A round little table, two chairs and a cup of coffee in the morning sun: in a few words, that's a bistro set. It's the smallest garden set there is, which is exactly why it's so popular on balconies, in city gardens and in that one sunny corner of the garden. But what makes a set a bistro set, where does the style come from, and what's the difference from a balcony set or a regular garden set? This article covers all of that, with examples of places, styles and sets from our range.
In short: a bistro set is a small garden set with a compact, often round table and usually two chairs. The style comes from French café terraces. It's smaller than a dining garden set and fits on a balcony, in a city garden or as an extra seating spot in a large garden. Want to buy one? Then read what to look for when buying a bistro set.
What is a bistro set?
A bistro set, also known as a bistro garden set, is a compact garden set for small outdoor spaces. A typical bistro set is 3-piece and consists of:
- A small table: often round, sometimes square, with room for two cups, a breakfast plate or a bottle of wine with two glasses.
- Two chairs: light and compact, so you can move them around easily. Many sets let you fold the chairs and the table away.
A bistro set isn't meant for long dinners with the whole family. It's a spot for short moments: coffee before you head to work, a weekend breakfast or an aperitif after a warm day. That's why it needs little space, and that's exactly its strength.
In shops you'll also come across the terms balcony set and bistro and balcony set. These overlap heavily; you'll find them together in the category bistro and balcony sets.
Where does the bistro style come from?
The name and the style come from the French bistro: a small, informal café-restaurant. A bistro has a narrow terrace on the pavement, with rows of small round tables and chairs placed close together. Because space is limited, the furniture has to be light and compact, and often you can fold it away or stack it at the end of the day.
These practical demands gave rise to a recognisable style:
- A round table on a single leg or a slim base, which you can easily slide around.
- Light chairs made of metal, wood or woven material, often folding chairs.
- A relaxed atmosphere: you sit close together, with a view of the street or the garden.
At home, you mainly borrow that atmosphere. A bistro set doesn't have to look French: modern aluminium sets and wooden folding sets qualify just as well, as long as the set is small, light and cosy.
Bistro set, balcony set or dining garden set?
Bistro set, balcony set, dining garden set: they're all tables with chairs, but they're made for different purposes. Here's the difference:
| Type | Typical | Suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Bistro set | Small, often round table, 2 chairs | Coffee, breakfast, drinks |
| Balcony set | Compact, round or narrow | Balcony, shallow space |
| Dining garden set | Large table, 4 or more chairs | Meals with family or guests |
| Lounge for two | Low chairs, side table | Lingering, reading |
The difference between a bistro set and a balcony set is mostly a matter of wording: bistro says something about the style, balcony about the place. Many balcony sets are simply bistro sets. Want to know what to look for in a balcony set, such as the depth of your balcony and the swing radius of the door? Read what to look for when buying a balcony set.
If you often eat with more people, a dining garden set is the better choice. If you're torn between dining and lounging, lounge set or garden set: what suits you can help, or the selection guide.
Where do you place a bistro set?
Because a bistro set needs so little space, it fits in places where a regular garden set would never stand. A few ideas:
- On the balcony. The classic spot. Place the table against the facade or the railing so a walkway stays clear. You'll find more tips in how to furnish a balcony.
- In a small city garden or patio. A bistro set turns a small courtyard into a seating spot straight away. See also how to furnish a patio.
- By the kitchen door. Handy for breakfast: you can walk outside with your plate in no time.
- In the morning sun corner. Many gardens have a spot that only gets sun in the morning. A large garden set doesn't fit there, but a bistro set does.
- As a second seating area in a large garden. At the back of the garden, by the pond or under a tree: a place to get away from the terrace for a while.
- In the front garden. A bistro set next to the front door gives a cosy, welcoming look.
Place your bistro set where you want to sit, not on a spot that's still empty. If you drink your coffee in the morning, you want the morning sun; if you have a glass of wine in the evening, you're after the last of the sun or the shelter of the wall.
How high and windy is your spot?
On a roof terrace or high balcony it can get quite windy. Light chairs are easy to move, but they also blow over more easily. Fold them or put them away when nobody's sitting there, and store loose cushions indoors.
To find out how much space you need around the table, read how much space you need for a garden set.
Bistro sets in five styles
A bistro set is small, but it does set the mood of a balcony or garden corner. Here's how to make it fit your garden style:
- Classic French: a round table with light metal chairs in black, green or cream. Add a pot of lavender or geraniums and you'll feel like you're on a café terrace.
- Modern: sleek aluminium in anthracite or taupe, with textilene or a plain tabletop. Calm and low-maintenance. You'll find more ideas in the modern garden.
- Rustic: a wooden folding set with a slatted top, optionally with a checked cushion or a tablecloth. Suits the atmospheric country garden.
- Bohemian: woven chairs, a terrazzo or mosaic top and lots of greenery around it. Take a look at the bohemian garden.
- Industrial: black metal, a dark top and a string of lights hanging above. See the industrial garden.
Materials in brief
Bistro sets are made from many different materials. Each material has its own look and maintenance needs:
- Aluminium: light, doesn't rust and is easy to keep clean with soapy water. A good choice if you move the set often. Untreated aluminium can go dull, though; read more in can an aluminium garden set rust.
