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When it comes to transforming your outdoor space into a cosy retreat or an entertaining haven, the right choice of patio lounge or patio dining sets can make all the difference.
In recent years, outdoor living has become an extension of our homes, and people are investing more than ever in creating functional, stylish spaces where they can relax, dine, and entertain. Whether you’re lounging under the sun with a cold drink in hand or gathering around for a hearty meal with friends and family, choosing the right type of patio furniture can completely shape your outdoor experience.
Patio lounge sets and patio dining sets both serve important roles in enhancing your outdoor living, but the decision of which one to prioritise if space is limited depends on a few key factors. While larger gardens and patios may offer enough space to comfortably incorporate both dining and lounging areas, for many of us with smaller outdoor plots, the choice often comes down to selecting one or the other. So, how do you decide?
If you have the space to spread out, you might consider having both a patio lounge set for relaxation and a patio dining set for meals. However, if you’re working with a smaller patio, balcony, or garden, you’ll need to be strategic. Patio dining sets can often be a more practical choice, as they tend to be compact and multifunctional, making them ideal for everything from outdoor dining to casual drinks with friends.
In this article, we’ll guide you through how to choose the best option for your outdoor space, whether you’re considering the comfort and style of a lounge set or the functionality and versatility of a dining set. No matter the size of your garden, we’ll help you make the decision that best fits your needs.
Understanding the popular types of outdoor furniture on sale in the UK
When you think of outdoor furniture, there’s a whole range of types to consider, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Some of the best-selling options in the UK include:
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Patio Lounge Sets (Garden Sofas, Sectional Seating, Corner lounge sets, etc.)
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Garden Dining Sets (Outdoor Table Sets, Bistro Tables)
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Garden Benches
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Outdoor Chaise Lounges
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Coffee Table Sets
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Sun Loungers
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Outdoor Day Beds
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Swing Seats
While all of these are great options for enhancing your garden or patio, patio dining sets and patio lounge sets tend to be the top contenders when it comes to choosing key furniture for outdoor living spaces. In fact, patio dining sets account for half of all outdoor furniture sales globally and continue to grow in popularity due to their versatility and functionality.
In recent years, outdoor living has evolved from a seasonal luxury to a year-round lifestyle. As people seek to maximise their outdoor spaces, patio dining sets have emerged as a central feature in many gardens and patios. These sets offer a perfect blend of functionality and style, making them ideal for everything from casual breakfasts to evening gatherings.
The global outdoor furniture market has seen significant growth, with patio dining sets playing a pivotal role. According to a report by Global Growth Insights, the outdoor furniture market was valued at USD 15.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 23.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% .
Within this market, dining sets have become a dominant segment, accounting for approximately 35% of total sales, and in Lazy Magazine's opinion, this surge in popularity can be attributed to a number of factors with our range:
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Versatility
Patio dining sets are the ultimate multitaskers for your outdoor space. Whether you’re enjoying a family dinner under the stars, hosting a summer BBQ, or simply sharing drinks with friends, they easily adapt to all kinds of outdoor occasions. Their flexible design means you can use them for relaxed meals, formal gatherings, or even as a casual space to unwind. With the right set, your patio becomes a space that suits whatever the day calls for, from morning coffee to evening feasts. -
Space-Friendly Design
Many patio dining sets, including our popular 2 and 4-seater options, are designed with smaller spaces in mind, making them perfect for city gardens, cosy balconies, or compact patios where every inch counts. Their sleek, space-saving design ensures you get all the benefits of an outdoor dining experience without overwhelming your space. And because they’re so versatile, you can even move them around to suit different setups — perfect for creating a comfy nook or a stylish dining area, no matter how limited your outdoor space is. -
Built to Last
Made from sturdy, weather-resistant cast aluminium, our patio dining sets are designed to endure all kinds of weather, from sunny spells to unexpected downpours — essential in the UK! Cast aluminium is not only strong and durable but also rust-resistant, making it perfect for year-round outdoor use. This means you can enjoy your outdoor dining set for years to come, with minimal upkeep and no need to worry about corrosion or wear and tear.
