It can be tricky to fit a garden table on a small patio. The limited space requires careful planning and consideration of set size, shape, and functionality.
In our range, we have 2 and 4-seater sets that are the perfect size for balconies, small patios, terraces, and decks. However, they are available with round, oval, and square tables. But which of those shapes is best for a small patio?
Before shopping for new outdoor furniture, the starting point is always to measure your patio's dimensions to ensure it will fit comfortably in terms of size. Take into account that you will need free space for the table itself, the chairs, and space to then use and move around the table.
Smaller-scale furniture will naturally take up less space but you need to choose pieces that are versatile when there’s not a lot of room to play with.
For example, a garden sofa is great for relaxing but tricky to eat. A garden table set while not as comfortable as a sofa gives you the option to eat a meal al fresco or kick back with a book for a few hours.
Think about what you'll be using the space for and choose furniture accordingly. For example, if you like to enjoy a spot of brunch on a weekend with your partner or have a friend over for a morning coffee, then a small 2 or 4-seater outdoor dining set might be ideal.
The aim, no matter how much space you have, is to create a cosy and functional outdoor escape. In this article, we want to look at what’s important when designing a small patio and explore what shape of outdoor table could fit best on your patio area and why.
What is important when designing a small outdoor space?
When working with a small outdoor space, the team here at Lazy Susan use a simple set of design principles to help us maximise the area, create a comfortable environment, and make the most of what little we have to work with:
1. Functionality
As we touched on in our intro, it is important to maximise functionality when working with a small outside space.
Opt for furniture that will serve the multiple things you like to do, from dining to relaxing. On a large patio, you have the space to pair sofa sets with dining.
On a small, you have to think about what type of set will get you outside and using the space the most.
2. Balance
Good scale & proportion in patio design is essential. To achieve it we need to choose appropriately sized furniture to fit the scale of your outdoor space. Avoid oversized pieces that overwhelm the area.
Opt for visually light furniture, such as our stylish Jill 2-seater Bistro (shown above as a 2-seater it is also available as a 4-seater cast aluminium set). It has the perfect look for giving the space an open and airy feel.
3. Continuity
Beyond the garden table, creating visual continuity with a simple design and cohesive colour palette will help to make the space feel bigger than it is.
Work with neutral tones with pops of colour for interest. Keep patterns and textures simple to avoid cluttering the space. Too many competing elements can make a small area feel chaotic so simple is best.
4. Vertical
To keep things light, we also like to make good use of the vertical space and add vertical gardening solutions.
This brings greenery to your patio or balcony without taking up any of the floor space you need for furniture.
Wall-mounted planters or trellises will create a lush feel. Tall planters add height and draw the eye upwards to make the space feel bigger and create impact.
5. Comfort
Even in a small patio space, comfort is key. Choose cushioned seating or add throws and pillows to make the area more inviting.
If your space is overlooked, consider using privacy screens or tall planting to create a cosy and secluded area where you can unwind.
6. Simplicity
As we touched on above under design continuity, simplicity is your friend, and that extends to the pieces you put on your patio.
Embrace a minimalist approach by only including essential items. Clutter can make a small space feel cramped.
Incorporate storage into your design, such as wall-mounted shelving or storage boxes, to keep the area tidy and clutter-free.
7. Flexibility
Having furniture that is easy to move is a big advantage in small spaces.
Our cast aluminium garden furniture is robust but lightweight. It can be easily picked up and rearranged based on the occasion or need.
Many of our garden chairs are stackable so if you need to store they can be tucked away.
If you can, look at designing your space so it can serve multiple functions at different times, like a dining area that can also be used for lounging.
By adhering to these simple design principles, you can create a small outdoor space that is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable.
What shape garden table is best for your patio?
When deciding what outdoor table shape is best for a small patio or balcony, the key thing to always keep in mind is to maximise every inch of space.
For us, when space is limited, then the best shapes of outdoor tables are round or square. Each shape has its advantages but as a general rule we would choose them for the following reasons:
1. Small Round Garden Tables
Round tables are the most space-efficient. They take up less space than rectangular or oval tabletops, making them ideal for tight areas.
The lack of sharp corners makes it easier to move around in a confined space, and it's safer in areas with limited walking room.
Round tables also create better flow. They encourage conversation as everyone is equidistant from the centre, which creates a more intimate setting, and they are easier to move around with no sharp corners.
A small round table offers excellent versatility and it tends to fit into different corners or nooks, giving you more flexibility in terms of how you can arrange your outside space.
2. Small Square Garden Tables
While square tables have more of a formal feel than a round table the big advantage they have is that they can easily fit into corners or against walls, further helping to maximise the available space.
They have balanced proportions, so they work well in symmetrical or rectangular spaces, helping you to maintain symmetry and visual balance.
If your outdoor space is very narrow, for example, then a small square table might fit perfectly while still providing enough surface area for dining or other activities.
Ultimately, the choice between round and square will depend on your specific patio or balcony layout, but both shapes are great for small spaces.
If you’re unsure what might work, then have a look at the customer photos for our 2-seater bistro sets and smaller 4-seater sets. They will give you a better feel for how the furniture fits and flows in some real small spaces.
If you have a Lazy Susan garden table on a small patio or balcony, then we would love to see a few photos of it in situ for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
