Garden Bistro Patio Set

When looking at a Garden Bistro Patio Set, there are many styles and materials to choose from. I will look at 14 different designs for your choice for the spring of 2019. All of these sets will include one small table and two chairs, enough to for a quick diner, glass of wine or just sit and read a good book.

Sorting out what will work best for you will a big task that should be completed before you purchase your patio bistro set. Do you just need a plain set, do you want a premium set made of resin wicker. I will sort them in the following categories, just use the link to go to your favorite style.

• Metal with cushions
• Cast metal
• Sling Seating material

If you need comfort for long term sitting and do not like hard surfaces, cushions will extend your comfort. The sets here will allow you to sit for many hours and not have to worry about your butt comfort. Many styles of frames are available here.

The big drawback to having cushioned seating is that you need to store the cushions to make them last for several seasons. This will mean a storage solution of some kind, not always a good thing in small spaces that a bistro set fits well.

Now lets look at the following bistro sets with cushions-

Better Homes and Gardens Azalea Ridge Bistro Set

Price when this article was written: $249.99

If you like the look of the resin wicker, the Better Homes and Gardens Azalea Ridge collection will come in two colors (White or Brown) to match your patio decor. With thick cushions and resin wicker woven over a steel frame, this set will last as long as the cushions.

The round side table in this set is on the small side for the top. With a glass insert top and the same wicker finish as the chairs. At only 24 inches across it is the smallest in this article.

This set may require a larger area as the chairs have very wide arms and will swivel. Smaller areas will seam crowded with this set. At the present time no replacement cushions are available, you may want to make sure these cushions are stored out of the weather when not in use.

The Azalea Ridge collection will have many matching pieces to choose from if you have a larger area. See my information on the collection here.

Mainstays Oakmont Meadows Bistro Set

Price when article was written: $114.99

Powder coated steel frames with a powder coated finish will last very well in outdoor conditions. Sling back chairs will have cushions that are about 2 inches thick that sit on a fabric base. It would be very uncomfortable to sit on without cushions.

This set is taller than most, 39 inches, not as tall as the bar height sets in this article. A square table has a glass table-top and four metal legs for support.

Cushions will still need to stored when not in use, to extend their outdoor life. With the square design of the cushions they should be easy to replace if they are damaged.

This set will be great for those who want higher seating to see over a railing or other objects.  For more detailed information on the Oakmont Meadows bistro set, see my post here.

Mainstays Alexandra Square Bistro Set

Price when article was written: $114.99

Very similar to the Oakmont Meadows design, the Alexandra Square set will have a darker metal color, striped cushions, back pillows and a curved arm design. The powder coated steel frame and tempered glass top will give you a great look for your outdoor space.

Table is a regular height at 28 inches, has four legs for support. Cushions are held in place by straps, back is made from a sling material. Cushions are square they should be easy to replace if damaged, storage for the cushions and back pillows is suggested when not in use.

This set will be for those who want a little more color in their cushions for their patio decor. Great sturdy set that is easy to assemble.  For more information on the Alexandra Square bistro set, see my post here.

Better Homes and Gardens Clayton Court Bistro Set 

Price when article was written: $189.99

The Clayton Court bistro set is made like the wrought iron sets with cushions. A little more upscale with the rocking motion that is made possible by the springs in between the seat base and leg section. If you are looking for a rocking motion in your bistro set, this will work well for you.

Steel frames are covered in a black powder coated finish. Round top table will have a mesh top that will not hold water or break if table falls over. Red cushions for the seat with cloth ties to hold them in place will be comfortable for longer sitting, back of seat is a mesh steel material.

Cushions should be stored when not in use, to extend their outdoor life. They do have a rounded back shape that will make them a little harder to replace if they are damaged.

This set will be great for those who like the comfort of movement and cushions for a low price.  For more details of the Clayton Court bistro set, see my post here.

Mainstays Belden Park Bistro Set

Price when article was written: $167 for Red, $199 for Blue and Tan

This set has the most movement and has thick cushions for comfort. A swivel base is connected to the back portion with a steel post that will allow it to swivel, no forward and back motion for this set. Carbon black powder coated finish will cover the steel frames.

Seating and back cushions will be available in three colors Blue, Red and Tan. Cushions are held in place with Velcro fasteners. Cushions should be stored when not needed for longer outdoor life.

Square top table has a tempered glass top with four curved legs for support.

This set is best for those with bigger spaces and the need for swivel motion chairs with cushions.  Follow this link for more information on the Belden Park bistro set.

Mainstays Wentworth Bistro Set 

Price when article was written: $199

Very similar to the Belden Park set above. Swivel chairs have the same motion, the backs have a different design in the metal. Cushions are much the same with the same attaching Velcro straps. The Lighter carbon powder coated finish will cover the steel frames.

Cushions are only available in the tan color, if you need more color choices see the Belden Park set above. Cushions should be stored when not needed.

Tempered glass top square table has legs that are a little slimmer. A simple band will support the legs.

This set would work best on a bigger patio or balcony area. The swivel chairs and cushions will provide plenty of hours of seating comfort.  Follow this link for more information on the Wentworth bistro set.

Better Homes and Gardens Glenmere Bistro Set 

Price when article was written: $129.99

If you are not looking for motion, still want cushions the Glenmere set will work for you. Straight legs will make it stand out from some others in this section. Steel frames will be covered in a dark brown powder coated finish.

Chairs will have a resin wicker back with the seat and back cushions. You could use this chair without the back cushion in a pinch. Lumbar pillows are included.

Table has four straight legs and a slat top. No glass to break and replace. Easy assembly for this set as there are no moving pieces.

