Best garden dining sets: create a comfortable outside space

Find inspiration with our round up of the best garden dining sets – create a space that's perfect for unwinding

best garden dining sets
(Image credit: Cuckooland)

Want inspiration for the best garden dining sets? With the prospect of a glorious British summer ahead, now is a great time to review your garden and create a garden dining space that will ensure you make the most of the warmer months. Particularly given that we'll be spending more time at home than ever before.

Purchasing the right garden furniture is a must, but with so many styles and materials to choose from, where do you start? Do you want something wood, or wicker, traditional or more contemporary? We've selected a variety of solutions to help you kit out your space, not matter its shape or size. You can also jump to find tips on choosing the best garden dining sets.

When you're done, head over to our garden furniture sales for a closer look at the best bargains around. 

The best garden dining sets

Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Chilson table and bench set is the best outdoor dining set for industrial chic

(Image credit: Garden Trading)

1. Chilson Table and Bench Set

Stylish and industrial for outdoor or indoor use

Specifications

Best for: industrial chic in your garden :
Material: cement and acacia wood:
Size: H75 x W240 x D100cm:

Reasons to buy

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Sturdy and stylish

Reasons to avoid

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Might not suit more traditional gardens

Durable and contemporary-looking, the Chilson Table and Bench Set from Garden Trading is perfect for adding a touch of industrial chic outdoors or indoors. Here's everything you need to know about it:

Weatherproof design

The Cement Fibre top is fully weatherproof, meaning you won't have to worry about storing such a solid piece of garden furniture during the winter months. The use of cement also means that you can expect this garden dining set to last more than a couple of summers.

Alternative to traditional garden furniture

With a slightly industrial feel to it, this garden furniture set offers something slightly different to your usual, more traditional set up. The benches make for a convivial alternative to traditional seating. The set also comes with a stool.

Shop more garden dining sets at Garden Trading

John Lewis Festoon Outdoor Line Lights Clear ú60, Brighton Bistro Outdoor Table and Chair Set Palm £79

(Image credit: John Lewis)

the best bistro set: Garden Trading Rive Droit Bistro Set

(Image credit: Garden Trading)

2. Rive Droite Bistro Set

A stylish bistro set available in a variety of finishes

Specifications

Best for: : All gardens
Material: : Powder coated steel
Weight: : 16.3kgs

Reasons to buy

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Versatile design
+
Foldable
+
Lots of colours to choose from

Reasons to avoid

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May be too small for some

We can't think of any garden this Rive Droite Bistro Set wouldn't suit. The simple, slimline design will allow you add seating to even the smallest of patios. Here's why we love it:

Lightweight design

This is the ultimate choice for ease of use and storage: it's lightweight enough to move around, easy to fold away and store, but the construction is sturdy enough not to feel flimsy or wobbly. 

Variety of colours available

The wide choice of colours is a welcome bonus, as is the possibility to purchase cushions. This bistro set is weatherproof, too, so you can leave it out on a rainy day.

Browse more of the best bistro sets

Made.com Catania outdoor set is the best outdoor dining set for comfort

(Image credit: Made.com)

3. Catania Garden Corner Dining Set

The best dining set for al fresco dining in comfort

Specifications

Best for: a covered patio or deck :
Material: Powder coated Iron:
Size: H70 x W90 x L147cm (table):

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable and stylish

Reasons to avoid

-
Needs to be covered in wet weather

The Catania is nothing short of luxurious and makes a great option if you're working with a large outside space. Here's everything you need to know:

Designed with comfort in mind

Providing plenty of room for lounging as well as dining, and including sumptuous detachable padding.

Choose from a variety of sizes

The sofa comes in a two- or three-seater size, which makes the set suitable for smaller or larger outdoor spaces. 

Shop more garden dining sets at Made.com

Argos garden furniture: marble top table

(Image credit: Argos)

4. Argos Home Marble Effect Table

The best metal garden furniture for price

Specifications

Best for: Stylish
Type: Dining table
Material: Metal
Colours: Marble and grey

Reasons to buy

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Stylish design that works inside and out
+
 Non-rusting and weather-resistant 
+
Affordable price point

Reasons to avoid

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Doesn't come with chairs

A great option if you want to add stand-out style to your garden, this stunning Argos Home Marble Effect Table has a stylish marble-effect top and modern U-shaped aluminium legs. Here's everything you need to know about it:

Seats six people comfortably

Generously sized, H75cm x W160cm x L90cm, there’s plenty of room for six diners, making it ideal for all your summer get-togethers.

Popular style

It will look great paired with grey toned dining chairs, but its white tone means that whatever chair you choose, they are sure to finish the table off perfectly. In fact, we love the idea of styling it inside with some upholstered chairs for a high-end look.

Weather resistant

A hardy table, its high-quality rust-resistant aluminium frame will stand up in all weather.

Argos Home Seychelles 6 Seater Patio Set

(Image credit: Argos)

5. Argos Home Seychelles 6 Seater Patio Set

Best rattan patio set

Specifications

Best for: garden parties
Dimensions: Table diameter 160cm, parasol diameter 300 cm
Colour: Grey
Weather resistant: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Stylish design and colour
+
Very stable and sturdy

Reasons to avoid

-
Not suitable for small outdoor spaces

What's not to like about this stylish six-seater set from Argos? We can picture ourselves now, hanging out under the umbrella, Aperol Spritz in hand. Here's everything you need to know about it:

Durable design

Made from durable synthetic rattan, it's stylish and modern, and reassuringly heavy and stable. 

Quality design

Reviewers report a good quality finish, and a spacious feel to the chairs. The umbrella is also well constructed, doesn't wobble, and can be tilted. Perfect for summer garden parties. 

Choosing the best garden dining sets

Want tips on choosing the best garden dining sets? We'll talk you through a few things to consider if you want to ensure you're getting the most for your money:

How much space do you have?

The first thing to consider when choosing garden dining sets is the size of the space you have to work with. A large solid wood dining table and chairs may be a dream purchase, but they will overwhelm a small garden or patio area and provide little room for manoeuvre. So make sure you are realistic about the size of the table and chairs you choose and check all the measurements carefully.

Outdoor furniture comes in many sizes and layouts. There are also versions that fold away for easy storage and flexibility.

Which material works best for you?

If wooden garden dining sets are on your wishlist, there are plenty of designs to choose from. Always check to see if the product is made from wood sourced responsibly and from forests certified to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Hardwood products are pretty hardwearing, but make sure you clean them thoroughly after the summer and treat with a wood oil or preservative. Softwoods are more fragile and need a bit of TLC, so treat them on a regular basis.

Metal outdoor dining sets have a more contemporary feel, are great value for money, and their lightweight structure means they are easier to move around and store away. They are also simpler to maintain, being wipe-clean, ready for the next use.

For the ultimate in style and comfort, rattan or wicker garden dining sets are a wonderful investment, and the natural material is a great way to blur the boundaries between a garden room or conservatory and the garden itself.

If your heart is set on one particular material, we have the best wooden garden furniture, the best metal garden furniture, and the best rattan garden furniture in our buyer's guide. 

Anna is a professional writer with many years of experience. She has a passion for contemporary home decor and gardening. She covers a range of topics, from practical advice to interior and garden design.