The Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Styling Outdoor Dining Spaces
Post-pandemic, outdoor dining has been reimagined and re-embraced.
Rethinking outside spaces as extensions of our homes with the perfect outdoor dining tables, chairs, lighting and cosiness you would find inside, is the new normal.
And, with many taking inspiration from social media, stylish al fresco setups are increasingly popular, with outdoor dining ideas filling feeds, whatever the season.
In this article, we will explain how to choose the ideal outdoor dining table by style, material and according to the space available. We’ll suggest high-quality dining table options that complement a range of styles and needs and will offer some outdoor dining ideas to inspire you again and again.
Why quality furniture matters
At Holloways of Ludlow we believe that quality, longevity and exceptional design always prevail. And when it comes to outdoor dining tables and furniture, it is no different.
Materials matter
Quality outdoor furniture spans materials, upkeep, and thoughtful design to bring comfort and durability to the forefront. Investing in high-quality pieces means the piece of mind they have been designed, built and finished to withstand the elements.
The ideal material choices are teak, powder-coated aluminium and synthetic rattan. These materials are renowned for their robust nature, persevering through all weather types — even unpredictable British seasons.
Likewise, weatherproof finishes and UV-resistant coatings protect against fading, cracking and rust, with high-end furniture still looking as fresh as the day you bought it.
The materials you buy for your outdoor dining table directly affect any upkeep, so be mindful of choosing the materials and their necessary upkeep
For example, wood requires regular upkeep such as oiling or sealing, metal can scratch and heat up in direct sunlight and glass requires frequent cleaning to avoid streaks and smudges.
Sustainability
As sustainability trends drive demand for durable, eco-friendly materials, outdoor dining tables are required to bring style, quality and sustainability factors in equal measure.
Whether the table is made from recycled aluminium, polythene or plastics and created using sustainable practices, considering planet-friendly pieces is a smart choice for an eco-friendly outdoor space.
Size and shape
Selecting the right table dimensions depends on your space and the number of guests you tend to accommodate.
Here’s what you need to do:
Measure your space and leave at least 1.2 metres of clearance around the table for chairs and easy movement.
If you’ve got chairs or a dining table already, take their dimensions into account when planning your layout and how the other furniture will slot in.
Use a rope or tape to mark the table’s footprint.
Consider the shape of the table - round, square, or rectangular - and how it will fit within the space.
Rectangular tables are excellent for larger spaces and hosting groups. Extendable tables allow for flexibility for bigger social occasions.
Round tables make for cosy outdoor dining setups, encouraging conversation and making them ideal for smaller patios, too.
Square tables are a wonderful choice for compact outdoor spaces and offer a uniform, symmetric look.
Style and design
The style of your table needs to align with your outside space’s overall theme, to act as a cohesive focal point.
If you have a modern outdoor space with contemporary shapes and neutral colours, a sleek outdoor dining table with monochromatic chairs is a wise choice.
For a rustic setting with woods and warm hues, solid wood tables with woven chairs or benches tie in nicely.
Tables with clean lines and simple silhouettes complement a minimalist aesthetic.
We recommend Mindo, HAY, &Tradition as superior-quality outdoor brands to get you started.
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Our top picks for the perfect outdoor dining tables
If you're seeking the ideal outdoor dining table, our expertly curated selection of five top picks covers everything from design and space size to seating capacity and materials.
1. Best for large family / party - The Mindo 111 Extendable Dining Table
Designed by Jesper K. Thompson, this space-saving outdoor dining table features a unique extending mechanism, eliminating the need for traditional extension leaves.
By simply pulling the table, it can be effortlessly extended, making it perfect for larger families and hosting parties.
Made from teak and aluminium and crafted specifically for outdoor use, you can rest assured The Mindo 111 Extendable Dining Table will last.
Why not accompany it with chairs from the same collection, such as The Mindo 119 Outdoor Dining Chair, to complete the look?
It is available in several sizes, making it a suitable choice as a balcony table and for larger outdoor areas. It also comes in several colours to pair with your desired aesthetic.
2. Best design classic - The HAY Palissade Dining Table
Designed for HAY’s Palissade collection by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, this durable steel outdoor table is slim, with a curved frame and slatted table-top.
Featuring beautifully refined, symmetrical geometry, this table is a superior choice for those who appreciate discerning design.
It comes with a choice of two sizes to accommodate smaller or larger outside spaces, plus four powder-coated colours with an additional galvanised steel option. It can be paired with The HAY Palissade Dining Bench Without Arms or others from the collection for the perfect match.
3. Best wooden table - The Vincent Sheppard Noa Garden Table
Wooden outdoor dining tables are always popular for their durability, longevity and a natural, textured appearance.
The Vincent Sheppard Noa Garden Table is a round table with elegant teak slats and tapered legs for a sophisticated silhouette. Made from sustainable wood, it is an eco-friendly choice for those who value a natural, ethically sourced piece.
Resistant to weather and wear, it is a superior piece for those who love the warm, natural look of wood and prefer minimal upkeep.