As consumer preferences shift towards creating functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor environments, investing in a patio dining set can transform your outdoor space into a welcoming extension of your home.
Why patio dining sets are a great choice for UK gardens
Garden dining sets are a timeless favourite for outdoor spaces. Whether you’re hosting a family BBQ, enjoying a relaxed meal with friends, or simply having a coffee break, a dining set is designed to offer comfort, style, and practicality.
Many of the best-selling outdoor table sets in the UK are patio dining sets, as they serve multiple purposes – from casual meals to more formal gatherings. Plus, the variety of styles, sizes, and shapes available ensures there’s something for every outdoor space, from spacious patios to compact balconies.
According to the latest trends, patio dining sets are expected to remain a dominant choice due to the growing desire for functional, comfortable spaces where families can come together outdoors. No matter the size of your garden, adding a patio dining set can instantly elevate your outdoor experience.
Deciding which type of garden furniture set is right for your patio
When selecting outdoor furniture, it’s essential to consider how you like to spend time outdoors. Are you more into hosting dinner parties and enjoying meals outside, or do you prefer lounging with a drink and enjoying a quiet afternoon in the sun?
Here are a few questions to ask yourself when deciding between patio lounge sets and patio dining sets:
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What’s your primary outdoor activity?
Are you more likely to enjoy al fresco meals with family or friends, or do you envision yourself lounging with a good book or enjoying a nap? Knowing how you spend your outdoor time can help determine whether a patio dining set or a patio lounge set better suits your needs. -
Do you host large gatherings or intimate meals?
If you love hosting big family meals or dinner parties, a spacious garden dining set might be ideal. On the other hand, if you prefer smaller, more intimate gatherings, a lounge set with comfortable seating might be the way to go. -
How much seating do you need?
Consider how many people typically use your outdoor space. If you’re looking for lots of seating, a patio lounge set, especially a sectional, can be a great way to accommodate larger groups. However, if you’re mostly eating outdoors with a small group, a compact dining set could be a more practical choice. -
Do you enjoy cooking outdoors?
If outdoor cooking (like BBQing or grilling) is a big part of your routine, having a patio dining set close to your cooking area makes sense. A patio dining set will provide a space to enjoy the meals you’ve prepared in the fresh air. -
What’s your budget?
While both patio lounge sets and dining sets come in a wide range of prices, investing in a patio dining set can often be the more cost-effective solution, especially if you’re working with limited space. Dining sets tend to offer more versatility for various outdoor activities — whether you’re hosting meals, working from home, or even using it for casual gatherings. Some multifunctional dining sets can serve as both a comfortable eating area and a relaxed seating space, giving you the best of both worlds without having to buy multiple pieces. If you’re looking for long-term value, a patio dining set can be a smarter, more practical investment for your outdoor space. -
Do you have children or pets?
If your outdoor space is often used by kids or pets, you might want to consider the durability and ease of cleaning for both types of furniture. Patio dining sets may be more practical for meals with young kids, while patio lounge sets offer a more relaxed atmosphere for playtime.
If space is limited, a patio dining set might be a better choice over a lounge set. It’s easier to relax around a dining table than it is to try to eat comfortably on a lounge set. But if you do have the space, why not make the most of it? Combining a patio lounge set with a patio dining set can create a fully functional outdoor living area that allows you to enjoy both relaxed lounging and dining, maximizing your outdoor experience.
Popular types of patio dining sets on sale in the UK
As with any type of outdoor furniture, there are various styles of patio dining sets to suit different spaces and occasions. At Lazy Susan, we offer a wide selection of garden dining sets, each designed with specific needs in mind:
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Garden Dining Table Sets
Perfect for larger gatherings, these al fresco dining sets come in various sizes, including 8-seater and 10+ seater tables for big family meals. -
Outdoor Bistro Table Sets
Great for smaller spaces or intimate gatherings, these 2 to 4-seater café-style sets bring a cozy feel to your outdoor area. -
Patio Family Table Sets
Mid-sized 4 and 6-seater tables offer a perfect balance for family meals or casual outdoor get-togethers.
