It’s summertime, y’all! And as someone who is the ULTIMATE sun worshipper, I will take any opportunity to be outside — even if it’s just for five minutes in the morning before I begrudgingly head to work (jkjk, I love my job). I'm not sure about you, but my outdoor space is teeny tiny. Which means I need to think a little harder before filling it.
IMO, no adult outside space would be complete without some patio furniture (from one of the best outdoor furniture stores, ofc). And I’ve neglected my li’l patio for far too long… mainly because I’ve been focusing on making my rental less ugly and soulless. So, now that the sun is starting to shine and the tank is clean, I’ve decided to search the internet for an outdoor bistro set that will fit perfectly in that space. Of course, I don’t have space for a full-on garden set because I’m not rich and I don’t live in a mansion with acres upon acres of outdoor space. But a bistro set is the perfect in-between.
Quick Menu:
1. Metal outdoor bistro sets
2. Modern outdoor bistro sets
3. French outdoor bistro sets
Yuh-huh, these sets are a space-saving alternative to larger outdoor furniture sets, which makes them perfect for those looking to jazz up their small patio or upgrade their small balcony. And no matter whether you’re into the metallic vibe or you’re interested in a more traditional French bistro set, I’ve got you covered with my 9 favorite picks below. All you need now is to provide the caffeine for your morning coffee date!
The best outdoor bistro sets to buy in 2023
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The prices in this guide were correct at the time of publishing.
Metal outdoor bistro sets
If you’re looking for a durable bistro set that will last you in your current rental and into your next home, then look no further! Metal outdoor bistro sets are perfect for those who want to invest in timeless pieces that will last years and years. They’re super strong and stable, and they also open up the door for your own personal touch. After all, once you’ve bought one of these metal sets, you can move on to your next project… finding the perfect outdoor cushions to put on them! Heck yeah! Just remember to clean your outdoor cushions properly.
Browse our fave metal patio furniture sets that are bistro style.
Made from: Cast Iron
Table size (in.): H29.24 x W24 x L24
Chair size (in.): H29.5 x W20.5 x D21.25
Price: $219.99
I mean, how cute is this set?! Made from cast iron, you can bet your bottom dollar that you won’t be able to find a stronger outdoor bistro set out there. But don’t worry, as it doesn’t look big or bulky. Instead, this whimsical li’ bistro set will be the PERFECT addition to any small patio or balcony, and it comes with a strong bistro table and two chairs (complete with armrests). And the metal material means that you don’t have to worry about spilling your morning coffee or your barbecued dinner on there, either. Just wipe it clean, y’all.
Made from: Iron
Table size (in.): H27.95 x W23.62 x L23.62
Chair size (in.): H31.89 x W17.72 x D16.54
Price: $117.99
I know how annoying it is to only have a small outdoor space to work with, which is why it’s important to try and make your outdoor space look bigger wherever you can. And what better way to do this than to fold up your furniture when you’re not using it? Yep, this stylish and classic bistro set can be folded!! The chairs AND the table. And as if this wasn’t enough to tempt you, the price is also super affordable and comes in nine (yes, 9!!!!!!!) different colors. I personally love the green, but the rose color is a verrryyyyyy close second.
Made from: Steel
Table size (in.): H30 x W29 x L29
Chair size (in.): H36 x W21 x L16
Price: $103.75
In the almighty words of Lady Gaga, I wanna see your peacock bistro set! Okay, I may have slightly reworked the words there, but the notion still stands. This STUNNING peacock-inspired outdoor furniture set is truly a sight to behold, and can you believe it’s only just over $100?! Made from durable and completely weather-resistant powder-coated steel, you don’t have to worry about leaving your bistro set outside when the rain starts to pour. But if you do want to bring them in, every single thing in this 3-piece set will fold up.
Modern outdoor bistro sets
If you already have a modern dining room, why not make yourself a modern outdoor dining space, too? You know you want to!! Yep, although bistro sets are traditionally made from metal and look more old-fashioned than some of the other outdoor furniture on the market, that doesn’t mean that you have to follow the older crowd. There are so many amazing modern outdoor bistro sets out there RN, you just need to know where to look for them. Or you could just let me do the hard work for you… which is exactly what I’ve done.
Made from: Steel, Rattan, Polyester
Table size (in.): H18 x W19 x L19
Chair size: H31 x W24.5 x L22
Price: $172.99
I’ve always been a sucker for wicker garden furniture. And as a lot of bistro sets don’t come with cushions, I’m absolutely OBSESSED with this rattan bistro set. Offering a more modern alternative to the more traditional bistro set, this one comes with two rattan chairs and a square side table — which is a nice li’l change from the round table we’re used to. But don’t worry, this set isn’t any less durable than the others on this list. Not only are the cushions zippered so you can remove them when you need to, but the whole thing is made from powder-coated steel, which means it can deal with any weather Mother Nature throws at it.
