The best patio dining sets for small spaces

Ready to take things outside? We found adorable patio dining sets that will look perfect in your backyard

Two patio dining sets on a grassy background
(Image credit: Canva + Amazon _ Wayfair)

Al fresco entertaining is on the horizon, and the best patio dining sets will complete your outdoor oasis.

Even if you’re not working with much in the way of room, we’ll ensure you’re getting the most out of your space with one of these great furniture selections. They're stylish, functional, and on track to becoming one of the best parts of your home.

If you fancy a BBQ in the near future, or just want a place to kick back with a book and something sweet to drink, peruse the best outdoor furniture and get ready to slap on some SPF.

Patio dining sets: Quick menu

The best patio dining sets to shop right now

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.

If you have a small backyard but still want to make a big impact, it's important to select small patio furniture that's durable, functional, and of course, adorable. 

"Today, a patio isn’t just a patio," says Katie Fritz, content manager, Article. "It’s a ceiling-less living room, an open-air concept restaurant, the sidewalk bar of your dreams. For the perfect, personalized patio, look no further than your own personal style."

It just so happens we have plenty of outdoor spring decor ideas to help you get going, and we're here to assist with making your outdoor space feel bigger. Ready to get started? A pitcher of lemonade is not required but encouraged...

What to shop

 In need of a few other ideas? We've been eyeing the best wicker outdoor furniture, wooden patio furniture, and metal patio furniture guides for you to choose from. 

FAQs

What kind of furniture is good for the patio?

"Just because your patio table doubles as an Uno showdown center doesn’t mean it has to look aggressive. Like its cousin the kitchen table, the patio table is your yard’s focal point and primary gathering place," Katie explains. 

She says, "Achieving an indoor dining room look outside is mostly a matter of materials. Create a homey feeling with hearty woods. Colorful sturdy plastics say “I’m fun.” Black powder-coated iron asserts itself as being chic, but approachable. Mix and match materials to achieve the perfect balance."

You can also make your outdoor space feel like an entryway to elsewhere by adding a cultural influence to your design. Katie adds, "Try choosing a place you love and thinking about how it feels to be there."

What material is used for outdoor furniture?

Our expert guide on the best materials for outdoor furniture delves into the five to look out for when purchasing, including hardy teak, eco-friendly reclaimed plastic and sturdy aluminum.

How to arrange a patio dining set?

Jessica Ang, marketing manager, Crate and Barrel says, "Bring together elements of both the kitchen and the dining room to assemble your alfresco food prep, grilling, and dining area.

"If you have the room, try to keep some space between the grill itself and a dining table with mesh chairs. This gives the grill master room to work and keeps guests away from the heat of the charcoal."

She adds that you have to look at the size of the space and consider the aesthetic that you want to achieve overall. 

"Create a traditional outdoor gathering space with long, classic rectangle outdoor dining tables in durable patio furniture materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or unfinished FSC-certified teak," she says. 

"Arrange around the tables enough outdoor dining chairs to seat all your usual guests and finish with acrylic drinkware and melamine serveware."

How we chose

Although we haven't been able to call in these patio dining sets to test out ourselves, we took a look at star ratings, reviews, and took size and function into consideration. Additionally, we had a look at product testimonials and read out its performance, sturdiness, assembly, and aesthetic appeal.

Where to shop

Still looking for a few more additions to complete your backyard? Discover where to buy furniture for your outdoor haven.


Now that you have the patio outdoor dining sets squared away, it's time to think about dinnerware. Anthropologie x Alexandra Farmer is a playful and vibrant new line you'll love for outdoor entertaining, starting at just $7.

Christina Chrysostomou
Former acting head ecommerce editor

Hi, I'm the former acting head ecommerce editor at Real Homes. Prior to working for the Future plc family, I've worked on a number of consumer events including the Ideal Home Show, Grand Designs Live, and Good Homes Magazine. With a first class degree from Keele University, and a plethora of experience in digital marketing, editorial, and social media, I have an eye for what should be in your shopping basket and have gone through the internal customer advisor accreditation process.

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