Just like interior dining tables, outdoor table sets come in different shapes to suit your style and space:
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Oval Outdoor Tables
Ideal for narrow patios, oval tables provide ample seating without awkward corners, making them great for casual or semi-formal gatherings. -
Round Outdoor Tables
Perfect for smaller patios or balconies, round tables create an intimate atmosphere for 4 people or fewer. -
Rectangle Outdoor Tables
Best for large patios, rectangular tables offer plenty of seating and a more formal atmosphere for larger gatherings. -
Square Outdoor Tables
Great for smaller, compact spaces, square tables provide a cosy, balanced look for small groups.
Choosing the right patio lounge set
Patio lounge sets are all about creating a cosy, comfortable outdoor retreat where you can relax and unwind. Whether it’s a garden sofa, sectional seating, or a chaise lounge, these sets are designed for lounging, reading, napping, or simply soaking up the sun in style. They transform your garden or patio into an inviting space perfect for everything from peaceful afternoons to casual gatherings with friends.
When deciding on a patio lounge set, consider your personal style preferences and the kind of atmosphere you want to create. Do you envision a plush, cushioned garden sofa that invites you to sink into comfort after a long day? Or perhaps a sleek, modern sectional that’s great for entertaining guests and offers a more contemporary, streamlined vibe? Think about whether you want a more formal setting for lounging or something more laid-back and casual.
The size and shape of your outdoor area play a crucial role in guiding your decision. If you have a larger patio or garden, a sectional sofa could be a fantastic choice, as it offers ample seating for several people, allowing for a cozy yet spacious environment. Sectionals also have the advantage of being modular, so you can rearrange the pieces to suit different occasions or shift the layout as your needs change.
For smaller outdoor spaces, a 2-seater sofa or a chaise lounge might be the perfect solution to maximise comfort without overwhelming the area. These compact options offer just enough seating while still allowing room to breathe, making them ideal for balconies, small patios, or urban gardens. A chaise lounge, in particular, can be a stylish and practical addition if you’re looking for a spot to recline and enjoy the sun.
Ultimately, the right patio lounge set will complement your outdoor lifestyle, whether it’s a space to entertain guests, read a book, or simply unwind in your garden. Think about how you want to feel when you step outside, and choose a lounge set that enhances that experience.
Please note that at Lazy Susan we sell coffee table sets and sun loungers but not garden sofa sets as our focus is primarily on al fresco dining.
How to choose between a patio sofa set and an outdoor dining set
Both patio lounge and patio dining sets offer unique benefits, and the choice ultimately comes down to how you use your outdoor space. Here are some tips to help you decide:
1. Space
First, measure your outdoor area carefully. For larger gardens or patios, you might have enough room for both a patio dining set and a patio lounge set, allowing you to enjoy both relaxed lounging and meals outside.
However, for smaller spaces — such as city gardens, balconies, or compact patios — you'll need to be more strategic. A patio dining set might actually be a better option as dining sets often offer a more compact, space-efficient solution.
Many dining sets are available in smaller sizes, such as 2 or 4-seater options, which can fit into tighter spaces without feeling cramped.
2. Lifestyle
In the UK, the time spent outdoors is often limited due to the unpredictable weather, which means that maximizing functionality in your outdoor space is key.
A patio dining set can be a more versatile and practical investment, especially if you’re someone who enjoys meals in the garden or loves hosting family and friends. Dining sets aren't just for dinner; they can also be used for casual drinks, outdoor games, or even as a workspace during warmer months.
In contrast, while patio lounge sets are fantastic for relaxation and comfort, they might not offer the same level of multi-functionality, especially if your outdoor space is limited, and you don’t have hours to spend lounging in the garden every day.
Given that UK weather can often be unpredictable, a patio dining set ensures you make the most of the sunny days you do get. You can use it for family meals, BBQs, or casual outdoor gatherings, even if the time you can spend outside is shorter than you'd like.
