How to choose the right garden table size

What size patio table should I get? It isn’t as easy as you might think! There are many options, depending on how big your garden is and how many guests you usually host. Round, square or rectangular? A small folding table or a large extendable one? Here is a brief overview of your options.

To choose the right garden table size, the first thing to bear in mind is how much outdoor space you have. Your decision will depend on whether you are looking for a dining table for a balcony, a small patio, a conservatory or a large garden. Once you have decided on your dining area, bear in mind that the table won’t be your only garden furniture. You will also need chairs. You might even want to add a deckchair, coffee table, side table, parasol, BBQ, a few flower pots, etc. You will need to be able to walk around your table and move your chair back easily (allow a minimum of 110 cm).

For smaller outdoor areas, choose a round or square table for 2 people. You can choose a small classic table or a high standing one like our HORIZON MIDDLE collection (around 90 cm) for more of a bistro style vibe. If space is limited, a folding garden table is a good option. The BALCONY II model by LAFUMA MOBILIER is specially designed for small spaces. It is a lightweight garden table that folds up easily. It is available as a square table for 2 people, or as a rectangular one (2 to 4 people or 4 to 6 people depending on the model). Folding tables have the added benefit of being modular. You can buy a few of them, all different sizes, and take them out as and when you need them. Another space-saving hack is to consider folding chairs or chairs that stack (matching or not).

When it comes to choosing the shape of your future garden table, are you undecided between round, square, oval or rectangular? Generally, round tables make it easier to converse with others. They can fit more people around them for the same dimensions. However, rectangular garden tables are better suited to events. There is also more room for dishes.

The second most important factor to consider when choosing the best garden table is the number of people it will accommodate. This will determine how long it needs to be. You generally need to allow between 55 and 60 cm per person to ensure guests are comfortable. Multiply this by the number of seats desired to get your ideal table length.

Patio table size for 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 people. Below is a brief summary:

LAFUMA MOBILIER offers various different garden tables to accommodate between 2 and 10 people, including our BALCONY II for 2 people or ANYTIME model in dark grey for 2, 4 or 6 people and our ANCÔNE and ORON models, a large, modern table for 8 people. Note that the type of chairs you choose will affect how many people are able to fit around the table. A comfortable garden chair with armrests will take up more room around a table than a standard chair.

If you like inviting family and friends round for a spontaneous drink or picnic, but only have a modest patio, why not opt for an extending table? Depending on whether it is single or double extending, they can accommodate between 2 and 4 additional people. A few different types are available. There are drop-leaf tables with folded extensions that can be lowered and raised. They are easy to use, but not the most stylish option. Other models contain removable extensions which can be added to the end of the table or glide into the centre directly onto the frame. The butterfly (or portfolio) one is more clever. It is a folding extending system. You simply need to pull the two table parts apart to let the extra part out. With its retractable extension, LAFUMA Mobilier’s ANCÔNE table can extend from 2.20m to 2.80 m, allowing it to seat up to 10 people. Ingeniously designed, this contemporary table is also very easy to unfold (the design has been patented). One person can open and close it by themself. If choosing an extendable table, make sure you have enough garden chairs or stools.