Some of our favourite, earliest memories are around the dining table, from chatty mealtimes to messy arts and crafts and blowing out birthday candles. Then, as we get older, the dining table is where everyone gathers around for casual arvo nibbles, festive celebrations, and long D&Ms into the night.
More than a place to sit, the dining table is a quiet but hard-working piece of furniture that facilitates special moments and memories—even more so if you love entertaining friends and family! Your indoor table is a year-round essential, but an outdoor dining table becomes the ideal setting for sunny days and balmy evenings.
If you’re looking for the perfect outdoor dining table for alfresco entertaining, this article will guide you through our recommended steps to help you narrow your choices.
There are two practical sizing factors when shortlisting dining table options for your outdoor area.
Measure the area depending on where you plan to place the table. Whether on a large balcony, small deck, or multiple spaces to create your special moments, let’s determine the optimal and absolute maximum sizes that will comfortably fit.
When deciding on the most suitable size for your outdoor dining table, factor in additional room for seating and traffic flow—aim for about 1m of clearance around all sides of the table. This ensures that everyone can comfortably pull out their chairs when sitting down or getting up and move around freely, especially if you have extra people over.
In addition to measuring your outdoor space, you’ll also want to consider the average number of people who will use the table.
If you love hosting dinner parties regularly, a larger outdoor dining table that can seat six to eight would be ideal. Even if you’re not an entertainer, a more oversized table offers extra versatility for families. For example, a large outdoor table is excellent for afternoon arts and crafts and other fun tabletop activities if you have kids who enjoy outdoor playtime.
On the other hand, if it’s just you and your partner, and you don’t plan to entertain very often, a small table accommodating two to four chairs works well. The two additional chairs will come in handy for the occasional alfresco dining with friends and family.
Want the best of both worlds (especially if you’re working with a smaller outdoor area)? Consider extendable dining tables that can open up to accommodate extra guests and close to maximise space afterwards.
Want flexible seating too? Bench seating is great for squeezing in a few extra people—the cosier, the merrier!
Now that we’ve determined your ideal table dimensions, let’s gather furniture and decor inspiration for your outdoor area.
This step is the most fun part if you ask us, and here are three tips to help you curate your preferred outdoor aesthetic.
There is a wide range of outdoor table designs, from contemporary statements to traditional options. Consider the overall look of your home’s interior and exterior design and your personal style as a starting point.
For example, if you have a Victorian-style home, you may want to maintain its visual integrity by selecting outdoor furniture that resembles the period. On the other hand, you could also strategically combine furniture from different eras to design a contemporary outdoor space while retaining its distinctive period charm.
There are no set rules for furnishing your outdoor space. Determine if you’d like everything to complement aesthetically or prefer a more unique, eclectic feel with intentionally mismatched accents.
With the outdoors lending its natural greenery to your outdoor space, factor in the general colour scheme of any existing outdoor furnishing and decor. This will influence your choice of dining table colour, whether you stick with a natural, warm timber colour for a timeless look or a loud, vibrant colour to make a statement.
The dining table will likely be your largest piece of outdoor furniture, and its colour will contribute to the overall tone of your outdoor space. Bolder hues like oranges and yellows can effortlessly energise and brighten up the space, perfect for lively social gatherings and entertaining.
On the other hand, earthy, neutral colours create a cohesive look, seamlessly blending with nature to soothe the senses. Plus, when the occasion calls for it, you can always add an instant pop of colour with fun table decorations and accessories like floral arrangements and colourful tableware.
Whether the table will sit on your outdoor pergola or in the middle of your garden, consider the overall shape and flow of the space.
For visual flow, you can fill and balance a larger space with a rectangular or organic-shaped dining table. Conversely, a round table adds a softer, more elegant touch for a smaller, compact space while also fitting more people than a square table of the same size.
Like all furniture, your outdoor dining table will require some cleaning and maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Some materials, like wood, will require more upkeep, including periodic polishing and sealing to restore and protect their surfaces. Polypropylene and other modern synthetic materials will just need a quick, simple wipe-down.
The level of upkeep will also depend on the table’s durability, weather-resistance properties, and location, whether fully or partially sheltered or wholly exposed to the harsh Aussie elements.
While most outdoor dining tables are designed to be low-maintenance and versatile, factoring in the potential upkeep will help you choose the best option for the long run.
Kinso offers a carefully curated selection of indoor and outdoor dining sets to elevate your everyday lifestyle. Referencing enduring trends worldwide, we’ll breathe life into your home design goals with modern furniture that transforms ordinary moments into the warmest memories.
Explore our furniture range online and add a touch of Kinso to your home today.
Love entertaining & havi...
Love entertaining & havi...
Love entertaining & havi...
Love entertaining & havi...
Love entertaining & havi...
Love entertaining & havi...
Love entertaining & havi...