We recently touched on the advantages and disadvantages of different shapes of garden tables in our comprehensive guide to choosing the perfect garden table and chairs.
Whilst getting the right size is a simple case of measuring to see if a specific set will fit in the free outdoor space you have, selecting the best shape from our range can be a little subjective.
The pros and cons between different table shapes are more subtle or less obvious but they can make a big difference to how the set fits and flows on your patio and how you physically sit at it and use it.
Here at Lazy Susan, we offer a range of tabletop shapes and our current collection is available in a number of different-sized sets with oval, square, rectangle and round garden tables and chairs.
Each table comes supplied with a standard set of garden chairs that we think fit around that table.
For example, you can purchase our popular 88 cm round Mia garden table as a 2-seater or 4-seater set (shown above with 2 x April garden chairs).
As standard it is supplied with our April garden chairs but in our shop, you have the option to create your perfect set and upgrade to our Rose, Emma or Kate chairs or add on a host of optional bundle deals on accessories such as garden benches, parasols or cushions, etc.
You can also purchase the tables and chairs separately, and that way if you required say a Mia as a 3-seater set, then you can easily add an extra garden chair to the 2-seater set.
And the same applies to all our garden tables and chairs, no matter which shape you opt for.
However, if you’re a little unsure which shape is best for you, then in this article we want to focus specifically on why someone might choose to buy a round garden table and chairs.
You might think that all table shapes fit and function in the same way, but a round table has a set of unique characteristics that you don’t get with an equivalent seater oval, square or rectangular table.
The advantages of a round garden table and chairs
Firstly, let us stress that there are not really any right and wrong answers here, just a few things you might want to consider that might make things fit and flow a bit better in the space you have.
What’s most important is that the garden table and chairs fit in terms of size and how you use them but shape can play its part in a number of situations.
Personally, we find that our round tables will often fit and function better on smaller patios or for those who like a more intimate dining style with casual conversation, and there are a number of advantages or reasons why you might choose to buy over the other shapes we sell:
- Looks
Our hearts often rule our heads. We like what we like and round garden tables will always add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your outdoor space. They have that classic, timeless family table appeal that can help to make the space feel open and inviting. - Space
A set consisting of a round garden table and chairs can certainly be beneficial on patios or balconies where space is limited. Their circular shape allows for more efficient utilisation of space compared to rectangle or square tables. They can fit into smaller areas without compromising on seating capacity. With our collection you find a 4-seater round table such as our 88 cm diameter Mia will have less tabletop space than an equivalent seater square table such as our 91 cm Lucy but the visual size difference created by the curves is much more dramatic. - Intimacy
A round table is a conversation-friendly shape. The absence of any corners helps promote better conversation flow and there are no formal-style heads at the table so guests are equally placed. You can all face each other easily, making it more conducive to full table discussion and interaction. This can be particularly advantageous for social gatherings such as a garden dinner party or family BBQ. - Versatility
Our round garden tables can be used in a variety of outdoor settings. The larger-sized sets are perfect for dining, while the smaller bistro-style sets are perfect for more intimate gatherings such as coffee with a friend. However, a good garden table is not just restricted to dining, they can also function as the perfect spot for relaxing, working, family games or a place for arts and crafts when the sun is shining. - Safety
Round tables have no sharp edges or corners, making them a safer choice for gardens where young children, grandchildren or pets are running around. This can significantly help to reduce the risk of accidents. - Flexibility
Round tables allow for greater seating flexibility than a similar-sized rectangle or square set. You have no corners where people might have to sit, so it is much easier to squeeze in a few more garden chairs if need be. - Tradition
Throughout history, a round table has symbolised unity and inclusiveness. They’re associated with harmony and are often used in ceremonial or formal settings. In the legend of King Arthur, they sat at a round table so that none of his barons could claim precedence over the others. It’s a shape we know and love and it continues to be one of the best-selling options for our gardens.
How to measure for a round garden table and chairs
Start by measuring the length and width of the outdoor space you have free for the round garden table and chairs you like.
Every patio is different, so factor in items you don’t want or can’t move such as large planters, BBQs, fire pits, walls, steps, etc and measure from them.
The measurement you need must be 100% free space where the table and chairs can be placed and moved in and out.
If we take our Round Frances Garden Table (as shown above in our white finish with 6 x April garden chairs) it requires the following recommended floor space:
On its own, the Frances Garden Table has a 150 cm diameter tabletop.