This set would be best for those looking for an inexpensive set with cushions. You must store the cushions when not in use, to prolong their life outside.  Follow this link for more information on the Glenmere bistro set.

Cast metal

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Looking for that classic theme for your patio or balcony, the cast metal sets will work well. Most of the designs have been around for over 100 years. These sets will last as long as you take care of the paint. I have a love seat made from this material that has been outside for over 30 years with a couple of repaints.

The biggest drawback to this type of material is that the legs can crack or break and be hard to fix. I have had one of my legs welded on my love seat before, after repainting you cannot tell where it was repaired.

Now lets look at the details of this material-

Mainstays Scroll Bistro Set

Price when article was written: $89

Smaller spaces need a more simple bistro set with style. This set gives style in three colors, Yellow, White and Red. The steel frames are powder coated for a longer lasting finish in outdoor conditions. A round seat with a simple scroll design in the back will highlight this set.

Table has a round metal top with four legs for support. No cushions are included in this set, nothing to store when you are not using this set. Easy assembly will have you relaxing in less than a half hour.

This set is great for those small spaces that need a pop of color and design. Need a different color for your decor, just paint it with a good outdoor paint.  For more of my information on this bistro set, see my post here.

Patio Sense Bistro Set 

Price when article was written: $118.98

Having a cast aluminum frame, this set will last a very long time in the outdoor environment. It has a powder coated bronze finish. The back has a larger scroll design. Seat and round table-top have a smaller interlocking scroll design.

Simple assembly will get you sitting in very little time. Table top does have a hole for umbrella, not recommended for this size table. If this set is close to the wall, you could use a smaller half umbrella, see some of my examples here.

This set would be best for those who need a lightweight set that does not need a lot of care. Just rinse off the finish should take care of most spills.  Need more details on the Patio Sense bistro set, follow this link.

COSCO Folding Bistro Set

Price when article was written: $100.99

Outdoor space used for more than sitting in a bistro set. This set will have folding chairs for easy storage and little assembly. Steel frames will have a white powder coated finish.

Round seats and Round table-top will have a flat design. Chair backs and seats will have a slate design.

This set will work best for those who have multi use outdoor space or cannot leave their bistro set out. Chairs fold for easy storage and table does not take up much space.  For more information on this folding bistro set, see my post here.

Cosco Outdoor Retro Nesting Bistro Set

​Price when article was written: $210.99 for the Teal

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Want a different look, don't like the round or square table top and you have a little more room.  This set comes with an oval table that the chairs will nest under for storage when not in use.  Steel slats will give you support in the seat and back of the chairs.  No cushions are included in this set.

The steel frames will be available in two colors, Blue and Teal.No assembly will be required as set will come fully assembled.  Oval table will have a similar oval base that will have one post to support the top that has some slat openings.

This set will work best for those with a little bigger area and they have no storage for their bistro set.  For more information on this nesting bistro set, see my post here.

Sling Seating Material

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The Sling seating material is one of my favorites for outdoor seating. The material is very durable in most weather conditions.  Made of a Vinyl material that is woven very tightly, it is easy to clean with a simple rag or hose. Sitting can be long term without cushions.

The biggest drawback to this material is the replacement of the sling material if it gets damaged. There are some places that sale this material, some furniture in this group will not be able to be fixed when the sling material is damaged.

Mainstays Highland Knolls Set

​Price when article was written: $199

This is sling material with a twist.  The seating and back material has a poly insert between layers of sling fabric.  This will give great comfort for long term sitting.  The big drawback is that it does not dry as quickly as the regular sling material.  You will have to wait longer after that rainstorm.

You will get the ultimate comfort with both rocking and swivel motion in this set.  With the thick cushions you will sit for hours without any complaints of comfort.  Steel frames will be powder coated in a espresso color.

Table will have a round tempered glass top that is a darker color to match the frame.  Four curved legs support the table with a band about halfway down.

​This set will be best for those looking for motion plus great seating comfort without having to store cushions.  For more information on the Highland Knolls bistro set, see my post here.

Mainstays Sand Dune Bistro Set

​Price when article was written: $84.99

Simple and inexpensive, this set will cost under $100 and give you great comfort.  The straight legs and sling seating and back material will give you a great look also.  The sling material will take very little care to last many years outdoors.

The square top table with tempered glass insert will match well with chairs. All will have steel frames with a flagstone color powder coating.

Some assembly is required, I did have some trouble with this type of patio furniture when assembling.  The holes did not match up after shipping.  Some minor adjusting will be needed putting together.

This set will work for those who are looking for a simple set that will require little or not care to keep looking like new for several years.  Look for more information on the Sand Dune bistro set in my post here.

Better Homes and Gardens Warrens Bistro Set 

​Price when article was written: $149

For under $150 you can have a set with swivel chairs with a simple rocking motion and sling seating material.  This will add to your seating comfort.  Great curved designs in the arms and backs will give you great looks.

A square table with a weaved type of design in the top.  With four curved legs and a center support ring.  Assembly will take a little time with this set, a second set of hands would be most helpful.

The aluminum frames are covered with a black powder coated finish.  This set should never rust, I have a similar set on my front porch that has been there for almost ten years with out any trouble.

This set will be for those that don't want to spend a lot of money, and want good looks with comfort.  For more information on the Warrens bistro set, see my post here.

My chairs on front porch

What is the right bistro set for you

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I wish I could answer that question for you.  You will have to look at your outdoor space, needs, budget and style to determining what is the best Garden Bistro Patio Set​ for you and your family.  I have a set that is very similar to the Warrens model on my front porch.  This set may not be the best choice for you, I have really liked it.

Still don't have enough information to make a good choice, leave me a comment or question and I will get back to you.  Just use the forms below.