge. Gardens and patios are complex and primarily visual experiences, so the tricky part is often just describing a garden's different colours, textures, shapes, and overall atmosphere using words.
Garden design trends and styles are constantly evolving too. What’s popular today may be gone and outdated tomorrow. This makes it difficult to provide timeless advice sometimes.
However, what we’ve done with our range is try and create a timeless collection. The challenge for us is then helping you to adapt that to your unique outside space.
What we try to do with these types of articles is provide you with the tools, information and inspiration you need to pick the perfect garden table set from our range.
We always try to focus on specific topics that we think will help make that purchasing decision easier, such as which colour, table shape, table size, etc. The best decisions are made when we do a little research.
And whilst it is not always easy to put down in words or find photos that best illustrate what we’re trying to say, hopefully, we are helping people create beautiful and functional patios and gardens.
Choosing between a 4 or 6-seater garden table is probably the most common dilemma we come across with our buyers, and that’s what we want to explore in this article.
Try to help those torn between the two make the right choice. Look at the key factors, including the size of your outdoor patio, how you use the space, and your social or family needs to help you buy the best-set size.
Things to consider when choosing between a 4-seater and 6-seater garden table sets
When choosing between a 4-seater and a 6-seater patio set, several factors will help guide your decision based on your space, usage, and personal style.
By balancing our 6 critical factors below, you can choose a set that fits both your garden space and lifestyle best:
1. Patio Size: How much free space do you have on your patio for furniture?
The starting point is always to measure the free space on your patio area to get an idea of how much space you have available for the furniture set.
You need to factor in any features such as steps, walls, etc that can’t be moved and make sure you allow enough room for the Table + Garden Chairs + Working Space around the table for people to move comfortably and safely.
A good rule of thumb is to have around 1.5 meters of clearance around all sides of the table for chairs to be pulled out and for walking around.
Once you have the measurements, visualise how the furniture will look. You can mark the dimensions of the table and chairs using chalk or tape on the ground or use a garden design app to see how much space they will take up.
Think about the layout and flow (how people move around, access the space, etc of your patio. A larger table could make a smaller outdoor space feel cluttered, while a smaller set may look lost on a larger open patio.
Consider the shape of table that might fit best. As a general rule of thumb, we find that our 4 and 6-seater round and oval tables are great for a casual set and they typically take up less floor space.
Our rectangular or square tables on the other hand create a more formal dining room feel and have the advantage that you can push them up against walls.
2. Patio Function: What type of garden furniture sets will work best?
If you regularly host friends or family for outdoor meals or garden gatherings, then a 6-seater might be the more practical table size. It provides more flexibility and extra seating without needing to bring out additional chairs.
If you don’t entertain large groups frequently, then a 4-seater might be sufficient. It can comfortably accommodate your family or a few guests while leaving more space on your patio for other decor or furniture types.
Our larger 6-person sets often come with bigger tables, allowing more space for dishes and décor. Think about whether you prefer the extra elbow room for meals or if a smaller table will meet your needs better.
What you like to do in your outdoor area, with who, and how you like to do it will help determine the best garden table size to buy.
3. Patio Needs: How do you like to spend time in your outside space?
The best purchase decisions are made when we prioritise needs over wants. This will help ensure we are spending our money wisely and meeting all essential requirements.
If you have a larger family or anticipate needing extra space for frequent guests, then a 6-seater set might be the best option. Even if you don’t need all 6 seats all the time, it’s handy for the occasions when you do.
For a smaller family, couples whose kids have moved out, or individuals who mostly use the outdoor space for personal relaxation and the occasional small meal, afternoon tea or morning coffee, then a 4-seater may be the perfect fit.
The number of people and your entertaining style will determine what you need to get for your patio.
4. Patio Space: What size of garden dining set will fit and function best?
Suppose you plan to have other outdoor furniture on your patio (like a garden sofa set) alongside a garden table set and other outdoor accessories or decor elements (such as fire pits, BBQs, planters, etc). In that case, you need to also consider how much space those items will take up.
You need to create a balance between all the different elements on your patio. If space is limited, then a smaller 4-seater set may give you more flexibility to create a multifunctional outdoor space.
If you have a larger patio area, then a 6-seater set might be the better choice, as it can fill the space and create a more cohesive feel and comfortable environment for outdoor living.
Think of the patio as a room. The best rooms in the house have good scale and proportion. The pieces you put in it complement each other.
The right size garden table set should fit well with the scale of your outdoor area. You want a good proportion of space. A 6-seater might overpower a patio on the smaller side, whereas a 4-seater might look too small in a larger garden.
Design preference, of course, is also important when choosing the right shape and size. Larger patio table sets often look more formal and grand, while a smaller set will create a more intimate and casual setting.
5. Patio Flexibility: Do you like to rearrange your patio layout?
Consider where and how you'll store your table set during the off-season. If space for storage is limited, then a 4-seater set may be easier to handle and store than a larger 6-seater set.
