The best outdoor furniture is that which is almost impossible to date. That, when you see it placed on a patio, terrace, or inside a quaint gazebo (in the case of Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott), you wouldn't be able to place it in a certain year. Such pieces often require an initial investment, but not all do. Enter – the classic bistro set.
In Zooey and Jonathan's Californian home, the humble bistro set has never felt quite so elevated. A pair of black-and-white chairs sits alongside a circular, marble-topped table, but despite its minimalism, the result is anything but pared-back.
Situated in the ornate Victorian-style gazebo and surrounded by Zooey's pastel-pink roses, the bistro set feels like it's part of a fairytale setting. It's a lesson in how our environment can make a piece of minimalist outdoor furniture feel spectacular – and while we don't all have room for a gazebo, we can still rethink how we frame our pieces this summer.
To start, this woven-style iron chair from Wayfair is an almost identical match to Zooey's. Pair it with another similar marble-topped table (like this one at Wayfair) for a classic look that's workable in even the smallest of gardens. How you further accentuate it is up to you.
A gazebo, like Zooey and Jonathan's, is bold but beautiful. However, if you're working with a tiny balcony, something as simple as a cushion can make it feel that little bit more elevated.
Shop the Zooey and Jonathan-Inspired Furniture Edit
Inspired by Zooey and Jonathan’s outdoor armchair, this piece is expertly crafted from wrought iron with a woven back that emulates a basket-weave design. Finished in a subtly brushed antique tone, it features gently bowed arms that will feel inviting all summer long.
This elegant bistro table features a natural marble top in a green melange finish, paired with a sculptural black cast metal base that evokes vintage cafe style. Made from natural marble and cast metal, each piece varies slightly in tone and veining, giving every table its own unique character.
Zooey is known for her kitschy style, and this pillow is reminiscent of that. The soft white and pink print feels delicate and timeless, while the lace trim adds a refined finish. Place it on your outdoor armchair to bring a sense of vintage charm to your garden or patio.
This set includes a table and two chairs, all of which are foldable for convenient storage. Made from acacia wood and powder-coated steel, it is especially durable for outdoor use. It also comes with white cushions, so you have everything you need from the start.
For the full English garden effect, it is worth going all in. This Victorian-style bistro set, available in rose and tulip motifs as well as white, looks just as charming in a small space as it does in a larger one, making it ideal for afternoon tea among blooming flowers.
The perfect accompaniment to your outdoor chair (whether it's part of a bistro set or not). This pillow features bold, vibrant florals and foliage with corded trim accents, complemented by a beautifully scalloped edge. It's kitschy but timeless.
Despite feeling utterly timeless, design experts explain that minimalist bistro-style furniture is one of the most fashionable investments you can make for summer 2026. They're especially perfect for those with a small garden, but as Zooey and Jonathan remind us, there's no wrongly-sized space for such a set.
'For those with limited outdoor space, such as a small balcony or courtyard, I’d recommend a bistro set. Bistro sets are compact, making them the perfect option for those with small gardens. Those with large gardens should also consider a bistro set because they are small and lightweight, so they can be easily moved around the garden so that you can enjoy the last of the evening sun,' comments Magdalena Gierasinska, the Head of Product and Displays at Barker and Stonehouse.
'Alternatively, bistro sets can be used in a small dining zone in the garden - they comfortably accommodate two people for an intimate outdoor dining experience.'
Plus, the couple's monochromatic choice is also in line with 2026 outdoor furniture trends.
Brightly coloured bistro sets add interest to the garden or balcony; however, in recent years, more neutral colors have proven popular, along with cushioned options, which provide added comfort and support,' Magdalena says.
'Given the retro style of the product, people often choose materials to complement this, such as rattan or wicker, and those materials remain on trend today.' Whatever colorway or whatever the size of your space, you can't fail with a classic bistro set.
