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From rattan to teak sets, we've rounded up some of the best. Wind Chime Metal
A garden bistro set will give you a spot to sit and relax outdoors, even if your space is limited. These mini table and chairs sets should fit comfortably on balconies and patios, making them a good choice for city-dwellers. Although, they are a worthy buy for anyone looking to carve out a cosy corner in their garden.
Bistro sets today come in a variety of shapes, colours and styles, whether it’s an on-trend rattan design or a colourful metal set. The classic vintage bistro set is still a popular choice for buyers, with a 13% increase in the number of Etsy shoppers searching for the style in the past 12 months. Etsy’s trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson says: “I personally still love the traditional Parisian style sets, so you can have a pinch of Paris in your home without travelling to France.” Here, Good Housekeeping has everything you need to know about garden bistro sets.
Bistro sets typically tend to be much smaller and more compact than patio sets. "They are perfect for creating a stylish dining space within a smaller section of your garden," Dayna says. There are plenty of collapsible and stackable options that will fit easily into your shed when not in use, too.
Patio sets, on the other hand, tend to be larger in size and more of a permanent fixture. They also have more variation, coming in all shapes and sizes, including armchairs and outdoor sofas. “Patio sets are a great option if you are lucky enough to have a large garden, or want to create separate dining, entertaining and relaxing zones,” Dayna continues.
Before you buy, consider which material will best suit your needs.
Wood is a classic choice with lots of warmth and charm. Applying a wood treatment every six to nine months should keep it looking its best. Use a waterproof cover or store it away during the colder months to avoid rot or water damage.
Steel and aluminium is typically powder-coated to prevent rust, scratches and dents, so it requires less upkeep than wood to remain looking lovely. It’s typically long-lasting but the colour may start to fade after a few years, at which point you can re-top with a thin layer of paint.
Wrought iron is very heavy, so it’s less likely to blow over in strong winds than more lightweight sets, but can be a pain to move around. It also tends to be on the expensive side.
Rattan is stylish and lightweight, so it can be easily moved around. However, it’s a natural material and so, like wood, can be prone to rot if left outside in wet weather. Use a waterproof cover or keep stored when not in use.
Polyrattan, or PE rattan is a manmade alternative that retains rattan’s aesthetic charms while being weatherproof and UV-resistant. This makes it a more hardwearing option that you can leave out year-round.
From on-trend rattan and chic egg chairs to stylish mosaic and metal designs, we’ve found something for all tastes and budgets. Scroll down to see the best garden bistro sets for 2023.
This bijou set doesn’t require assembly and its small size makes it a good option to take along in your car for camping trips. Simply add outdoor cushions to complete the look! It’s available in blue, pink, grey, and mint so there’s something to suit every garden scheme.
This beautiful rattan set is a handy option for smaller spaces and balconies. It comes with a small tea table so you have somewhere to keep your drinks and snacks when you're relaxing outdoors. The rattan is finished with a powder-coating to maintain its colour and brightness, so it should stay as good-as-new for years to come. The beige seats add some nice contrast, too.
A real statement maker: this rattan set will add some modern flair to your garden or patio area. It's fine as it is, but you could also offset the bold hue with neutral seat pads or add some cushions for extra comfort.
Here's a pretty-in-pink option from luxury department store Fenwick to kick off our round-up. With its contemporary feel, this bistro set will add a pop of colour to proceedings without being 'too much'. The chairs are made from durable and weather-resistant polypropylene plastic and the table from rot-resistant eucalyptus wood, so it should look as good-as-new for summers to come. Just finish with a bright outdoor rug and a scattering of cheery planters to pull your colourful scheme together.
You might also like the large six seater set.
Homebase always delivers with its stylish yet reasonably-priced outdoor pieces, and this little garden bistro set is no exception. The deep green colouring will perk up any patio or balcony and it’s foldable, so can be easily stored in a cupboard or shed in winter. It’s also available in blue, grey and yellow.
This grey set is pricey, but it’s super stylish and waterproof, meaning it can be left outside year-round, so you won’t have to find somewhere to store it. The seats tuck underneath the table to maximise space when not in use. If you like this modern style, upmarket garden furniture brand Kettler has lots of lovely outdoor dining sets at John Lewis at the moment.
With its pretty mosaic top, this bistro set feels straight out of the Italian riviera. We’ve been seeing lots of Italian influence in this season’s home pieces and this is a lovely example of the trend used in a way that won’t feel dated by next season. Style with crisp white cushions and throw down an outdoor rug to bring a Mediterranean feel home.
Another similar bistro set to the above, this time in fresh, glossy white to instantly pep up your space. Made from plastic, it's easy to clean with a wet cloth and hot soapy water. It's also available in black and lime green.
Fans of the indoor/outdoor living trend will like these stylish rattan armchairs – we’d be equally as happy to have them in our living room as on our patio. The handwoven frame and plush grey cushions have a cosy, minimalist appeal that's just right for curling up in on lazy afternoons. The table legs are removable for easy storage.
We love this chic rocking chair and table combo from Homebase. It’ll provide the perfect peaceful spot to lie back and enjoy a cuppa or a post-lunch snooze. It’s also available as a four seater set if you’re looking to host this summer.
From the House Beautiful marketplace comes this chic rattan set, that will look lovely with a couple of bright scatter cushions. With a water-resistant frame and cushions, it’s a fuss-free option that can withstand a bit of light drizzle, although you’ll want to cover it with a rainproof cover if it really starts pouring. For bigger spaces, there’s a four seater option in the same style.
One of our favourites, this sophisticated set looks like it belongs on the pavement outside a traditional Parisian bistro. Its distressed off-white finish will sit pretty in any outdoor space and it’s versatile enough to be dressed up however you like to tablescape. The roomy tabletop has plenty of space for snack bowls and drinks, too. It comes in black, too.
Thanks to delicate ornate detailing, this elegant bistro set is destined to pretty up any patio or balcony. We’ll be styling ours with crisp white seat pads to add a touch of timeless grandeur to the garden. It's weather-resistant so you don’t have to worry about it rusting in the rain, and it can be folded away when not in use.
This stylish bistro set comes with striking black cushions that pair well with the airy bamboo frame, creating a fresh Scandi look. It’ll be easy to keep looking new too, thanks to machine washable cushion covers and a glass coffee table that can be wiped clean.
This wicker set is the perfect combination of rustic charm and contemporary styling – we love the pretty figure-of-eight frames. It folds flat for easy storage, so you can tuck it away neatly after use.
You'll feel like you're on a sunny European holiday (or almost, anyway) with this pretty bistro set. The intricate mosaic detailing conjures up warm nights in the mediterranean, while the terracotta tiles will add some warmth to your space.
We're still loving that rattan/bamboo look for 2023, and this set will give your patio that home bar feel. Just whip up some cocktails and you're good to go!
This lovely red set will perk up even the simplest outdoor spaces and it’s foldable, so can be easily stored away in winter. Plus, the durable acacia wood frame has an all-weather resistant coating, so it should stay as good-as-new for years to come.
It also comes in white, black, green and blue.
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