Outdoor Bistro Table and Chairs
If you have a smaller patio, outdoor area, garden or balcony, you will prefer to have an Outdoor Bistro Table and Chairs Set. These sets will make for a great conversation area for just two people. You can make it a romantic getaway in your outdoor space. You can also set up a Bistro set in a garden area or on a path remotely to get away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life.
These compact sets can be easily moved to another location or when you change apartments you can take them with you with ease. Most will have a table big enough for snacks and drinks.
The four different styles of bistro sets will work in all situations, they just have different designs and you can choose which one will fit your decor the best. Now let us look at what I have found for you.
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Metal Bistro Sets
Metal Bistro SetsThese Bistro sets have metal frames and seats for the chairs. The tabletops can be solid, mesh or a slatted design. The sets will have a powder-coated finish to keep the finish fresh for a long time and resist chipping. Some assembly will be required before use.
The folding wrought iron bistro set shown at right has a mesh design for the seating and tabletop. This type of bistro set will need cushions to be comfortable for long term sitting. I have a similar set at the lake on my deck.
This set will also fold for storage when not needed.
The Costo Nesting bistro set will store within itself when not in use. An oval-shaped table will allow the chairs to store under the table when not in use.
This set also has two ottomans that each will store under a chair when not needed. The whole set will store under the tabletop when not in use.
Chairs and tabletop will have a slatted design that will not hold water after a rain. For long term sitting, I would recommend cushions for comfort.
Pros
- Easy to store when not in use
- Extra seating with the ottomans
- No cushions to store
Cons
- Not comfortable for long term sitting
- Can rust if the painted surface is damaged
- No movement in chairs
Outdoor Bistro Set with cushions
Outdoor Bistro Set with cushions
Need more Comfort in your bistro set, get one with cushions. This will come with a need for a storage solution for the cushions if you want them to last more than a couple of years in outdoor weather conditions.
The Mainstays Belden Park set shown in red has the advantage of swivel chairs and glass tabletop. The glass tabletops are hard to fix if it gets broken.
I have more information on the Belden Park bistro set in an article here.
The Alexander Square set only has cushions for the seats, the back material is a sling fabric. The table is very similar to the set above.
The chairs will have straight legs with no movement. This set is comfortable for short to medium term sitting times. Long term sitting will have you and your guests getting a little numb in the butt.
Pros
- Cushions for seating comfort
- Can change decor color with cushion color
- Different styles of chairs
Cons
- Cushions will need a storage solution
- Metal frames may rust if the paint is damaged
Metal with sling seating Bistro Set
Metal with sling seating Bistro Set
I like the sling fabric for seating in my patio area. It does not take long to dry after a rain and does not require cushions for long term sitting.
The Hanover set shown at right has swivel chairs with some rocking motion. The sling material for the seats and back will be very comfortable for long term sitting.
The table will be cast aluminum that will have a clear glass top. This set will require no storage solution and be great for a long time outside with your favorite person. The Hanover collection has many styles of tables and chairs in their patio furniture, see some of them here.
The sling seating and fold down table will make the Crowly Park bistro set a great deal for those with really small spaces and a deck railing to mount it on.
The chairs will have a one-piece seat and small back with sling fabric material. A bar supporting the legs will give you a place to put your feet while sitting.
The bar-type table will mount to a deck or balcony railing. The glass top will fold down out of the way when not in use giving you more space outside when needed.
For more information on the Crowly Park Bistro set, see my post here.
Pros
- Sling fabric dries quickly
- Sling fabric comfortable without cushions
- Many styles of chairs available
Cons
- Sling fabric hard to replace if torn
- Metal frames may rust if damaged
Resin wicker Bistro Set
Resin wicker Bistro Set
The Azalea Ridge bistro set shown at the right is a rich-looking set with swivel chairs, cushions, and resin wicker panels. The cushions will give you plenty of comfort for long term sitting.
The frames and resin wicker finish hold up well in most outdoor conditions, not so much the cushions. Many have gotten only a few years from the cushions before they are done, no replacements available at this time.
The table is one of the smallest for a bistro set, it is more the size of a side table. It will only hold a couple of drinks and a small snack. The good news is that the Azalea Ridge collection has many different types of patio furniture to choose from, see my information here.
