They are the perfect size, shape and height for two or more people to sit down with a brew and have a good catch-up.
We looked in detail at our garden benches in our recent Complete Guide, and in that, we had a section that focussed on the combination of our side and coffee-style garden tables and benches.
In this article, we want to look at that in a little more detail.
Morning Coffee:
Coffee taken with breakfast or at mid morning.
Having morning coffee on a garden bench can be a delightful and peaceful experience. It allows you to enjoy your coffee while being surrounded by nature, enjoying the fresh air and the beauty of your garden. It can be a great way to start your day and find a moment of tranquility.
Afternoon Tea:
A light meal consisting of tea, sandwiches, and cakes.
When it comes to afternoon tea, the bench is the perfect piece of outdoor furniture to enjoy a warm cup of tea, sandwiches, scones, and pastries while sitting amidst the beauty of a garden. The serene calm of a garden will significantly enhance the enjoyment of a traditional afternoon tea.
We want to focus specifically on how you can create the perfect tea and coffee spot and what combinations of garden tables and benches from our collection we think work best.
How do you choose the best garden furniture for your outdoor space?
When it comes to selecting garden tables and benches for morning coffee and afternoon tea, the main factors to consider are size, space, material, comfort, style, durability, and functionality:
1. Size
In our opinion, a low table set such as our Claire Coffee Table Set (pictured above with our April Bench in Antique Bronze) with 2 x April Chairs or a Bench is the perfect solution. If you have a small garden, then you may want to consider a small bistro table set, a folding table and chairs or a compact Garden Bench with a small side such as our Willow (below with our April Bench in Slate).
If you have a larger garden, you may want to consider multiple pieces such as a 6-Seater Dining Style Set paired with a Garden Bench to accommodate larger groups. If you’re shopping for new, start by measuring the area where you want to put the garden furniture.
Take accurate measurements of the length, width, and height of the space. Factor in any permanent features such as steps, doors, large planters, etc. Allocate enough room for people to move around safely and for any other accessories such as BBQs that you might want to add.
2. Space
Once measured, when it comes to the free space you have, our best tip is to avoid overcrowding it. Let the space flow. Consider the number of people you want to accommodate comfortably. If you frequently entertain guests, opt for larger sets or additional seating options with multiple garden benches as the customer has done with our Ava Side Table paired with a Jasmine Bench and Kate Chair to create a 3-seater set (pictured above).
You can check all the furniture dimensions in our shop so you can what will and maybe won’t fit. Check the length, width, and depth of benches, chairs, tables, and other pieces to ensure they fit appropriately. Experiment with layouts too. You can use chalk or masking tape to mark out the dimensions of the furniture on your patio to get a clear picture of how the garden furniture will fit in the space and if it allows for comfortable and safe movement.
3. Material
Consider the materials that are best for the climate, aspect of your garden and your needs. For example, if your garden is open to the elements and you get a lot of high winds, then you may want to choose a garden bench made from a sturdy material such as metal or wood. If you like to move your bench around the garden, then you might want to choose a bench that’s made from a lightweight material such as rattan.
Think about the pros and cons of different materials and weigh up which will work best for you. We chose to construct our collection from cast aluminium because it is a great all-round-weather-resistant material. Not so heavy you can’t move it but sturdy enough to give you a quality feel that won’t blow over if the wind picks up a bit.
4. Comfort
Look for features that will enhance comfort, such as a contoured seat/backrest/armrest, or cushions. These elements can significantly impact the comfort of you and any guests when using the bench. All our benches can be upgraded at checkout with coordinating Bench Cushions (pictured above on our Rose Bench) with up to 20% off (see the “create your perfect set” section).
Before buying, read Customer Reviews to see what feedback other buyers have left. This will provide valuable insight into the comfort and durability of the bench you are looking at. Also carefully follow the assembly instructions provided, and keep the bench clean and well-maintained to ensure it remains comfortable and lasts for many afternoon teas and morning coffees to come.
