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With the arrival of spring, the desire to enjoy the outdoors grows ever stronger. Whether for family meals, aperitifs with friends or relaxing in the sun, the garden table is becoming an essential piece of outdoor furniture.
However, with so many models to choose from, it’s often difficult to make the right choice. How do you select the table that will harmonize perfectly with your space, meet your expectations and reflect your style?
This article aims to help you make the right choice. We’ll look at the importance of material, size and shape criteria adapted to your outdoor space, and give you tips on how to ensure your garden table perfectly matches your needs and style.
How to choose your garden table?
The choice of material for your garden table determines its appearance, durability, comfort and ease of maintenance. Different materials have their advantages, but also their disadvantages. Let’s discover the main materials available and their specific properties.
Wooden garden table: warm and natural
Wood, a noble material, lends a warm, authentic ambience to your outdoor spaces. Different wood species offer varying degrees of resistance to the elements, insects and fungi.
Depending on the desired effect, wood can be treated for greater durability or left natural to achieve a gray patina over time. Although aesthetically pleasing, wood requires regular maintenance and is more susceptible to scratches and stains. What’s more, its weight can make it less mobile for some.
Metal garden table: durability and modernity
Metal, renowned for its strength and durability, gives your garden table an elegant, modern look. It is available in several variants, including steel, stainless steel and aluminum.
Steel, although very resistant, can rust if left unprotected. Stainless steel remains rustproof over time, while aluminum is appreciated for its lightness, although it is susceptible to deformation. Easy to maintain, metal is also UV-resistant, but can become very hot in the sun.
Plastic garden table: easy care and light weight
Resin and plastic, synthetic materials, are distinguished by their wide variety of colors, shapes and textures. Their light weight makes them easy to handle and store, as well as to maintain with a little soapy water.
However, the quality of these materials can vary, so it’s important to check their robustness. Resin, in particular, can be woven for a natural look or molded for a more contemporary finish.
Glass garden table: elegance and transparency
Glass brings a touch of elegance and clarity to your garden, offering unique luminosity and transparency. Compatible with a wide range of substrates, glass is easy to clean with glass cleaner.
Although UV-resistant, its reflections can be dazzling. Thick, tempered glass is recommended for its superior impact resistance and enhanced safety.
How to choose the size of your garden table?
To find the ideal table, take into account the number of people you regularly entertain, as well as the space available around the table.
Allow around 60 cm in width and 40 cm in depth per person, plus 70 cm of free space around the table for good circulation.
For small spaces, a folding or extendable table is practical, as it allows you to adjust the surface area to your needs. On the other hand, a large space lends itself to a large table offering greater comfort and conviviality.
What shape of garden table to choose?
Rectangular, round or square garden table?
The choice of shape for your garden table can influence both the aesthetics and functionality of your outdoor space.
Rectangular garden tables are classic and widespread, making them ideal for long, narrow aisles that can accommodate a large number of guests.
Round or oval garden tables, which create a convivial atmosphere, fit well into round or square spaces, facilitating conversations.
Square garden tables, with their more modern design, are ideal for small spaces and can be combined to form a large rectangular table.
Extendable or folding garden table
Choose a garden table with features tailored to your needs to optimize space.
Extendable garden tables, with integrated or removable extensions, allow you to adjust the size of the surface to suit the number of guests. They are ideal for everyday entertaining without taking up too much space.
Fully folding garden tables offer an efficient storage solution and are perfect for small spaces or occasional use.
How to choose the right garden table for your style and needs?
The garden table enriches your outdoor space not only through its functionality, but also as a decorative element. It should complement the style of your garden, in harmony with the colors, materials and accessories that surround it.
It’s also essential to consider how it will be used, whether for family meals, parties or simple relaxation.
Thinking sustainable by opting for garden tables made from eco-responsible materials is an option worth considering.
For an ambience that reflects your personality, the choice of garden table should be in keeping with the aesthetics of your outdoor space:
- Natural: a wooden table lends authentic charm to a garden, while a woven resin table blends perfectly into a verdant setting. Accessorize with cushions or tablecloths in natural patterns, and add lanterns for a cosy effect.
- Modern: For a contemporary garden, a metal or glass table adds a bright, modern touch. Choose accessories in sober or bright colors, and illuminate your space with string lights for a festive atmosphere.
- Romantic: choose a wrought-iron or painted-wood table for a touch of elegance and softness. Cushions, flowery or pastel tablecloths and floral arrangements create a bucolic setting.
Specific needs: Family meals, receptions or relaxation?
The choice of your garden table should correspond to your preferred activities:
- Family meals: A spacious, practical and comfortable table is ideal. Rectangular, round or oval models are available, depending on the conviviality required, and can even be extended to suit the number of guests.
- Receptions: A table that’s easy to move and store, durable and long-lasting is preferable. Folding, aluminum, stainless steel or resin tables meet these criteria well.
- Relaxation: For a moment of relaxation, choose a table that blends well with the size of your space, opting for warm, elegant materials like wood, glass or woven resin.
Eco-responsible wooden garden table and coffee table
For a conscientious purchase, choose garden tables made from sustainable materials:
- Short-run garden tables: This supports the local economy, reduces the environmental impact of transport, and guarantees quality and expertise.
- Sustainable materials: Opting for eco-responsible materials helps preserve resources and limit waste, while benefiting from a long-lasting product. Look for sustainability labels such as FSC, PEFC or NF Environnement.
As you can see, selecting the perfect garden table for your outdoor space requires a great deal of thought. You need to consider many aspects, from the material, size and shape of the table, to the style and atmosphere you want to create in your garden, not forgetting your particular requirements and commitment to ecology.
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