4. Best for a small garden - The &Tradition SC97 Thorvald Table
This square-shaped, slatted surface dining table draws inspiration from Denmark's neoclassical artist Bertel Thorvaldsen, blending timeless design with functionality.
Its solid steel construction makes it highly durable, and its compact size makes it perfect for small gardens, patios and balconies.
Raise a glass to both refinement and resilience with The &Tradition SC97 Thorvald Table and dine outdoors with confidence and style.
A good chair match is the &Tradition SC94 & SC95 Thorvald Chair.
5. Best for a balcony - Mindo 121 Outdoor Folding Table
Modern, minimal and a further design by Jesper K. Thompson, The Mindo 121 Outdoor Folding Table focuses on both functionality and space-saving.
Lightweight, strong and durable with its aluminium frame, it is the ideal choice for a balcony dining setup. Easily foldable, it can be stored away when not in use.
It is also a sustainable choice thanks to its top made from bamboo stems sourced from certified forests, offering an eco-friendly, robust surface.
So, for the best outdoor dining table for a balcony, this is just the choice, favouring flexibility and space-saving benefits.
Match with The Mindo 121 Outdoor Folding Chair to complete a cohesive dining space.
Recommended Read: Garden Seating Ideas to Transform Your Space
Outdoor dining ideas to inspire you
Creating a beautiful and functional outdoor dining area is the perfect way to extend your home’s living space. Whether for family dining, intimate dinners or social occasions, the right furniture can transform your outside space into a beautiful and stylish dining area that spans breakfast to dinner.
The atmosphere
To create an inviting outdoor dining space, the best place to start is by setting the right atmosphere.
Setting the tone
A subtle mix of lush greenery and vibrant potted plants, sculptures and soft lighting can help to set the tone for an outside area you always want to be in.
We suggest adding hanging planters and using pops of colour, patterns or textures through oversized pots to bring life to the area, from balconies to patios. Organic textures bring zest, so items like wooden or stone planters can add warmth and personality.
Stick to seasonal plants and flowers, so your outside area can transform as the seasons change.
Use trellises or pergolas to support climbing plants like jasmine, ivy, or wisteria. For smaller spaces, choose narrow planters or wall-mounted options to save floor space. Use foldable trellises to keep the area uncluttered.
Lighting
Lighting really can create the ideal dining vibe but it doesn’t need to be complicated or fussy.
Layer your lighting for maximum effect. Think about string lights overhead for a festive glow, place lanterns or solar-powered stake lights along pathways, and use portable lamps like the Tala Muse (with dimmable technology) for table illumination.
Similarly, for lighting on the go, the HAY PC Portable Lamp brings a range of illumination options as well as six striking colourways. It perfectly compliments Palissade Furniture too, bringing cohesion to your outside area.
Set the mood with pendant lighting like the GUBI Satellite Outdoor Pendant Light which brings a beautiful soft, warm glow and a modern focal point for dining.
For wall lighting that illuminates walls or fences, consider the Nuura Liila Outdoor Wall Light. These wall lights can highlight architectural details and garden scapes, giving your space a polished and defined look.
Mix and match these lighting styles and options to create depth and mood to your outdoor setting for a dining experience beyond the everyday.
Adding comfort
While aesthetics are essential, comfort should never be overlooked. Think about adding cushions, throws or even outdoor rugs to bring inside comfort outside and bolster the comfort of your dining chairs.
Durability will be a focus here, so investing in water-resistant materials that marry beauty and functionality is paramount.
Layer your seating with plush, outdoor-safe cushions that complement the chair’s design. Think materials like polyester or acrylic as they are UV-resistant, water-resistant, and mildew-resistant.
Make sure the cushion covers are water-resistant or waterproof so you won’t need to deal with moisture damage. Ideally, the cushion fillings should be quick drying or have water-draining capabilities. That way, they don’t hold onto moisture that results in mould growth.
Tear-resistant materials are a wise choice here too, as the cushions will frequently be exposed to the elements.
Cushions with high-density foam will lend here well, as they will keep you comfortable for prolonged sitting.
Lastly, look for removable, washable covers or those that can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Final details
Your space will change with the seasons. Here are some outdoor dining ideas to suit the seasonal changes, keeping your space feeling fresh throughout the year.
In summer, opt for lighter fabrics, airy furniture and perhaps a parasol to offer shade over your outdoor dining table.
Colder months could present the opportunity for fire pits, thick throws or outdoor heaters. Switch to heavier furniture in colder months for robustness.
A built-in sound system or portable speakers offer the chance for you to put on music to set the tone. Well-chosen music across dinner can be the perfect accompaniment.
Your outdoor dining idea is an opportunity to create a welcoming, functional and stylish space where you can entertain or simply just sit for a while in contented comfort.
If you would like to discuss your unique outside dining area needs, don’t hesitate to speak to our expert team. We are here to suggest the best pieces tailored to your needs. Email us at sales@hollowaysofludlow.com or call 020 7602 5757