A garden set is more than a table with a few chairs around it. On your patio, the set also takes up the space you need to pull a chair back, stand up, and walk past with a tray. That's why a set on the patio is often bigger than you think from the product photo. This article explains how much space a complete garden set for 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 people takes up, with a simple rule of thumb, a calculation table with garden sets that are currently available, and measuring steps so you can check it on your own patio.
In brief: allow 60 to 70 cm of table edge per person, and keep at least 70 cm clear from the table edge, preferably 90 cm. The rule of thumb is: table length + 140 cm by table width + 140 cm. A garden set for 4 therefore needs 2.2 by 2.2 to 3.2 by 2.4 metres, a set for 6 roughly 3.6 by 2.35 metres, and a set for 8 to 10 people at least 4.2 by 2.8 metres. The calculation table shows the dimensions of available sets.
How much table do you need per person?
The table determines how big the set becomes. As a rule of thumb, allow 60 to 70 cm of table edge per person. At 60 cm you sit just side by side without bumping elbows, at 70 cm you have plenty of room and chairs with armrests also fit comfortably next to each other. For a rectangular table, a width of 90 to 100 cm or more is pleasant, so there is room in the middle for platters and a jug of water.
This is roughly the table size per number of people and the minimum floor space you need, with 70 cm all round:
| People | Table (rule of thumb) | Floor minimum |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | approx. 70x70 cm, 1 per side | 2.1 x 2.1 m |
| 4 | 80x80 cm | 2.2 x 2.2 m |
| 4 | 160x90 cm | 3 x 2.3 m |
| 6 | 220x93 cm | 3.6 x 2.35 m |
| 6 | round Ø150 cm | 2.9 x 2.9 m |
| 8 to 10 | approx. 280x140 cm | 4.2 x 2.8 m |
With a rectangular table, four people sit two on each long side, and six sit three. For eight to ten people you end up around 280 cm, with someone at each short end too. You can read more about table sizes and shapes in buying a garden table: what to look out for.
How much space do you need behind the chairs?
This is where garden sets most often go wrong. A chair does not sit right up against the table: you pull it back to sit down and stand up. So always measure from the table edge, including the chair itself:
Space from the table edge
- 70 cm: the minimum to pull a chair back and stand up
- 90 cm: pleasant if someone also needs to walk behind an occupied chair
- More than 90 cm: if the walking route to the garden, the shed or the kitchen goes behind the chairs
- Side without chairs: no pull-back space is needed there, only room to walk past
These are the same measurements as in how much space do you need for a garden table. Large dining chairs with armrests and cushions need closer to 90 cm than 70 cm, partly because they are harder to slide sideways.
Never measure to the edge of the paving, but to the first obstacle: the fence, a planter, a step or the door that opens outwards. That is the space you really have for your garden set.
The rule of thumb for a garden set
With these two rules of thumb you can work out how much floor you need for any garden set. If there are people on every side, add twice the space behind the chair to both the length and the width of the table:
- Minimum: (table length + 140 cm) x (table width + 140 cm)
- Generous: (table length + 180 cm) x (table width + 180 cm)
- Round table: diameter + 140 cm, in both directions
Worked example: the Cosmo/Felini garden set for 6 people has a table 220 cm long and 93 cm wide. At minimum you need 220 + 140 = 360 cm by 93 + 140 = 233 cm, so 3.6 by 2.35 metres. If you want to be able to walk comfortably around it, it becomes 4 by 2.75 metres. Note: calculate with the size of the table, not the size of the chairs. The chairs fit within that 70 or 90 cm.
Calculation table with available garden sets
In this table we have applied the rule of thumb to garden sets that are currently available, plus two sets you put together yourself from a table and separate chairs. The table dimensions and number of seats come from the product information; the floor size is minimum (70 cm all round) and generous (90 cm all round), rounded to the nearest 5 cm.
| People | Garden set (table) | Floor minimum / generous |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Terni balcony set 119x62.5 cm | 2.6 x 2.05 m / 3 x 2.45 m |
| 4 | Dido + Rimini 80x80 cm | 2.2 x 2.2 m / 2.6 x 2.6 m |
| 4 | Cosmo/Felini 160x84 cm | 3 x 2.25 m / 3.4 x 2.65 m |
| 4 | Parijs + Terni 160x90 cm | 3 x 2.3 m / 3.4 x 2.7 m |
| 4 | Sergio/Gosford 180x100 cm | 3.2 x 2.4 m / 3.6 x 2.8 m |
| 6 | Cosmo/Felini or Osaka/Felini 220x93 cm | 3.6 x 2.35 m / 4 x 2.75 m |
| 6 | Vigo table 230x100 cm + chairs | 3.7 x 2.4 m / 4.1 x 2.8 m |
| 6 | Lowland round Ø150 cm + chairs | 2.9 x 2.9 m / 3.3 x 3.3 m |
| 8 | Bell picnic set 280x178 cm | 4.2 x 3.2 m / 4.6 x 3.6 m |
| 8 to 10 | Edison oval 280x140 cm + chairs | 4.2 x 2.8 m / 4.6 x 3.2 m |
With the Bell picnic set, the benches are already included in the overall size of 280x178 cm. You don't pull a bench back, but you do step over it and walk behind it. That is why we also allow 70 cm all round the overall size here. Does your patio fall just between two sizes? Then choose the smaller set. A set that is a little too tight a few times a year is less irritating than one you have to squeeze past every day.
