When working with a small patio or compact garden, the right furniture can transform it from a forgotten corner into a stylish and functional retreat. Two of the most popular options for smaller outdoor areas are our bistro sets and coffee table sets. Crafted from our signature cast aluminium—they're a favourite in the UK thanks to their durability, low maintenance, and timeless appeal.
We’ve been treated to a lovely sunny spring here in the UK, with longer, brighter days tempting many of us back into our gardens. After months of grey skies, frozen windscreens, and soggy lawns, it’s been a welcome change—and fingers crossed it’s not followed by a typically wet British summer. Whether you're basking in the current sunshine or planning for the coming season, now is the perfect time to think about making the most of your outdoor space.
At first glance, a bistro set and a coffee table set (or tea if you prefer) might sound similar—both are compact, stylish options designed for smaller outdoor living spaces. However, they serve different purposes and can create different outdoor experiences. One is made for dining and intimate conversation, while the other is perfect for lounging and relaxation. Choosing the right one isn’t just about style — it’s about how you want to use your outdoor space.
In this guide, the Lazy Magazine team explores the benefits of garden bistro sets and garden coffee table sets, compares their features, and highlights why cast aluminium furniture is a smart investment for UK gardens.
Garden bistro sets: Elegant dining in a compact space
Bistro sets typically include a small round or square table and two chairs, making them the ideal patio focal point for enjoying a morning coffee, a light lunch, or an evening drink outdoors. These sets are especially suited to balconies, petite patios, and courtyard gardens.
Key Benefits:
-
Perfect for outdoor dining
Ideal for two people to dine comfortably. -
Space-efficient
Small footprint makes it easy to fit into tight spaces. -
Stylish and timeless
Especially in ornate cast aluminium designs with intricate detailing. -
Versatile placement
Easy to move and reposition for sun or shade.
Bistro sets bring a charming café feel to your garden and are great if your priority is al fresco dining or creating a functional dining area without crowding the space.
Garden Coffee Table Sets: Relaxed lounging with effortless style
In contrast, garden coffee table sets are designed more for relaxation than dining. These sets usually include a low table with matching lounge-style chairs or bench seating, offering a casual and comfortable place to unwind.
Key Benefits:
-
Relaxed seating
Designed for comfort, ideal for lounging with a drink or book. -
Modern garden aesthetic
Suits contemporary outdoor styling. -
Multi-functional
Use for socialising, reading, or afternoon tea. -
Family-friendly
Lower height makes it more accessible for children or informal gatherings.
If you want your outdoor space to feel more like a cosy outdoor living room, a coffee table set might be the right choice.
Which patio furniture set is best for you?
To help you decide which garden furniture set is best for your space, let’s take a closer look at two standout options from our collection: the Bella Coffee Table Set and the Tulip Bistro Set. Both are designed with smaller patios in mind but offer very different experiences in terms of style, function, and comfort.
The Tulip Bistro Set
A timeless choice, the Tulip Bistro Set includes a round table with an ornate, floral-inspired pattern and two matching chairs. It’s a signature Lazy Susan piece that blends elegance with everyday practicality.
Key Features:
-
Classic bistro design
With our trademark intricate detailing -
Ideal for outdoor dining
Fits two place settings comfortably -
Compact footprint
Great for balconies, courtyards, or small patios -
Durable cast aluminium
Weatherproof and rust-free -
Available in multiple finishes
Antique bronze, white, slate grey
This set is perfect if you enjoy sitting down for a morning coffee, lunch, or romantic dinner outdoors. It offers a proper dining surface, and the upright chairs provide supportive seating for meals or conversation.
The Bella Coffee Table 2-Seater Set
The Bella Set features a low coffee table paired with two elegant chairs, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more relaxed outdoor experience.
