Bistro Garden Furniture Buying Guide

Transforming your garden into a welcoming, functional space is easier with the right bistro garden furniture, you can create a stylish outdoor haven perfect for dining, relaxing, or hosting guests. At BE Furniture Sales, we offer a range of outdoor furniture that combines durability, style, and comfort, allowing you to make the most of your garden all summer.

Whether you’re planning an al fresco dinner, a garden party, or just a peaceful retreat, choosing the best outdoor furniture for your space requires thoughtful consideration. Our updated guide will help you find the perfect pieces for your garden, ensuring they fit your needs, style, and space.

Choosing Your Outdoor Furniture

Garden furniture comes in various designs, materials, and colours, offering endless options to suit your taste and outdoor space. However, when selecting the perfect bistro or garden furniture, it’s important to consider aesthetics and practicality. Key factors include the durability of materials, ease of maintenance, and how the furniture will complement your garden layout.

• Space Considerations

Before selecting your furniture, carefully measure your garden, patio, or decked area. Like indoor furniture, outdoor pieces should fit the space without making it feel cramped or cluttered. Be sure to allow enough room for people to walk around comfortably, especially if you place furniture in high-traffic areas.

• Storage Solutions

Outdoor furniture should ideally be stored during the winter months to extend its lifespan. If you have limited storage space, foldable furniture is a great option as it can be neatly tucked away when not in use. For those without access to indoor storage, investing in weather-resistant furniture covers or heavy tarpaulin will help protect your furniture from the elements.

• Surface and Stability

If your garden furniture will be placed on a decking or a patio, consider its sturdiness, especially if it will be moved frequently. Lightweight furniture, such as aluminium or foldable bistro sets, is easy to reposition but should still be stable enough to handle daily use on uneven surfaces.

How Will You Use the Space?

How you intend to use your outdoor space will significantly influence the type of garden furniture you need. Do you envision an outdoor dining room for summer meals or a relaxing retreat for soaking up the sun? Identifying the purpose of your outdoor area will help guide your choices.

• Dining Areas

Bistro tables are a stylish and practical option for outdoor dining, especially for smaller spaces. If you frequently entertain, larger garden dining tables seating 6-8 people may be more appropriate. For more intimate settings, consider bistro garden sets, which typically seat 2-4 guests. These are perfect for morning coffee or casual lunches.

Check out our range of stylish aluminium bistro sets to add a touch of charm to your garden.

• Lounging and Relaxation

If you focus on creating a relaxing outdoor retreat, consider adding loungers, garden sofas, or armchairs. These comfortable seating options are ideal for enjoying sunny days with family and friends. However, ensure they don’t overwhelm your space. Sofas and loungers are often larger, so measure carefully and plan accordingly. Storage during winter months is also crucial to maintain their condition.

• Benches and Communal Seating

Benches and picnic tables are great options if you’re short on space or prefer a more communal seating arrangement. They are durable, offer plenty of seating, and often come at a lower price. Swings and hammocks can also add fun and relaxation to your garden.

Choosing the Right Material Fit

The material of your garden furniture is one of the most important considerations. It determines not only the look and style of your furniture but also how well it will withstand the weather. Below, we outline the most common materials used in outdoor furniture, each offering its advantages.

• Teak

Teak is one of the most popular choices for outdoor furniture due to its natural durability. This tropical hardwood is resistant to the elements and requires minimal maintenance, making it perfect for garden use. Over time, its rich colour develops a beautiful silver patina, giving your furniture a rustic, aged charm. Teak can be left outside all year round, though applying a teak protector will help maintain its original colour if desired.

• Rattan and Poly-Rattan

Rattan furniture provides a natural, laid-back aesthetic, making it a favourite for gardens and patios. Traditionally made from woven palm, modern rattan furniture is now crafted from synthetic materials, such as poly-rattan, which offer increased durability. These pieces are weather-resistant and can handle the elements year-round. Additionally, rattan furniture is available in various colours, making it easy to match your garden décor.

• Woven and Resin Weave

Woven resin and poly-rattan furniture are excellent choices for those who like the relaxed style of natural materials but want additional durability. These weather-resistant materials can be left outside all year and require minimal maintenance. Available in a range of colours and styles, woven garden furniture suits both traditional and contemporary garden settings.

• Metal

Metal furniture, particularly powder-coated aluminium, is another popular option for outdoor spaces. Aluminium is lightweight, rust-resistant, and requires little maintenance. Its sleek design fits well in modern garden environments. Powder-coated finishes protect the metal from scratches and weather damage, though occasional cleaning will keep the furniture looking its best.

• Bistro Furniture

Bistro furniture originated in 19th-century France and was traditionally used in cafés and small restaurants across Europe. Due to its compact size and charming design, it has become a popular garden furniture choice. Bistro sets typically consist of a small table and matching chairs, often made of metal, rattan, or aluminium. These sets are perfect for smaller spaces like balconies, patios, or cosy garden corners.

Bistro tables, often round or oval, paired with foldable chairs, create a quaint dining area for two or more. This style is aesthetically pleasing and practical – many bistro tables are foldable or lightweight, making them easy to move and store.

Explore our polywood outdoor dining sets for modern, weather-resistant options that combine style and practicality.

Maintaining Your Garden Furniture

To keep your garden furniture looking its best, regular maintenance is essential. While many outdoor materials are designed to withstand the elements, they will still benefit from occasional cleaning and care. For example:

• Teak furniture can be cleaned with mild soap and water, while applying teak oil will enhance its natural colour.
• Rattan and poly-rattan pieces can be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.
• Metal furniture may require a light cleaning with soapy water, and any chips in the powder coating should be touched up to prevent rust.

When storing your furniture during the colder months, use breathable furniture covers or store the pieces in a dry, sheltered area to avoid damage.

BE Furniture Sales

Choosing the right bistro garden furniture for your outdoor space balances style, function, and durability. At BE Furniture Sales, we offer a range of high-quality bistro tables, chairs, and garden furniture sets designed to help you create the perfect outdoor retreat. Whether you’re looking for a chic bistro set for two or a large outdoor dining table for family gatherings, our collection has something to suit every garden.

Browse our full range of garden furniture today, and prepare to make the most of your outdoor space this summer.

For more information on Bistro Garden Furniture Buying Guide talk to BE Furniture Sales