5. Style
The best advice we can share when it comes to picking a style is to choose a bench that matches the style of your home and garden. Our collection leans more into a classical style, so if you have a traditional garden, then it is a perfect fit.
Style is subjective, we like what we like, but a good piece of garden furniture like our Anna Bistro Table (above), whether it is modern or more traditional, will contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space and great a great spot for tea or coffee.
6. Durability
Just as important as having garden furniture that looks good is having garden furniture that’s weather-resistant and built to last like our Rose Bistro Table (pictured above in our white finish). A burable bench will maintain its appearance over time, without the need for any significant maintenance. Outdoor furniture in the UK is exposed to it all; rain, snow, wind, sunlight, and temperature fluctuations.
A durable material like cast aluminium can withstand these elements without deteriorating, warping, fading, or rusting. And whilst a durable material may require a higher upfront investment, it will save you time and money in the long run.
Durability also goes hand in hand with safety, so you want pieces that are well-built to reduce the risk of accident or injury. caused by collapsing or breaking furniture. A durable bench or table is designed to withstand heavy use, making it suitable for gatherings, parties, or high-traffic areas.
7. Functionality
Functionality is a combination of all of the above. It is important when shopping for outdoor furniture such as a new bench like our Jasmine (above) that you choose a piece or pieces that are comfortable, durable, and easy to maintain.
You also want to make sure that the bench is the right size and shape for your outdoor space and that it meets your needs. In other words, it is fit for purpose. Assess how you plan to use the garden bench. Do you want it for lounging, dining, or socialising such as morning coffee or afternoon tea? Consider the number of people who will use it simultaneously to determine the size.
Our favourite garden tables and bench sets
Once you’ve considered the factors above, we have a number of sets or combinations you can bundle together in our collection that are perfectly suited to enjoying a cosy morning coffee with a friend or a relaxing afternoon tea with a close family member on your patio:
1. Bistro Sets
We covered our bistro sets extensively last month and our Why buy a garden bistro set? is a great place to start if you’re looking at buying one. Bistro sets are ideal for small outdoor spaces or if you can to create a cosy and intimate setting. Our range features a host of compact tables with two chairs such as our Eve Bistro Set that are perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee or tea.
2. Garden Benches with Coffee Table
Our preference to create a more laid-back spot for tea or coffee is to pair a bench or two with our low Claire Coffee Tables. It’s a timeless low coffee table that features a close triangular latticework design and is perfect for enjoying a lazy summer afternoon with a drink or if you need some extra table space at your next family BBQ. The customer above has paired our Claire Coffee Table with an April Garden Bench.
3. Garden Chairs with Coffee Table
Also popular with our customers is our Claire Coffee Table Set whereby we’ve paired the low table with 2 x garden chairs. This combination offers the perfect balance between comfort and convenience. Relaxed seating area with a low table surface at the perfect height to place tea, coffee, pastries, sandwiches, cakes, etc.
4. Outdoor Dining Sets
If you enjoy hosting guests or have a larger outdoor space, then a larger outdoor dining set with a table and chairs might be a better choice. It gives you flexibility. You can host morning coffee or a full evening meal.
Our range is available from 4-seater up to 10+ sets, all in our trademark weather-resistant cast aluminium. Often customers will purchase a dining set such as our Alice Table with Kate Chairs and pair it on their patio with a bench such as our Jasmine (shown above). This way they have the option to pull the bench up if they need additional seating.
5. Garden Bench with Side Tables
Another option is to pair our metal benches with one of our compact side tables such as Willow or Ava. They’re the perfect solution if you want a bench/table combination but space is limited (such as on a balcony) and super easy to pick up if you want to move them around. There’s not a lot of tabletop space but it is enough for coffee or tea for two.
Remember to consider factors such as weather resistance, ease of maintenance, and personal style when choosing the right set. You want to select furniture that enhances the look and feel of your outdoor space and will give you a comfortable spot for enjoying morning coffee or afternoon tea.
If you have any photos of our Garden Tables and Benches, then we’d love to see a few for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or upload them Here.