A good garden table can make all the difference when enjoying your garden, terrace or balcony. It’s where you’ll gather for lazy weekend brunches, evening drinks with friends, or to sip your morning coffee in the sunshine. Whether working with a compact courtyard or a sprawling lawn, choosing the right garden table will help you maximise your outdoor space. I’ve compiled a guide to help you select the ideal table for your setup. I’ve also found a lovely selection of garden tables on the Sweeek website. They’ve got plenty of affordable and well-designed options to suit a range of garden styles and layouts.
Thinking About Space Before You Buy A Garden Table
Before you fall in love with a particular style or material, it’s essential to work out what fits. The size and layout of your outdoor space will shape the kind of garden table that works best for you. If you’re styling a small patio or balcony, something compact like a round bistro table or a foldaway design is ideal. These don’t take up too much room and can be tucked away when unused. In a medium-sized garden, a four or six-seater rectangular or circular table gives you more flexibility without overwhelming the space. You can afford to go bigger with a generous garden or a large terrace. Extendable outdoor tables are a fantastic option for people who love entertaining. They’re practical, adaptable, and look the part, too.
Choosing The Right Material For Your Garden Furniture
The material you choose for your garden table plays a big part in setting the tone of your outdoor area. It’s not just about what looks good, but also how much maintenance you’re prepared to do and how the table will weather over time. Wooden tables are a timeless choice and perfect for natural or rustic settings. Teak and acacia are durable and attractive hardwoods that age beautifully, developing a soft silvery tone if left untreated. They pair well with other wooden garden furniture, like benches or slatted chairs.
If your space leans towards a contemporary look, metal tables, particularly aluminium, bring a sleek, modern edge. They’re also lightweight, rust-resistant and easy to clean. Powder-coated finishes come in different colours and work well in minimalist city gardens or modern terraces. Rattan-effect or resin tables are perfect for low-maintenance outdoor furniture that still feels stylish. These are great for relaxed, family-friendly gardens and blend beautifully into planted spaces. For something more refined, a glass-topped table adds a polished finish and helps reflect light in smaller spaces, giving the illusion of more room.
Matching The Table Style To How You Live Outdoors
When deciding on a garden table, consider how you use your garden. A dining table with four to eight people is ideal if you’re creating a space for full meals. Consider a high bar-style table or a small two-seater option for a morning coffee or a casual evening drink. Outdoor coffee tables are a lovely choice if you already have lounge seating, perfect for lazy afternoons spent reading or relaxing. And if you love to host but don’t want a large table dominating your patio, an extendable design gives you the best of both worlds. Sweeek has some clever versions that combine clean design with real flexibility.
Creating A Cohesive Garden Furniture Setup
Once you’ve chosen your table, it’s worth considering the other elements that will complete your outdoor space. Matching or complementary chairs, a parasol for shade, and some comfortable seat cushions will create a welcoming spot to spend time. Sweeek also offers complete garden furniture sets for a quick and cohesive update. Their collection of garden tables includes a broad mix from compact folding tables to generous outdoor dining options in wood, metal, resin and more. Whether you’re furnishing a balcony or updating a more extensive garden, they’ve got something that fits.
A Few Final Tips Before Choosing Your Outdoor Table
Before you commit, measure your space correctly and ensure enough room for chairs to be pulled out comfortably. A clearance of around 70–80cm around the table works well. Consider where the sun falls during the day, especially if you plan to eat outside regularly, and whether you’ll need an umbrella or some other shade. It’s also worth checking how your chosen material will weather through the seasons. Some tables are fine to leave out year-round, while others might need covers or storage. If you’re short on space, folding or stackable designs make life much easier.
A garden table anchors your outdoor furniture scheme, giving you a place to eat, entertain or unwind. There’s plenty to inspire, whether you’re after a rustic wooden table for a traditional setup, a sleek metal design for a modern patio, or a flexible foldaway for a balcony breakfast spot. Look at Sweeek’s garden furniture range for ideas; you might find exactly what your outdoor space has been missing.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Sweek. Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and advert.