Dining alfresco offers a unique blend of peace and tranquility that's tough to find elsewhere. And a great outdoor dining set is the foundation of any memorable outdoor meal. However, what makes an outdoor dining set "great" can vary quite a bit depending on your needs.
To help you find just the right fit for your home, we're highlighting the very best outdoor and patio dining sets for every budget, space, and lifestyle.
Best Aluminum: Lily 7-Piece Circular Outdoor Dining Set
Brand: Yardbird offers beautiful, eco-friendly patio furniture sets at affordable prices thanks to its direct-to-consumer model.
Price: $3,710
Equal parts durable and attractive, this five-piece dining set is composed of a cast aluminum frame that will never rust. Meanwhile, the chair cushions feature top-of-the-line Sunbrella fabric that can stand up to rain, UV rays, and wind like a pro.
And while the seven-piece set is great for a small-to-medium-sized outdoor area, if you need more space, you can also purchase nine-piece version or the five-piece for smaller patio. And each comes with a tabletop umbrella hole on the dining table, providing the option for comfortable shade as you dine.
According to one happy reviewer, "We have enjoyed our furniture through the summer and now into the fall. I recently stepped out on the patio, and thought again, 'what beautiful furniture!' I’m so happy we found your company and we will enjoy our purchase for years to come."
↦ Learn more and shop now at yardbird.com.
Best Teak: Haven Dining Set
Brand: Neighbor specializes in durable, weather-resistant furniture that never sacrifices beauty or comfort.
Price: From $3,000
With its mid-century-inspired design, this dining table set from Neighbor is perfect for outdoor living and sure to withstand the test of time. According to Neighbor's Mike Fretto, "We hand-selected the most durable and sustainable materials we could find for [this] dining set. The table and chairs are made of solid FSC-certified teak, and the chairs have performance-woven rope seats for comfort. Both can withstand the outdoor elements and are built to last.”
"The table and chairs are made of solid FSC-certified teak, and the chairs have performance-woven rope seats for comfort. Both can withstand the outdoor elements and are built to last.”
Made from responsibly-sourced teak, the dining seat will infuse your outdoor area with a sense of welcoming warmth while resisting damage from mildew, moisture, and the sun. You can also choose from a four-seat square outdoor dining table or a six-seat rectangular table depending on your needs.
↦ Learn more and shop now at hineighbor.com
Best Bistro Set: Colby Outdoor Bistro Set
Price: $1,780
Speaking of bistro sets, this one is designed to be ultra-comfortable thanks to its generous cushions. "This set is so comfy! The cushions are thick and firm but cushy, and appear to be very well made," raved one reviewer.
The cushions are made from high-quality Sunbrella fabric that's specially designed to withstand the weather elements and minimize fading. And the bistro set's commercial-grade cast aluminum frame won't rust no matter what nature throws at it. Plus, the set can easily be expanded to include some of the brand's other offerings, like a matching ottoman and additional dining chairs. Coming in two sophisticated neutral hues, it also mixes well with pieces from other collections. "The Shale color goes nicely with the Sierra color of the dining set we also purchased. We're very happy with this set," said a reviewer.
↦ Learn more and shop now at yardbird.com
Best for Formal Dining: Graham Dining Set
Brand: Each piece from Frontgate's outdoor furniture store is designed in-house by its design team with the utmost attention to style, comfort, and durability.
Price: $4,993
If you love to host dinner parties or you simply love the look of a more formal patio table and chairs, then you can't go wrong with this option from Frontgate. The seat features a classic design that's both timeless and comfortable, seamlessly complementing a wide variety of aesthetics.
But beyond being a classic beauty, the patio dining table and chairs are also highly durable and weather-resistant. It features a rust-resistant powder-coated frame and all-weather cushions, in addition to premium, handwoven resin wicker. All of these elements make it incredibly strong and a great fit for any outdoor space, no matter the climate. It also has a built-in two-inch umbrella hole, so you can eat comfortably even during the sunniest days of the year. The Graham is available in a 7-piece patio dining set, a 5-piece set, or as individual pieces.
↦ Learn more and shop now at frontgate.com
Best Bar-Height: Montego Outdoor Bar Table and Barstool
Brand: Arhaus partners with artisans around the world to offer sustainably-sourced, heirloom-quality furniture and decor.
Price: $2,797 for table and two barstools
Sleek and refined, this dining set features a clean, pared-back design that will elevate virtually any look. A team member from Arhaus told Living Cozy, “The Montego bar table and barstools are classically styled for an undeniably sophisticated look and hours of comfortable lingering and lounging. Craftsman-built from rustproof, all-weather aluminum with a powder-coated finish, Montego will stand up to the elements beautifully, year after year.”