Key Features:
-
Low-profile coffee table
Ideal for drinks, snacks, or reading -
Comfortable lounging chairs
Ergonomic, pair with our upgraded seat options -
Contemporary yet classic look
Clean lines with detailed finishing -
Made from cast aluminium
Durable, weather-resistant, and easy to clean -
Pairs beautifully with cushions
For added comfort and seasonal style
If your vision of the perfect patio moment is relaxing with a book, sharing a glass of wine, or hosting casual chats with a friend over coffee and cake, the Bella set creates the perfect environment. It’s less formal than a bistro set and prioritises comfort and leisure.
Bella Coffee Table vs Tulip Bistro Set: Side-by-side comparison
|
Feature |
Tulip Bistro Set |
Bella Coffee Table Set |
|---|---|---|
|
Primary Use |
Dining |
Lounging |
|
Table Height |
Dining table height |
Coffee table height |
|
Chairs |
Upright, dining-style |
Relaxed, armchair-style |
|
Footprint |
Very compact |
Slightly larger |
|
Style |
Ornate & traditional |
Elegant & understated |
|
Comfort Level |
Supportive |
More relaxed |
|
Ideal For |
Meals, tea for two, compact spaces |
Lounging, drinks, casual chats |
Our final verdict on dining vs lounging
If your primary goal is dining outdoors, even in a small space, the Tulip Bistro Set is a beautifully classic and functional choice. It fits almost anywhere, looks elegant year-round, and serves a practical everyday purpose.
However, if you want your garden to feel like a mini outdoor living room, the Bella Coffee Table Set brings an extra touch of comfort and casual style. It's ideal for relaxing with guests, enjoying a quiet moment, or adding a lounge zone to your patio layout.
By focusing on how you use your garden, you'll make the right investment — and with Lazy Susan's cast aluminium craftsmanship, either choice offers style and durability for years to come.
Why choose cast aluminium for your outdoor living space?
Both bistro and coffee table sets from Lazy Susan are available in cast aluminium, which offers several benefits for UK gardens:
1. Weatherproof Durability
Cast aluminium doesn’t rust, making it ideal for the UK's variable weather. It withstands rain, frost, and sun without rusting, cracking, or warping—unlike wood, iron, or steel.
2. Low Maintenance
A quick wipe-down is usually all that’s needed. No need for regular sanding, sealing, or painting.
3. Timeless Design
From ornate vintage-inspired bistro chairs to sleek, contemporary coffee tables, cast aluminium suits a range of garden styles and never goes out of fashion.
4. Lightweight But Strong
It’s light enough to move around your garden, yet strong enough to stay put in windy weather—the perfect combination for seasonal garden furniture.
Our final thoughts: Bistro Sets vs Coffee Tables?
Choosing between a garden bistro set and patio coffee table set comes down to more than just aesthetics—it's about how you want to live in your outdoor space. With the UK’s precious sunny days (and unpredictable summers), making your patio work smarter for your lifestyle is key.
If you're dreaming of al fresco breakfasts, afternoon tea, or intimate dinners for two, the Tulip Bistro Set delivers elegance, function, and a charming café-style setting. Its classic design and compact size make it a great fit for patios, balconies, and smaller garden corners. It turns even the smallest space into a dining destination.
On the other hand, if you picture your outdoor space as a place to relax, unwind, and enjoy quiet moments, the Bella Coffee Table Set offers a more laid-back, lounge-inspired atmosphere. With its lower table and comfortable chairs, it’s ideal for long chats over a glass of wine, reading a book, or enjoying an evening under the stars.
Whichever you choose, opting for cast aluminium furniture from Lazy Susan ensures you're getting garden furniture that’s as practical as it is beautiful. With weather resistance, low maintenance, and timeless style, these sets are built to handle British weather and stay looking great year after year.
So take a moment to consider how you’ll use your space most—whether it’s dining, relaxing, or a little of both—and let your patio become an extension of your lifestyle. With the right set in place, even the smallest outdoor area can become your favourite part of the home
If you have any of our patio furniture in your garden, we’d love to see it! Share your photos with us on Instagram or Facebook by tagging us @LazySusanFurniture or upload your photos here to be featured in our Do Some Good campaign.
