When it comes to bistro tables, it’s impossible not to conjure up images of chic Parisian pavement café tables on the corner of a leafy street in the French capital.
Thankfully, there are plenty of options on the market so you can recreate the scene for yourselves at home. These table and chair combos will be the spot in which you maximise the British summertime. You can set the scene for outdoor dining under the stars, or soaking in the sun rays with an iced coffee or cocktail in hand (or in true Paris style with red wine and a cigarette) - and all in the utmost style.
For the purpose of this review, we considered bistro tables that accommodated two people, across a variety of styles and price points.
Overall, we were looking for sets that were value for money – if they were at the higher end of the budget, the materials and finish needed to justify the price point – as well as sets that were space-saving and also aesthetically pleasing.
We also took into consideration the suitability of these bistro tables in different environments, from balconies to patios to lawns, as well as whether they were wipe-clean. The quality and durability of soft furnishings were also considered.
Ultimately, we were after bistro tables that would make us feel we were enjoying a coffee at a French café, wherever we were sitting.
Kettler Cassis Balcony Set
This high-quality three-piece balcony set is guaranteed to add an instant injection of elegance to your space.
Made with hard-wearing yet lightweight aluminium, this set looks heavier than it is. Handily, it also requires little maintenance and can be left outside all year round (the cushions will have to be stored away though). The chairs can also slide under the table to save space.
Made from durable PVC, the rope detail on the back of the chairs is a comfy addition. We particularly enjoyed the padded and comfy seat cushions, the timeless slate-grey hue, and the high-quality glass finish on the table.
Buy now £529.00, John Lewis
Lyme Folding Garden Dining Set
For unbeatable Parisian flair, look no further than So’Home via La Redoute. This gorgeous bistro set features two entirely foldable chairs and a collapsible table. You’ll feel like you’re working the closing shift in a relaxed French café every time you tuck them behind your shed after a rosé wine-filled summer’s evening.
Buy now £239.20, La Redoute
John Lewis Salsa 4-Seater Garden Lounge Set, Natural
Part of the retailer’s ‘Salsa’ range, which features a wonderful array of colourful garden furniture, this eye-catching set is guaranteed to inject your space with a bit of sunshine.
Its rattan construction is bang on trend, and it’s comfortable and practical to boot. The seats nicely support and cocoon your back, and are robust and sturdy unlike some with similar designs. The accompanying table is generously sized with a diameter of just over a metre, but thanks to the modern design, it doesn’t feel too big or bulky. Guaranteed to brighten up any patio space.
Buy now £463.00, John Lewis
Tooele Round 2 - Person 84cm Long Bistro Set
A statement rattan set for those with a tendency toward peacocking, we’re big fans of the way the back rattan ‘petals’ fan out in a throne-like manner. The accompanying patio table doesn’t have any feet, which means you won’t have to employ the old napkin hack when it comes to inevitably uneven patio surfaces. The table is also reinforced by a durable iron frame, which will keep it firmly in place no matter the weather. The best part? No assembly is required.
Buy now £579.99, Wayfair
Pang Set of 2 Chairs and Footstools
Looking for a bistro set but already have a table? We’ve got you covered. This set of two chairs and footstools will allow you to sit back and relax in the garden all summer long so long as you’ve got some suncream, a good book and an Aperol spritz in hand.
Buy now £349.00, Dunelm
Sicily Scalloped Bistro Set Terracotta
Brimming with a retro 70s aesthetic that is bang on trend, this striped terracotta bistro set will bring a pop of colour to your outdoor space. Complete with two side chairs and a table, this set is weather-resistant but will still need covering during extreme conditions.
Buy now £199.00, J.D. Williams
IKEA TÄRNÖ table and two chairs
At under £50, you can’t go wrong with this Ikea bistro set. One of the most customisable sets we’ve come across, this bistro table is available in a number of options – including three or four-seaters – and colours. There’s the option of using Ikea’s VÅRDA wood stain for outside use, or you could easily paint it yourself if you wish to alter its colour.
Additionally, you can also buy individual TÄRNÖ chairs (£15), as well as a separate table (£19) and a variety of cushions. Handily, it’s also foldable, so if space is tight or you are not planning on using it often, you can tuck it away with ease. There’s also the option of buying the set with a black or white frame.
Buy now £42.50, Ikea
London Rose Metal Bistro Set
For an oh-so English-looking garden, you can’t go wrong with a classic, vintage-inspired cast aluminium set from Lazy Susan. Maintenance-free due to its rust and rot-proof design, this furniture can live outside all year round. Simply wipe clean with a damp cloth when the pollen attacks.
Available in antique bronze and white, you can even order a free sample pack to make sure you’re a fan of the metal finish.
Buy now £199.95, Lazy Susan
Outdoor Rocking Set
Always imagined you and your loved one sat outside in the garden on two twin rocking chairs, sipping homemade lemonade during those delightful warmer months? No matter whether you’re 25 or 95, a bit of comfort goes a long way, and we think these cushioned rattan rocking chairs are about as comfortable as it gets when it comes to outdoor garden furniture.
The matching, tempered, two-tier glass table is the perfect size for a few drinks and snacks, while the lower tier can fit all your favourite summer reading materials. Each chair measures 68 x 86 x 96cm and measures approximately 21kg.
Buy now £218.90, Amazon
Lillie Square 2 - Person 60Cm Long Bistro Set
This lovely bistro set reminds us of the furniture and kitchen design of the Great British Bake-Off Tent. If you know, you know. The delightful, minty-sage green and teak colour combination makes for the prettiest of summer sights.
The set includes a dining table and two folding chairs made from solid eucalyptus wood. Fear not, for the frame is entirely weather-resistant, so you won’t have to rush home to put the furniture away when there’s a spot of rain.
Buy now £184.99, Wayfair
Verdict
For its elegance and high-quality soft furnishings, we loved the Cassis Balcony Set. For a statement set on a budget that can easily be stowed away, look no further than the Tooele 2 Person Bistro Set.
