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Picnic table or garden set: Which is best for your outdoor space?
The first sunny days of the year are here. The doors swing open, coffee moves outdoors and suddenly, your garden becomes the perfect place to get together. But then comes the question: do you go for a sociable picnic table or a comfortable garden set?
Both have their own appeal. The right choice depends on the space you have, how you like to spend time outdoors and, of course, your personal style. We’ll walk you through the key differences so you can find the perfect setup for your outdoor space.
Picnic tables: Bring everyone together around one table
A picnic table is all about bringing people together. Everyone can pull up a seat, making it the perfect spot for long lunches, games with the kids or drinks with friends.
The biggest advantage? Picnic tables are wonderfully practical. The table and seating are all in one, so there are no separate chairs to move around or store away. This makes a picnic table ideal for families and anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors with a group.
Even in a smaller garden, a picnic table can work surprisingly well. It makes efficient use of the available space and gives you a complete dining area in one go.
Why choose a picnic table?
- Sociable and inviting
- Ideal for families and larger groups
- Table and seating combined in one piece
- Makes efficient use of space
- Perfect for outdoor dining, drinks and games
And let’s be honest: there’s something cheerful about a picnic table. Choose a bold colour, and you’ll instantly add extra character to your garden.
Garden sets: Comfort and flexibility
Love long meals and relaxing outdoors? A garden set might be just what you’re looking for.
A garden set usually consists of a separate table and chairs, giving you more flexibility to arrange your outdoor space to suit the occasion. You can easily pull the chairs closer to the table, spread them out or move them to another spot in the garden.
Another big advantage is comfort. With the right garden chairs, perhaps with armrests and cushions, you can turn your patio into a place where you’ll want to sit for hours. It’s perfect for leisurely dinners or relaxed evenings with friends.
Why choose a garden set?
- Plenty of focus on seating comfort
- Flexible and versatile
- Easy-to-move chairs
- Endless options for mixing styles and combinations
- Ideal for long meals and relaxing outdoors
A garden set also gives you the freedom to mix and match different colours and materials, allowing you to create an outdoor space that truly reflects your style.
How much outdoor space do you have?
The amount of space you have available naturally plays an important role in your decision.
Have a compact patio or a small urban garden? A picnic table could be a smart choice. It gives you a complete dining and seating area without the need to combine several separate pieces of furniture.
Have a larger garden or a spacious patio? A garden set offers more possibilities. You can experiment with different layouts and even create multiple seating areas.
Tip: Don’t just consider the dimensions of the furniture itself. Remember to leave enough room to stand up comfortably and move around the table with ease.
What suits your outdoor lifestyle?
Do you love eating outdoors with the whole family? Or do you regularly invite friends over for a relaxed barbecue? A picnic table is a great way to bring everyone together.
Do you mainly use your patio for leisurely dinners, a quiet cup of coffee or long evenings chatting around the table? A garden set often offers that extra bit of comfort and flexibility.
Of course, you don’t have to choose one or the other. A picnic table can work perfectly alongside a comfortable lounge set, giving you different spots to enjoy different moments outdoors.
Colour makes the difference
Why should outdoor furniture be purely practical? Adding colour is an easy way to give your garden or patio a look that reflects your personality.
For example, a brightly coloured picnic table can bring a fresh pop of colour to a calm, natural garden. Or mix and match different coloured chairs around a table for a fun, playful look.
Colour doesn’t just add atmosphere; it also helps turn your outdoor space into a natural extension of your home. After all, who says you can have fun with colour indoors but not outside?
Picnic table or garden set: Which will you choose?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A picnic table is ideal if you love socialising, practicality and spending time outdoors together. A garden set is a better fit if comfort, flexibility and a layout that suits your style are your priorities.
Whichever you choose, the right outdoor furniture can turn your garden into a place where you love spending time. Somewhere to enjoy a morning coffee, a long lunch in the sunshine or a relaxed evening with friends and family.