How to measure your patio in 5 steps
Measure the length and width of the part of the patio where the garden set will go, up to the first obstacle: wall, fence, border, planter or step. Watch out for doors that open outwards and for sliding patio doors.
Subtract 140 cm from both measurements (two times 70 cm). What remains is the largest table that fits. If you want to be able to walk comfortably around it, subtract 180 cm.
Divide the length of that table by 60 to 70 cm per person, and count per long side. A 220 cm table thus seats three people per long side, so six in total.
Does the route to the garden, the shed or the kitchen pass by the set? Give that side at least 90 cm. A side without chairs, for example against a hedge, can be narrower.
Mark out the table size with masking tape, string or cardboard, place chairs around it and pull them back. Walk a circuit around it holding a tray. Then you'll see straight away whether it works.
Want to see which table size suits your patio with a few questions? Take the table size test. Still undecided between a garden set, a lounge set or a dining lounge set? The selection guide will help you on your way in a few steps.
Garden sets by number of people
Below, for each number of people, is a set that is currently available, along with the space it requires. The dimensions and seating come from the Garden Impressions product information; we have not tested the sets ourselves. You can see current prices and shops on the map.
2 people: Terni aluminium balcony set
For a balcony or a small patio, a set for two is enough. According to the product information, the Terni balcony set is 119 cm long and 62.5 cm wide, with 2 seats, 4 cushions and an aluminium frame in carbon black. With 70 cm all round you need 2.6 by 2.05 metres. If one side without a chair is against the wall or balcony railing, you don't need 70 cm on that side and it fits in a smaller area.
Terni aluminium balcony set carbon black sand
You'll find more small sets in our bistro and balcony sets. Tips for a small outdoor space can be found in furnishing a balcony: tips and what is a bistro garden set.
4 people, small patio: Dido chairs with Rimini table
With a square table of 80x80 cm, this is the smallest set for four. There is one person on each side, so everyone has 80 cm of table edge. According to the specifications, 4 cushions are included and the seat height is 41 cm. You need a minimum of 2.2 by 2.2 metres, or a generous 2.6 by 2.6 metres.
4-person garden set: 4 black Dido chairs and Rimini table
4 people, generous seating: Sergio/Gosford with 180x100 cm table
Got more space and want everyone to have extra elbow room? The Gosford table is 180 cm long and 100 cm wide, with 4 cushions and a seat height of 42 cm. Allow for a minimum floor of 3.2 by 2.4 metres. On a narrow patio, a set with a 160x84 cm table, such as the Cosmo/Felini for 4 people, is better: it requires a minimum of 3 by 2.25 metres. We compare all sets for four in choosing a garden set for 4 people.
Sergio/Gosford garden set 4 people
6 people: Cosmo/Felini or Osaka/Felini with 220 cm table
Both sets have the Felini table of 220x93 cm and 6 seats, with an aluminium frame in grey. With a width of 93 cm, more walking room remains on a narrower patio. You need a minimum of 3.6 by 2.35 metres, or a generous 4 by 2.75 metres. The difference lies in the chairs: according to the specifications, the Osaka chairs have an adjustable backrest (seat height 43 cm), while the Cosmo chairs have a fixed one (seat height 45 cm). Cushions are not included with either.
Cosmo/Felini garden set 6 people with 220 cm table
Osaka/Felini garden set 6 people with adjustable chairs
Prefer a wider or round table? Then combine separate chairs with the Vigo table of 230x100 cm (6 seats, minimum 3.7 by 2.4 metres) or the round Lowland of Ø150 cm (6 people, minimum 2.9 by 2.9 metres). You can find more help choosing in choosing a garden set for 6 people.
8 people: Bell picnic set 280x178 cm
A picnic set combines the table and the benches in one piece of furniture. According to the product information, the Bell is 280 cm long and 178 cm wide, with 8 seats, an aluminium frame and a light teak Vironwood top. At 70.6 kg, it is a set for a permanent spot. With 70 cm all round you need roughly 4.2 by 3.2 metres. For what to look for in a picnic set, read buying a picnic table: what to look out for.
Bell picnic set 280x178 cm carbon black
8 to 10 people: Edison oval 280x140 cm with separate chairs
A complete garden set for ten people is not currently available. You can, however, put one together yourself. According to the product information, the oval Edison of 280x140 cm seats 8 to 10 people, has a light teak Vironwood top and an aluminium frame in carbon black. According to the description, it has 69 cm of legroom under the top, so chairs with a lower armrest can slide underneath. Floor: minimum 4.2 by 2.8 metres, generous 4.6 by 3.2 metres.