- Steel: sturdy and often used for classic bistro chairs. A good coating is important, because damaged steel can start to rust.
- Wood: warm and natural, suits a rustic style. Wood occasionally needs oil or another treatment.
- Textilene: a plastic woven fabric for the seat and back. It dries quickly and has some springiness.
- Wicker or rattan look: woven plastic, gives a softer and warmer feel.
To find out which materials can stay outdoors all year, read which garden set can stay outside.
Examples from our range
To make it concrete: two sets that show what a bistro or balcony set is, from a classic round table to a fixed dining set for two. You can see the current prices on the cards.
Alfa: the classic bistro set
The Alfa balcony set is a bistro set just as it appears in the catalogue: two chairs and a round table measuring Ø60 cm and 72 cm high. The chairs measure 51.5 x 42 x 84 cm, have a seat height of 43 cm and a textilene seat. According to the product description, the table and chairs are foldable; the specifications aren't clear on this, so check with the shop if folding away matters to you.
Alfa 3-piece balcony set in taupe
Why: a round 60 cm table is exactly the right size for a bistro table: enough for two, small enough for a narrow balcony.
Terni: bistro set for dining
If you want to eat a meal at your bistro set too, the Terni is a sturdy choice. The frame and tabletop are aluminium in carbon black, and the seats have a sand-coloured PE seat. With a seat height of 47 cm you sit upright, and the four cushions are 5 cm thick. This set doesn't fold away, so it needs a permanent spot.
Terni aluminium balcony set
Why: aluminium doesn't rust and is lightweight, and the cushions make a real difference if you stay seated for a while.
Prefer something different? Also worth a look:
Alfa in carbon black
View set →
Talara: lounge for two
View set →
Danzig: single relaxing chair
View chair →The Talara isn't a bistro set but a low lounge set for two, with a round side table measuring Ø51.5 cm: an alternative if you'd rather sit back and relax. If you mostly sit alone, a single relaxing chair like the Danzig with a small table is enough.
You'll find more models in bistro and balcony sets, balcony garden sets and aluminium garden sets. Prefer to put together your own bistro set? Combine a round garden table with two stacking chairs or aluminium garden chairs.
Common mistakes
Expecting a bistro set to be a dining table for four
A bistro table is made for two. With four plates, a platter and glasses, it's overcrowded. If you often eat with more people, choose a small dining garden set.
Forgetting the chairs when measuring
The table almost always fits, but the chairs also need to be able to slide back. Measure the space with the chairs in place and keep a walkway clear.
Leaving cushions outside
Water-repellent isn't waterproof. Wet cushions will go mouldy. Store them dry indoors when it rains and overnight; read how to store garden cushions.
Assuming every bistro set folds away
Many bistro sets can be folded, but certainly not all of them. If you want to put the set away after use, check this before you order.
Checklist: is a bistro set right for you?
Tick off what applies to you; your browser remembers your progress. If you recognise most of the points, a bistro set is a good choice.
- Your outdoor space is small, or you're looking for an extra seating spot
- You usually sit outside with just one other person
- You mainly use the spot for coffee, breakfast or a drink
- You want furniture that's easy to move or store away
- You have a fixed spot with sun at the time you want to sit outside
- You have a dry place for cushions and possibly for the set itself
How to choose the right bistro set
- Choose a round table if you have little space: you can easily walk around it
- Choose a foldable set if you want to put it away after use
- Choose aluminium if you want low maintenance, wood for a warm rustic look
- Choose a set with cushions or a higher seat if you also want to eat there
Ready to choose? In what to look for when buying a bistro set you'll find the buying checklist, with sizes, materials and foldability all in one place.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bistro garden set?
A bistro garden set, or simply a bistro set, is a small garden set with a compact table, often round, and usually two chairs. It is designed for small outdoor spaces such as a balcony, a city garden or a corner of the patio. You mainly use it for coffee, breakfast or a drink for two.
What is the difference between a bistro set and a balcony set?
The terms overlap and are often used interchangeably in shops. A bistro set refers to the style: a small, usually round table with light chairs, like on a French café terrace. Balcony set mainly says something about the location. A balcony set can be a bistro set, but it can also be a narrow set with a rectangular table or a bench.
How many people fit at a bistro set?
Most bistro sets are for two people. A table of around 60 cm in diameter, such as the Alfa, is big enough for two cups and a breakfast plate. If you want to eat a proper meal with four people, a small dining garden set is more practical.
Where is the best place to put a bistro set?
On a balcony, in a small city garden, by the kitchen door, in a sunny corner of the garden or next to a lounge set as an extra spot for coffee. Check where the sun is at the moment you want to sit there, and keep about 60 cm of walking space free around the chairs.
Can a bistro set stay outside?
An aluminium frame with powder coating can handle rain, ideally under a cover if you are not using the set for a long time. Store cushions in a dry place. A wooden bistro set needs maintenance from time to time. If the set folds up, it is easy to store in a shed or outbuilding over winter.