You need to add onto that a further 75 cm for the 6 x Garden Chairs that we sell/recommend with that set.
We then advise that you add on a further 75 cm of what we call “Working Space”.
This is the space you need to provide:
- Room for the chairs to be pulled in and out
- Space for people to comfortably sit back and relax
- Safe space for walking around when people are sitting down
So, in other words, for our Frances set, as per the diagram above, we recommend approx a 3 m x 3 m square (or 7.07 m2 of round space to be more precise) for that set to work best.
The working space figure is a guide only though and it could be you could reduce this to say 50 cm if the seating is close to a wall or the edge of a patio for example.
Patios, garden shapes, etc all vary, so measure carefully, measure again, check the dimensions and make sure it will fit and function when in situ.
If you are unsure if the space will still work when the full set is in situ, then take our dimensions and mark it out with some washable pavement chalk or cut to size some old bits of cardboard and that should help you better see what’s what.
The Lazy Susan round garden table and chairs range
We have a wide range of round garden tables and chairs here at Lazy Susan, some of our best-selling sets by seating size include:
Our 8-Seater Round Garden Table and Chairs
This customer has accessorised our large family-sized Rosie 180 cm Round Garden Table and Chairs with a stone parasol and seat pad cushions:
Our Olivia 180 cm Round Garden Table and Chairs are looking stunning in the sun paired with a Lazy Susan Turntable, green parasol and high-back cushions:
In this customer photo you can clearly see the subtle speckled paint finish on our Frances 150 cm Round Garden Table and Chairs in antique bronze:
Our 8-Seater Amelia 150 cm Round Garden Table and Chairs are the perfect fit on this beautiful round decking at the bottom of this customers garden:
Our 6-Seater Round Garden Table and Chairs
Our Joyce 135 cm Round Garden Table and Chairs in white looks stunning in this cottage garden with our green cushions and a tilted parasol:
Even on this fab beachfront patio, our beautiful slate 6-seater Alice 120 cm Round Garden Table and Chairs are the star of the show:
Our Amy 120 cm Round Garden Table and Chairs are sitting pretty on this beautiful stone patio:
Our 4-Seater Round Garden Table and Chairs
This customer has paired our Lisa 106 cm Round Garden Table with upgraded Jane Garden Chairs, our vibrant terracotta cushions, a parasol and a handy Willow Side Table.
Our 4-seater Hannah 90 cm Round Garden Table and Chairs are perfect for poolside cocktails at this customers stunning holiday home:
The Flora 103 cm Round Garden Table and Chairs are shown here in antique bronze with our green high-back cushions:
Our best-selling Mia 88 cm Round Garden Table and Chairs is shown here as a 4-seater set in slate but can also be purchased as a 2-seater bistro-style set:
This customer has paired our white Jill 85 cm Round Garden Table and Chairs with a Garden Bench to create a beautiful patio for dining and relaxing:
Our 2-Seater Round Garden Table and Chairs
Our Anna 80 cm Round Garden Bistro Table and Chairs in slate is looking rather sophisticated on this immaculate patio:
This customer has created a lovely little peaceful corner patio by pairing our Rose 65 cm Round Garden Bistro Table and Chairs with a Rose Garden Bench:
Our Ivy 63 cm Round Garden Bistro Table and Chairs are perfect for a spot of tea for two on a sunny day:
The shapes in this city courtyard garden a predominantly square but our London Rose 61 cm Round Garden Bistro Table and Chairs really help to soften the space and make it an inviting spot for food and drinks:
On a small balcony such as the customer has here our Tulip 60 cm Round Garden Bistro Table and Chairs will still provide the perfect spot to enjoy your outdoor space when the sun is shining:
The beautiful raised deck is the perfect size for our Ella 60 cm Round Garden Bistro Table and Chairs paired with blue high-back cushions that you can add as a bundle deal in our shop for some big cost savings:
Our Eve 60 cm Round Garden Bistro Table and Chairs in slate great are the perfect foil to the stunning brickwork in this cottage courtyard garden:
You will find our full collection of round garden tables and chairs in the Lazy Susan shop whereby you can navigate by seating options and table shape.
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If you have any photos of your round garden table and chairs from Lazy Susan on your patio, 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 email them to us at [email protected].