The Baner Gardens bistro set will have two chairs with no movement, they will look like big lounge chairs with thick cushions for the seats. Resin wicker panels will cover all sides and have an arched design at the bottoms of all sides.
The seat cushions will require a storage solution to make them last more than a few years. The square design of these cushions will make it easier to replace when needed.
Again the table is small in this set. The glass top table will have a resin wicker lower shelf for storage of your reading material or snacks.
Pros
- Great resin wicker style
- Most sets will have cushions for seating comfort
- Many styles of chairs to choose from
Cons
- Cushions will need a storage solution
- Higher priced than other sets
Where to get more information on Outdoor Bistro Table and Chairs
Conclusion On these patio bistro sets
Conclusion On these patio bistro sets
Depending on the look that you want for your balcony, patio or garden area, one of these Outdoor Bistro Table and Chairs sets will work for you. Some of these sets will be available individually. None of these sets are made to seat a large group of people, they are made to make a romantic or personal spot for just two people to interact. If you are trying to impress your mate, get one of these sets with a great bottle of your favorite beverage and good luck to you.
If you find this article interesting or helpful, please share it with your friends via social buttons below. Any questions or comments please use the form below and I will get back to you quickly.
Thanks for reading my post,
John
Hi John,
We are in Autumn where I live at the moment and the weather has already indicated that staying indoors would be a good idea.
I like your article. One thing that did occur to me was how to ensure that someone does not borrow the table or chairs without your permission. Someone may be just too impressed with the table and chair set that they borrow it without getting your permission.
Best,
David
David,
I live in the country, no problems. City folks my have to bring their stuff in to keep it. Each person will have to decide on how to store their bistro sets when not in use. The folding set would work best for them.
John
Hi John, I have been looking to upgrade my small patio out back. One of these sets is a great idea. We currently have a picnic table, but I do not like to sit there because of the rough wood. I like the Faux Galvanized Bistro Set because it can be stored and is so cute. I also like the Gracie Outdoor Bistro Set and it looks like it could be easily cleaned. Now I have to decide! Thank you for the helpful descriptions and giving the sizes. I need to show my husband. Either of these would be great around our fire pit in the winter months. ~Gina
Gina,
Glad I was able to help in you choice of a outdoor bistro set. Some of these sets can be ordered with extra chairs if you still need the seating capacity of the picnic table.
John
I love the look and feel of the outdoor bistro table and chiars. I adore sitting outside when the weather permits and its one of my favorite things to do in the spring. Of what you’ve previewed my favorite is the Gracie Outdoor Bistro Set. I need a splash of color to always lift my spirits and keep my mood high. This is great feature on outdoor bistro options and ideas.
Tiffany,
The Gracie Outdoor Bistro set will give you some movement also as the chair will have a rocking motion. The colors are not too bright to make it look a little wild. You can still use these in the fall and winter, just not a very long time outdoors in the colder months.
John
So glad that I found your site, I have been looking for a nice quaint out door setting just for two as we are renovating at the moment and have a lovely little undercover area which I have been wanting to turn into a nice sitting area for when we have out morning cuppas. I love the Sunburst Set actually, thank you so much for this 🙂
The Sunburst set is a great set, just be cautious if you have anyone that likes lean back. The chairs do not have a great front to back leg spread and can tip easily.
John
Hi John,
I’ve had a bistro set for years and set it on a front porch as well as a spot off to side in a garden area. The set I have is a cast iron set and just recently the table has broke due to rust and I am looking for a new one. Do you know of a site that will sell just the table without the chairs? Thanks for your help.
Sheila,
There are a few vendors that sell the bistro table alone. The cost will be almost as much as a new set. Matching the design of your present set will be difficult at best. Most of the sets in this post are $200-$399, you will pay about $150-$450 for just the table.
John
Hi John, I like the outdoor Bistro set, I like very much to be outside, but now is it winter here in Norway.You have a very nice website, good articles.
Anne Line
Anne,
Thanks for looking at my article. Many items for your outdoor space here. The outdoor Bistro set will fit on most patios, balconies or decks.
