Best bistro table and chair sets for enjoying a coffee in the sun

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 utmsost 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 was 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 £599.00, John Lewis

Vonhaus Maya Sage Green Garden Bistro Set

If you’re looking for a retro-inspired set, this one’s for you. With its mid-century-inspired styling and capacious moon chairs, this set is ideal for whiling away the summer days and night in style – and the chairs are great for devouring the latest must-reads.

This statement set is made from polypropylene, making it both durable and lightweight. It can be easily stowed away, and the table and chair legs can even be twisted off for ease of storage. At under £100, it’s also reasonably priced.

Buy now £99.00, Vonhaus

John Lewis & Partners Salsa 4-Seater Round Garden Dining Table & Chairs Set

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 £375.20, John Lewis

Aldi Gardenline Petal Rattan Bistro Set

This chic and affordable three-piece set is a must-have if you’re looking for a comfortable bistro set for your space.

While you’ll need to put the chairs and table together yourself, it’s well worth the assembly time as the seats are as comfortable as they look. The cushions are well-padded and supportive, but you may find the back cushions, which are separate to the seat cushions, flap down in the wind. Conveniently, the cushions can be left outside as they’re waterproof.

The small, round accompanying table sits at a nice height (not too high) and its glass top feels sturdy and sophisticated.

We love the light wood rattan effect of the chairs combined with the black table frame, and were impressed with how comfortable the set was for the price, too.

Buy now £149.99, Aldi

MADE Soriano Compact Garden Bistro Set, Green

One for balconies or tight spaces, this compact and nifty bistro set tucks away neatly when you’re not using it, with the chairs fitting tidily under the table.

Made from steel, it’s sturdy and supportive, and the chairs are nicely curved to give back support. For a two seater bistro set, we also enjoyed the generous table size and shape. There’s enough room to enjoy an alfresco warm weather dinner, or to work from home. It also makes the perfect spot for your Sunday morning coffee.

We love its sage green hue, but it’s also available in terracotta and grey.

Buy now £225.00, MADE

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 £49.00, Amazon

Homebase Lazio Metal Bistro Set

Available in blue, grey or green, this snazzy set is perfect for jazzing up balconies or patios. It’s also pretty enough to be used as a table and chair set inside the home, too.

It’s one of the more traditional bistro sets we tried in terms of style, and the fact that both the table and the two chairs can collapse is a great space saver.

Made from steel with a powdered coated finish, it’s weather resistant – it just needs to be wiped down if it has rained – but for longevity, the manufacturer does recommend covering the set if leaving it to brave the elements.

Buy now £80.00, Homebase

Dobbies Balcony Stacking Set

This innovative modular option is ideal for anyone who needs a bistro set that can be packed away compactly. The set includes two chairs, plus a table, which can all be stacked on top of each other in a space-efficient manner.

The chairs are made from aluminium and come with padded and comfy UV-resistant and water-repellant cushions. The slatted table is a nice size, and can be placed on the floor or even affixed to the two chairs when placed side by side. On top of convenience and comfortability, the set also looks great.

Buy now £384.30, Dobbies

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 Maya Sage Green Garden Bistro Set.