Choosing the right patio dining set is not just about how many seats you need—it’s about how you want your garden to look, feel, and function. At Lazy Susan, we believe the perfect outdoor furniture should be both stylish and functional—two words that, to the Lazy Magazine team, perfectly sum up the experience of owning a great patio set.
Stylish [stahy-lish]
Adjective: Fashionably elegant, smart, or chic.
Example: “She wore a very stylish gown to the inaugural ball.
Functional [fuhngk-shuh-nl]
Adjective: Designed to be practical and useful as well as attractive.
Example: “A chair that is functional as well as decorative.”
Combining these two qualities creates garden furniture that not only looks good but also works beautifully for everyday use. So, in this guide, we’ll help you choose between our 4-seater, 6-seater, and 8-seater patio sets—so you can find one that functions and fits your family, outdoor space, and lifestyle.
Why does patio set size matter?
Before choosing your next garden dining table, it’s worth taking a moment to think about how you use your outdoor space—and how you’d like to use it.
To the team here, a patio set isn’t just somewhere to sit; it’s the centrepiece of our gardens, where we can enjoy everything from sunny breakfasts to evening get-togethers with friends and family.
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Space
Start by looking at the space you have available. Is your garden, deck, patio, or terrace compact and cosy, or do you have room to spread out? You’ll want a table that fits comfortably in the space without making it feel cramped. Make sure there’s enough room to pull out chairs, walk around the set, and still enjoy the flow of your garden. -
Seats
Next, think about how many people you usually entertain. A 4-seater outdoor dining set is ideal for couples or small families, while a 6-seater works well for regular family dinners and casual guests. If your garden is the go-to spot for summer BBQs or big family celebrations, an 8-seater might be your best bet. Choosing the right size ensures everyone has a seat—and a bit of elbow room too. -
Style
Then ask yourself how you want your garden to look and feel. Do you imagine a quiet, intimate nook for relaxed outdoor meals or a larger dining zone that becomes the social hub of your home in the warmer months? Your answer will help guide not just the size of your table, but also its shape, style, and position in your space. -
Budget
Finally, consider your budget. Larger garden dining sets naturally cost a little more, but they also give you more flexibility for hosting. That said, even our smaller patio sets are designed with the same quality materials, weatherproof finishes, and timeless style—so you’ll find something beautiful and durable at every price point. The key is to choose a set that gives you the best of both worlds: something that fits your needs today and will still work for you in the seasons ahead.
4-Seater Patio Garden Dining Sets
Patio Style: Compact, chic, affordable option, perfect for smaller gardens. Best For: Small families, couples, or balcony and townhouse gardens.
A 4-seater patio dining set is the perfect place to start when creating an inviting outdoor space. It offers a cosy, intimate setting for dining or relaxing—without overwhelming your garden. Whether you're sharing a midweek dinner under the stars or catching up with friends over coffee, a 4-seater set provides everything you need, and nothing you don’t.
Why a 4-seater patio dining table might be right for you
These sets are ideal for patios, balconies, and compact gardens where space is at a premium. Their smaller size not only saves room but also makes them incredibly easy to style. Whether you're pairing your outdoor dining furniture with potted plants, sleek paving, or a feature wall, the compact footprint fits right in. Plus, their versatility makes them great for everything from dining to working outdoors—or simply unwinding with a drink in hand.
Enhancing your garden with a 4-seater outdoor dining set
A 4-seater patio set helps define a clear al fresco dining or lounging zone, even in the smallest of outdoor areas. Add a few comfy cushions, a parasol for shade, and you're well on your way to creating a beautiful, functional retreat right outside your door.
At Lazy Susan, our 4-seater sets are crafted from the same high-quality, cast aluminium as our larger collections. They're completely weatherproof, so you can leave them out all year long in all weather conditions—no rust, no covers, and minimal maintenance required. If you’re after elegance in a smaller footprint, take a look at styles like the Ivy or Mia sets.
Key considerations for our 4-seater patio sets
When choosing a 4-seater, make sure there’s enough room for chairs to slide out comfortably without blocking walkways. Opt for round or square tables to make the most of tighter areas. For added comfort, consider a Lazy Susan parasol—it provides shade without cluttering your patio space.
6-Seater Patio Table Sets
Patio Style: The balanced choice for families who like to entertain. Best For: Medium-sized families, frequent entertainers.
Why the 6-seater garden dining table is a customer favourite
At Lazy Susan, our 6-seater patio dining sets are our best-selling metal sets—and it’s easy to see why. It offers generous seating for family and friends without dominating your garden. With its perfect balance of style, practicality, low maintenance, and size, it’s a smart choice for anyone looking to get more out of their outdoor space.
Why 6-seaters are so popular in UK gardens
This dining set size hits the sweet spot: large enough to entertain guests comfortably, yet compact enough for everyday use. It works beautifully with a range of table shapes—round, oval, or rectangular—so you can find the layout that suits your garden best. Plus, its design blends style with functionality, offering a welcoming space that looks great all year round.
6-seaters are stylish and functional by design
All our 6-seater sets are crafted from high-grade, cast aluminium and finished with a durable protective powder coating. That means they're lightweight, completely rustproof, and require very little upkeep—even for the unpredictable UK climate. You’ll enjoy beauty and performance without the hassle of regular maintenance.