John
Hi John, I live in Southern California where the weather is mild. My balcony is only 23″ wide. I am looking for a Bistro table that is 17-18″ in diameter and two small chairs. They need to be heavy because it can get very windy on the balcony and it is next to glass French doors. Do you make a table that is small than the ones on your website?
Rita,
Overstock has a 16 inch bistro table, it is light weight and does not come with chairs. In my opinion, I would get a side table and use it as your bistro table. You can get them in may styles and some are quite heavy. The biggest problem is that most of them are only as tall as the seat on most chairs. I do have some of the side tables in the sitting furniture of my site. I do have several side tables in my outdoor space.
John
Hi Chris,
Great article, I was really absorbed by all these beautiful outdoor bistro tables and chairs. I remember few years ago I wanted so badly a nice table to sit with my friends and family, but couldn’t afford it. So I built a table in wood, but the problem is it didn’t last long due to the weather, wood is very fragile especially when it stand outside. So I bought a plastic table and this also didn’t last for long, plus it flew away each gust of wind:) Today I am looking for a nice and strong table and I these sets are just what I was seeking.
Just one question, please. How do I preserve the metal outside? Do you have some tips?
Thank you very much!
Daniella,
If the set is cast aluminum, it will only require the occasional wash with soap and water to remove the dropping left by nature. If and when the paints starts to chip, it may require a repaint.
If the set is cast iron, a little more care will be needed. If left out in the weather it will start to rust if the paint is chipped. Each season it should be checked for paint chips and repaired. If you do this you will extend the life of you set by many years.
My experience with the cast aluminum is that it will outlast the cast iron and comes in many styles, I think it is a better choice if you have severe outside conditions.
John
Excellent selection of bistro table and chair sets. I have always preferred the first couple of sets you display and describe as the choice for me. It’s good to see other alternatives as not everybody will choose the same set. You show an excellent selection to make one’s decisions easier to order.
Travis,
As you stated, not all taste are the same. Many times even in the same house. Selecting the proper style for you can get frustrating if you have too many choices.
John
Great article! We recently tossed all our outdoor furniture because of mold and rot. We live in Oregon, so we get lots of rain in the fall and winter which really wreaks havoc on some materials. I have been looking at options that can withstand the Pacific Northwest elements.
I absolutely love the Bamboo set. I’m assuming cast aluminum and iron sets are going to do better in the rain. Are there any extra precautions that should take place with them in the rain or would they withstand that well?
Brandy,
In the care of the Cast Aluminum and Iron sets, just make sure you keep the surface clean of dropping from birds and trees, just use a mild soap and water. Inspect the surface to make sure the paint does not have any areas of pealing. If you find any pealing, sand the area and repaint to protect your metal. The rain itself will not hurt your furniture, just if you do not keep it up, it will not look good for as long.
John
I tired ordering the Tulip Bistro set but I couldn’t figure out how. I have sent an email to the website hopefully I get a response. Thank you for posting this.
Dwight,
I did check and this set has been discontinued.
John
Hey, I really loved your post. I’ve recently moved to another house so I was looking for some kind of balcony furniture.
I was thinking about wood at first, but after reading your article I realized metal would blend better with my decor, so I guess I will choose something like the Aluminium and Bistro set. I think that would look great on my balcony.
I also liked the last of your examples, the Sunburst set, and just like its name, I think it would go amazing on a balcony full of plants and flowers. Unfortunately mine isn’t really so, probably because I leave in a colder climate, so some white chairs and table wouldn’t be the best choice I think.
Anyway, thanks a lot for this post, it was really useful to me. 🙂
Ashley,
I am glad you got some useful information from my article. Balconies are hard to decorate because of the small space. Just scale your decorations to your space.
John
Hi John,
A bistro set would be perfect for my little courtyard. It currently sits empty because I did not know what would work for that small space. I do live in the desert though and the area gets direct sunlight most of the day, my concern is the metal getting too hot to sit on. What would you suggest?
Gina
Gina,
I would get some cushions for your chairs that you can remove when not in use. This will keep the sun from fading them out. Something small that will fit the seat and back will keep your backside from getting burnt.
John