Edison oval garden table 280x140 cm
If you want to seat ten people, choose chairs that are not too wide: four side by side on a long side must fit within the table edge. The Toledo dining chair is 60 cm wide, the Monti dining armchair 58 cm and the Allasio dining chair 61 cm. Their armrests sit at a height of 64 to 67 cm, so they fit under the top.
Toledo dining chair, 60 cm wide
View chair →
Monti dining armchair, 58 cm wide
View chair →
Allasio dining chair, 61 cm wide
View chair →You'll find more separate chairs in our dining garden chairs, and large tables in our garden tables for 8 people. Also read buying a garden set for 8 people.
Layout: how to gain space
Is your patio just too small for the set you want? With the right layout you can often gain more than with a smaller table.
One side against the wall
On a side without chairs, you don't need 70 cm of pull-back space. Place one long side against a wall or hedge and leave the chairs off that side, or put a bench there: then you only need the depth of the bench on that side.
Choose narrow rather than short
On a narrow patio, the width of the table is often the problem. The Felini table of 220x93 cm seats 6 and is 7 cm narrower than a 230x100 cm table, and 22 cm narrower than a 230x115 cm table.
Round on a square patio
A round table needs the same space in every direction. On an almost square patio it therefore fits well: the Lowland of Ø150 cm for 6 people needs roughly 2.9 by 2.9 metres. On a narrow, elongated patio, a rectangular table works better.
Are you actually looking for a spot to sink into rather than eat? Then read how much space do you need for a lounge set and lounge set or garden set: what suits you.
Common mistakes
Only measuring the table
The size in the product information is usually that of the table. With chairs and pull-back space you need 140 cm more in each direction. A set with a table 220 cm long therefore already needs 3.6 metres.
Calculating with the size of the chairs
Don't add the depth of the chair on top of the 70 cm. You measure those 70 cm from the table edge, and the chair is already within that space. Counting twice makes your patio look too small on paper.
Buying for the biggest party of the year
A set for ten that is usually used by four takes up your patio every day. Choose for your regular company; at a 180 cm table, someone may still squeeze in at the short end now and then.
Forgetting the walking route
Does everyone walk behind the chairs to get to the garden or the shed? Then 70 cm is too tight and someone has to stand up every time. Give that side at least 90 cm.
Not including the parasol
A parasol base next to the set also takes up floor space. A cantilever parasol can stand beside the dining area, with the canopy above the table. Read more in where to place a parasol.
Checklist before you order the set
- Length and width measured up to the first obstacle
- Doors, sliding patio doors and steps taken into account
- 140 cm (or 180 cm for generous) subtracted from both measurements
- Checked whether the table size gives 60 to 70 cm per person
- Walking route marked out and at least 90 cm kept clear there
- Set laid out on the ground with tape, string or cardboard
- Place for the parasol and winter storage considered, see protective covers
You can read more about materials, cushions and maintenance in buying a garden set: what to look out for and which garden set can stay outside. You can see the full range in our dining garden sets.
Frequently asked questions
How much space do you need for a garden set?
Add 70 cm twice to both the length and the width of the table. That is the space needed to pull a chair back and stand up. If you also want to be able to walk behind a seated chair, add 90 cm twice instead. A set with a 220x93 cm table therefore needs at least 3.6 by 2.35 metres, and just over 4 by 2.75 metres.
How much space do you need for a garden set for 4 people?
It depends on the table. A set with a square 80x80 cm table, such as the Dido chairs with the Rimini table, needs at least 2.2 by 2.2 metres. With a 160x84 cm table, such as the Cosmo/Felini, you need at least 3 by 2.25 metres, and with a 180x100 cm table, such as the Sergio/Gosford, at least 3.2 by 2.4 metres.
How big should your patio be for a garden set for 6 people?
A garden set for 6 people with a 220x93 cm table, such as the Cosmo/Felini or the Osaka/Felini, needs at least 3.6 by 2.35 metres. With a 230x100 cm table, that becomes 3.7 by 2.4 metres. A round Ø150 cm table for 6 people needs roughly 2.9 by 2.9 metres.
How much space do you need for a garden set for 8 to 10 people?
Plan for a table around 280 cm long. With the oval Edison of 280x140 cm, according to the product information for 8 to 10 people, you need at least 4.2 by 2.8 metres and just over 4.6 by 3.2 metres. The Bell picnic set of 280x178 cm for 8 people requires roughly 4.2 by 3.2 metres with 70 cm all round.
How much space do you need for a garden set for 2 people?
For two people, a small table with 60 to 70 cm of table edge on each side is enough, for example a table of roughly 70x70 cm. With 70 cm all round, you end up at roughly 2.1 by 2.1 metres. If the table stands with one side without a chair against the wall or the balcony edge, you don't need 70 cm on that side.
How much space should you keep clear behind a garden chair?
Keep at least 70 cm clear from the table edge. That way you can pull the chair back and stand up. If someone also needs to walk behind a seated chair, for example on the way to the garden or the kitchen, it's better to keep 90 cm clear.