Patio lounge sets, while offering comfort, are more suited for those who have the luxury of long, uninterrupted outdoor moments or have a larger space to set up a dedicated relaxation area.
3. Budget
When it comes to your budget, buying a full patio dining set can be a cost-effective solution. Dining sets are often more affordable than high-end lounge sets, especially when considering the value they provide in terms of versatility.
For smaller outdoor spaces, investing in a patio dining set might offer more overall utility — providing a space to eat, relax, and entertain. Some multifunctional dining sets even allow you to rearrange the pieces or convert them for different uses, adding even more value.
If you’re looking to make the most of your budget and your time outdoors, a patio dining set might just be the smarter choice.
The advantages of garden dining sets over individual garden furniture pieces
While mixing and matching individual garden furniture pieces can give you some flexibility, there are several compelling reasons to opt for a complete patio dining set — especially when it comes from a thoughtfully designed collection like Lazy Susan’s cast aluminium range. Here's why choosing a full set can elevate both the look and functionality of your outdoor space:
1. Coordination
One of the standout benefits of purchasing a dining set is the cohesive, polished look it creates. At Lazy Susan, all of our cast aluminium dining sets are designed with style and symmetry in mind — tables and chairs are perfectly matched in terms of shape, colour, and detailing, giving your garden a smart, put-together appearance. You won’t need to worry about clashing finishes or mismatched proportions. It’s effortless elegance from the moment it’s set up.
2. Space Efficiency
Our cast aluminium dining sets are engineered to fit together seamlessly, making the best possible use of your patio, terrace, or balcony. Because the chairs and tables are designed as part of a set, they nest and space well around each other, ensuring everything fits and flows in your layout. This is especially helpful in smaller outdoor areas, where a poorly planned combination of individual items could feel cluttered or awkward. With a set, you know everything will slot into place just as it should.
3. Cost-Effective
Buying a full patio dining set is often more economical than purchasing individual pieces separately — particularly when taking advantage of Lazy Susan's bundle pricing and seasonal discounts. Sets are priced to offer great value, and since you're buying everything together, you're also saving on multiple delivery charges and time spent trying to piece together a matching look. For example, purchasing one of our 4-seater or 6-seater outdoor dining sets not only saves you money compared to buying the table and chairs individually but often includes optional extras like parasols, cushions, or seat pads at a discounted rate.
4. Durability & Low Maintenance
When you buy a complete set from Lazy Susan, you're also getting the added benefit of cast aluminium construction — a material known for its long-lasting durability and weather resistance. Unlike wooden or rattan furniture that can warp, rust, or require regular maintenance, our cast aluminium sets are built to withstand the unpredictable UK weather year-round. They're lightweight enough to move around your garden, yet sturdy enough to stay secure on windy days. This makes a full dining set not just a stylish addition, but a smart long-term investment.
In short, while mixing and matching can be fun, going for a full patio dining set —e specially from Lazy Susan — gives you coordinated style, practical use of space, and excellent value for money, all in one well-designed package.
Our conclusion: Find the perfect patio set for your outdoor space
Whether you're drawn to the versatility of a patio dining set for family meals and summer BBQs or the laid-back comfort of a patio lounge set for relaxing with a good book, the best choice comes down to your lifestyle, space, and how you want to enjoy your garden.
Take time to measure your outdoor area, think about how you use it most, and consider what will offer the most function and enjoyment throughout the seasons. If space is limited, a dining set often gives you more flexibility — letting you dine, relax, and entertain, all in one smart setup.
At Lazy Susan, we make it easy to find the perfect set. Our beautiful range of cast aluminium patio dining sets and lounge sets are built to last, low maintenance, and available in a variety of sizes and styles to suit every garden—from compact balconies to spacious terraces.
Browse our collection today and discover how easy it is to create a stylish, functional outdoor space you'll love spending time in.
Do you have one of our patio dining sets? We'd love to see it! Share your garden moments with us as part of our Do Some Good charity campaign. Tag us on Instagram or Facebook @LazySusanFurniture, or upload your photo here.