A lot of our 4 and 6-seat tables crossover in terms of table size, so think about how often you need the extra seating. If you rarely need 6 seats, you could opt for a 4-seater table and store a few foldable chairs nearby for when you do need extra seating.
If you like to keep things flexible and rearrange your outdoor furniture on a regular basis or move it in or out of the shade, then you need to consider the ease of moving a larger 6-seater versus a more compact 4-seater.
6. Patio Style: What aesthetic do you like and what look will fit best?
Proportionality matters when seeking good style, so make sure your chosen set isn’t too large or too small for the patio, as this can impact the aesthetics and functionality of the space.
A 6-seater set may overwhelm a smaller patio, while a 4-seater could leave a large space feeling empty.
Some people prefer a more spacious, open feel and airy on their patio, in which case a smaller 4-seater might be ideal. Others enjoy a larger, intimate communal space for outdoor meals, making the 6-seater set more suitable.
In terms of fit, a patio set should work with the scale of your outdoor area. 6-seaters can overpower a smaller patio, whereas a 4-seater might look lost on a large patio.
Try and work with the other items in your garden and patio, and complement your home’s key architectural features.
The style of your patio furniture should align with your home's exterior design. For example, modern homes look best with sleek, minimalist furniture, while traditional homes pair well with classic decorative styles.
You can create contrast but this is hard to get right and takes a keen eye. Mismatched styles generally tend to disrupt the overall flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Choosing furniture that blends harmoniously with the greenery or natural elements found in your garden is the best way to create a more timeless, serene and inviting outdoor environment.
The right style will also help establish the mood you want in your outdoor space.
A rustic patio with wooden furniture will feel cosy and warm, while a sleek metal set will make the area feel more sophisticated.
The style is what will dictate whether your patio feels laid-back, elegant, or functional.
Your patio is an extension of your home, and the right style is what will allow you to express your taste.
How to choose which garden dining sets will fit best on your patio
Determining the best size set for your patio is an area many of us can trip up.
As a general rule of thumb, small patios that are less than 3m x 3m, then a 4-seater set is best as it will allow you to maintain open space for movement and other activities without crowding the area.
For medium-sized patios around 4m x 4m, then you can go up to a 6-seater table set, especially if you don’t need a lot of extra furniture. If you want to mix dining with lounge furniture, then our advice would be to stick with a 4-seater.
If you have a large patio that is 5m x 5m or more, then a 6-seater (or even a larger 8-seater) table will not overwhelm the space.
Here’s how we would determine whether a 4-seater or 6-seater table is best for your outdoor space:
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Measure
Measure carefully. Measure twice. Write down the dimensions of your outdoor space. Note down any permanent structures such as steps or pieces you don’t want to move such as large planters. -
Consider
A standard 4-seater round table is typically 90–120 cm in diameter. A 6-seater rectangular table is generally 150–180 cm in length and 80–100 cm wide. -
Space
Ensure you have at least 55-75 cm of clearance around the table for chairs and an additional 55-75 cm for what we call working space - room to pull out chairs and walk around the table set comfortably and safely. -
Visualise
To help get a better feel for the fit and flow when in situ, place furniture cutouts (using cardboard or marked up in masking tape or chalk) on the ground where you intend to position the table and chairs. This will give you a sense of how much space the set will take up and how comfortable it will be in terms of movement. -
Lifestyle
If you entertain often or have a large family, the extra seating from a 6-seater could be valuable. If you prioritise space for other activities or have limited room on your patio, a 4-seater may be better suited to your lifestyle. -
Shape
Round and oval tables take up less space than rectangular and square ones, making them a good option for smaller patios. A 4-seater round table may fit well even in compact areas, while a 6-seater rectangular table could require more clearance around it but can be pushed up to a wall when not in use.
Use our 6 critical factors (size, function, needs, space, flexibility, and style) and the 6 decision-making steps above to help you choose the right set.
Comfort and good use of the space is critical. A table that's too small can feel cramped, especially when entertaining friends and family. Too large, and it might dominate the patio and make it difficult to move around.
Consider how you'll use the table. For casual dining, a smaller table might suffice. However, if you plan to host large gatherings or need extra space for serving food, then a larger table is best.
Think about how often you'll entertain and the size of your social circle. A larger table accommodates more people, while a smaller one is ideal for more intimate family gatherings.
A table that can comfortably seat everyone is essential if you have a large family. Consider the ages of your family members and whether you need space for children's high chairs.
Of course, the overall dimensions of your patio will limit the size of the table set you can comfortably fit, so carefully measure your patio to ensure the table and chairs won't feel too crowded or take up too much space.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a patio table set that's not only functional but also enhances your outdoor living space to make it a focal hub when the sun shines.
If you have one of our 4 or 6-seater garden table sets, then we would love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