How a 6-seater enhances your outdoor dining experience
A 6-seater garden dining table instantly creates a defined dining area, transforming your garden into a more practical and inviting space for family and entertaining guests. It also adds real visual impact—acting as a central feature that brings your whole garden design together. With wider chair options like the Jane or Kate, your guests can dine and unwind in comfort, no matter the occasion.
Customising your 6-seater garden furniture set
Make your outdoor space truly yours with a few thoughtful extras. Add cushions to boost both comfort and colour—and save up to 30% when you bundle them with your set. A parasol adds shade without clutter, and our Lazy Susan turntables make outdoor meals feel effortlessly elegant.
Explore bestsellers like our Alice, Frances, or Charlotte sets to find a 6-seater al fresco dining set that helps you start enjoying your garden and fits your style and space perfectly.
8-Seater Outdoor Table Sets
Patio Style: Grand, generous, and made for al fresco dining. Best For: Large families, larger gatherings, entertaining guests, and big patios.
Why an 8-seater patio set is worth the investment
If you love hosting or simply enjoy gathering everyone around one big dining table, an 8-seater patio dining set is the ideal choice. They offer ample al fresco dining space for celebrations, summer barbecues, and alfresco dinner parties—bringing everyone together in comfort and style. With no need to squeeze in, it’s outdoor entertaining without compromise.
Why choose an 8-seater over 4 and 6-seaters?
More space means more comfort. Everyone gets plenty of elbow room, making mealtimes feel relaxed and enjoyable. These garden dining sets are perfect for larger households, multi-generational get-togethers, or anyone who enjoys socialising outdoors. And with their bold size and design, 8-seaters act as stunning centrepieces that fill larger patios beautifully.
How an 8-seater table and chairs sets elevate your garden
Generously sized garden dining sets add a true sense of occasion to your outdoor space. It becomes more than just furniture—it’s the heart of your garden, encouraging conversation, laughter, and lingering long after the meal ends. With the added surface space, you can lay out food, drinks, and decor without feeling cramped, making everyday dining feel like a special event.
Our 8-seater garden dining sets are made from the same durable, weatherproof aluminium as our smaller options, but are specially designed with larger tabletops, longer spans, and reinforced frames for added stability and longevity.
Tips for choosing the right 8-seater
To make the most of your outdoor dining set, ensure you have at least 3m x 3m of open space. Rectangular or oval table shapes tend to maximise seating flow and make it easier to navigate around the set. For shade, a double parasol or cantilever umbrella offers wide coverage without cluttering the layout.
Looking to make a statement? Explore standout outdoor dining sets like the Madison or Olivia—designed to impress and built to last.
Additions that complete a Lazy Susan garden furniture set
Enhance your al fresco dining experience with thoughtful accessories: larger Lazy Susan turntables or serving boards make sharing effortless, while coordinated cushions add comfort and colour. For extra luxury, opt for high-back or armrest chairs—ideal for longer, more relaxed gatherings.
Our final thoughts: Which patio table set size is right for you?
At Lazy Susan, we believe your garden should be an extension of your home—a place to relax, dine, and spend time with the people who matter most. That’s why we offer a wide range of garden dining sets in sizes to suit every space and lifestyle, from compact 4-seaters for smaller patios to generous 8-seaters made for entertaining. No matter your needs, you’ll find an outdoor dining set that’s both beautifully designed and thoughtfully practical.
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Set Size |
Best For |
Key Benefits |
Considerations |
|
4-Seater |
Small patios, couples |
Compact, intimate, easy to move |
Limited capacity |
|
6-Seater |
Families, casual entertainers |
Balanced size, popular, versatile |
Needs moderate space |
|
8-Seater |
Large patios, frequent hosts |
Roomy, impressive, perfect for parties |
Requires more space and a bigger budget |
Choosing between a 4, 6, or 8-seater garden dining table really comes down to how you use your outdoor space, the size of your garden or patio, and how many people you typically host. A 4-seater is perfect for couples, small families, or compact areas like balconies and townhouse gardens. It creates an intimate setting for everyday dining or relaxing, without taking up too much room. If space is limited but you still want style and function, a 4-seater offers the essentials in a neat footprint.
If you have a bit more room and enjoy entertaining occasionally, a 6-seater is a great middle ground. It’s large enough for guests but still practical for regular use, and works well with round, oval, or rectangular tables. For frequent hosts or larger households, an 8-seater delivers the most space and impact. It’s ideal for big gatherings, turning your garden into a true entertaining hub. Just be sure you’ve got the space—at least 3m x 3m—to let it shine without feeling cramped.
Every Lazy Susan garden dining table combines timeless style with year-round functionality. Our pieces are crafted from durable, weatherproof cast aluminium, meaning they won’t rust, rot, or warp—so you can enjoy your garden furniture season after season, with minimal upkeep. Whether you prefer classic round tables, sleek rectangular designs, or space-saving oval sets, we have the perfect set to complement your outdoor space.
And the best part? You can customise your set to suit your taste and comfort. Add coordinating cushions for colour and softness, choose a parasol for shade, or include one of our signature Lazy Susan turntables to make your al fresco dining experience even more enjoyable. Whatever your garden goals, Lazy Susan is here to help you create an outdoor dining area that’s as stylish as it is functional.
Still unsure whether to purchase a 4, 6, or 8-seater outdoor dining set? Our team is happy to help you choose a suitable size and style from our shop for your outdoor space. Give us a call on 01243 71 71 97. If you already own a patio dining set from the Lazy Susan range, we’d love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload It Here.