Made from: Glass, Aluminum, Wicker, Steel
Table size (in.): H19.25 x D20
Chair size (in.): H34.25 x W25 x L29.53
Price: $139.99
This is pretty neat, huh? If a hammock had a bistro set baby, this would be it. And the best part is that everything in this set has been hand weaved with all-weather resistant natural resin wicker! That means it’s not just an aesthetically pleasing bistro set… it’s also super practical for those who don’t have space to store their outdoor furniture in their tiny rental. Yep, even the frame is made from a rust-resistant aluminum frame, which means you can’t get much better than that. Can you imagine sipping a piña colada (or five) on one of these chairs after a long day of work? Because I certainly can! Bottom’s up, people.
Made from: Acacia Wood
Table size (in.): H14 x W16 x D16
Chair size: H28 x W24 x D31
Price: $232.99
If you want to spend a few extra dollar dollar bills on something truly special, check out this 2-person wooden patio furniture set. Although it’s giving me a major flashback to the bandage dresses we used to all wear in the ‘00s, it’s still a super modern version of the more traditional bistro set — and I’ve kinda fallen in love with it. The acacia wood frames are super solid, and the woven, weather-resistant poly seats and backs just add a little somethin’ somethin’ into the mix. And don’t they just look SO comfortable? I’d sit in one of those things and not leave for hours.
French outdoor bistro sets
Did you know that the bistro set originate from France? Mais oui! They were designed to be small enough for diners to enjoy their food on the sidewalks of Paris, as they were the perfect size for dining out in the street. And one of the things I love most about these French bistro sets is that they’re unapologetically themselves. They’re not too fancy, they’re not too OTT, and they’re not attention seekers. They just vibing, doing their job, and not making a fuss. And I just KNOW that Emily would love to hang out on these things during her Savoir lunch break.
Made from: Steel, Wicker
Table size (in.): H28.3 x W24.13 x L24.3
Chair size (in.): H32 x W18 x D19.88
Price: $120.35
If you’ve ever been to France, or even if you’ve just binge-watched Emily in Paris three times over, you’ll probably recognize this set. Okay, not this SPECIFIC set, but one that looks a lot like it! That’s because this is about as classically French bistro as you can get. From the white and the blue wicker chairs to the coated table, this outdoor bistro set will have you rolling your Rs and smushing baguette into your mouth quicker than you can say “ratatouille.” Plus, this whole set folds up, which is always a bonus when you’re low on space.
Made from: Steel
Table size (in.): H28 x W24 x L24
Chair size (in.): H33 x W18 x L17
Price: $92.11
Orange you glad to see this set? Okay, that was a bad pun — but this is definitely not a bad bistro set. I promise! Made from steel and featuring the cutest li’l cut-out pattern you ever did see, this French bistro set is all kinds of cuteness rolled into one. Not only does this whole thing fold up, but it’s also the perfect way to add a touch of personality to your outdoor space. You can’t miss this, after all! And with a bright color like this, you’re sure to attract some wildlife to your outside space. And we all love the bees, right?!
Made from: Metal, Glass, Polyester
Table size (in.): H28.25 x W23.75 x L23.75
Chair size (in.): H31.5 x W17.75 x D18
Price: $89.99
Hands up if you’re on a budget? If you’re waving your hands in the air like you really don’t care right now, then I’ve got you. I get that outdoor furniture can be expensive, which is why this bad boy has impressed me SO MUCH. Sure, it’s cheap — but the quality certainly isn’t. This bistro set is made from metal and glass, but not just any metal and glass. The frame is powder-coated steel that’s both weather and scratch resistant, and the tempered glass is also scratch-resistant. So, all you have to worry about is making the most of it!
FAQs
What is the difference between a bistro table and a regular table?
A bistro table is just a normal outdoor table, right? Well, not quite. Luxury homeware store Daniel Stores told me, “Bistro tables are smaller, more intimate, and often used on patios whereas regular tables are often designed for more people. Bistro tables tend to be round-shaped, while regular tables can usually be of any shape.” This makes bistro tables the perfect option for those who have a smaller space to work with, like a small patio or balcony. It won’t take up too much space, but will still offer you a specific area for after-work drinks or summertime meals.
How we chose these bistro sets
You’ll find that a lot of the outdoor bistro sets on this list have been featured elsewhere on our site in other outdoor guides, and that’s not just because the Real Homes team is utterly obsessed with them. We only recommend products that come highly recommended by other customers, so you can fall in love with them too.
Where to buy a bistro set
Find your perfect outdoor bistro set for your patio or balcony by visiting some of our favorite retailers, as listed below.