“The Montego bar table and barstools are classically styled for an undeniably sophisticated look and hours of comfortable lingering and lounging."
In fact, the UV-inhibiting, powder-coated finish is hand-applied by Arhaus furniture artisans. It features a dark gray, slightly textured patina that, according to the brand, is 10 times stronger than paint. And this craftsmanship extends all the way to each detail of the set, with the all-weather aluminium frame being supported with reinforced stress points and precision welds that make it as strong and sturdy as it is stunning.
↦ Learn more and shop now at arhaus.com.
Best for Affordable: Farrah 2-Person Patio Dining Set
Brand: AllModern offers a wide selection of fresh furniture and decor at budget-friendly prices.
Price: $490
Great style doesn't have to mean exorbitant prices. Just take this gorgeous outdoor patio dining set from AllModern as an example. Its sleek, timeless design looks much more expensive than it is, and it's the perfect size for sipping a morning cup of coffee or enjoying a romantic dinner for two. It's also made with weather-, water-, and UV-resistant plastic and features a perforated top that prevents water from pooling and makes clean-up a cinch.
Given its elegantly simple and highly durable design, it's no surprise that the bistro table and chairs is a favorite among reviewers. "This modern-looking dining set is even nicer than the pictures! It has generous dimensions, yet fits perfectly on my condo balcony. Incredibly sturdy and of significant weight, I don't have to worry about the wind blowing the set over. We live on the ocean and the high-quality plastic is sure to resist the salty air. It's just perfect!" gushed one reviewer.
↦ Learn more and shop now at allmodern.com
Best Extendable: Portside Extendable
Brand: West Elm offers an extensive collection of design-forward furniture and decor, with 95% of its products designed by its in-house design team in Brooklyn, New York.
Price: $2,796 for table and six chairs
The Portside collection is one of West Elm’s bestselling outdoor furniture collections. Featuring 33 pieces, the Portside range includes patio chairs, rockers, armchairs, swivel chairs, coffee tables for living room, and just about anything else you could need for a stylish home.
The outdoor wood dining table is crafted from solid, sustainably-sourced wood (olid mahogany and solid eucalyptus wood) that's FSC-certified and highly moisture-resistant, so you needn't worry about it in the rain. It can also expand to seat up to 10 people comfortably, making it the perfect dinner party companion. The table is finished with slats and a with wire-brushed surface.
"West Elm is a tried-and-true brand. Good quality furniture at a good price point. They are easy to work with and do a good job of keeping up to date with what's in style."
Plus, the set comes from a brand that's long been beloved by interior designers. According to Megan Dufresne, principal designer at MC Design, "West Elm is a tried-and-true brand. Good quality furniture at a good price point. They are easy to work with and do a good job of keeping up to date with what's in style. Their classic aesthetic ensures you can find items that will match your outdoor decor.” You can't go wrong with this wood dining set.
↦ Learn more and shop now at westelm.com
Best Conversation Set: Wicker Patio Armchair Conversation Set
Brand: Outer is shaking up the outdoor furniture industry with its curated selection of sustainable, high-design pieces that are built to last.
Price: $2,500
This conversation set can enhance all kinds of outdoor spaces, from small decks and balconies to cozy backyards, fire pits and rooftop patios. The chairs are made of all-weather wicker that also happens to be 30% recycled and 100% recyclable, so you can feel extra good about your purchase. Meanwhile, the cushions' fabric is woven from solution-dyed yarn, which makes it highly resistant to fading in the sun.
The frame is durable as well, composed of powder-coated, aluminium-magnesium alloy with polished stainless steel legs that will never rust. It also comes with a patented OuterShell Cover that quickly and easily rolls out over the cushions to protect them from everyday dirt and debris. And if you want to add a table to the set, it couldn't be easier thanks to Outer's selection of inviting teak finish outdoor coffee tables. Outer also has a range of outdoor sectionals and sofas.
↦ Learn more and shop now at liveouter.com
Best Folding: IKEA Applaro
Brand: IKEA is famous for offering streamlined, Scandinavian-inspired furniture and decor at great prices.
Price: $159
If you're short on square footage (heck, even if you're not), then you'll love this picnic table with folding chairs from IKEA. Made from sustainably-sourced acacia wood, this bistro set is a great fit for small balconies and decks, providing a welcome place to enjoy lunch or your morning cup of coffee.
The table's two folding drop leaves mean you can make it shorter or longer according to your needs, and the easy fold-up chairs let you store 'em out of sight until you need them. "When downsizing, I was searching all over for a small table that would be enough for me, yet would be comfortable when I entertain small groups. This table fit the bill! I love the gate legs and that two people can eat comfortably, yet I can open it and seat six," reported one happy reviewer.