In transforming a house into a home, many interior designers believe that a complete abode must include a backyard catered for entertaining guests. Alfresco spaces are often favoured, as they are the perfect space for stress relief and family bonding. And what better way to spend time with family than over a luxury dining table filled with your favourite refreshments and treats?
Finding a new outdoor dining table does not have to be as long and drawn out as redesigning an entire home. Instead, our interior designers have compiled this useful guide full of tips they swear by, highlighting the tried and tested methods to find what you’re looking for, as easily as possible.
Families will always look forward to holidays where lounging by the pool or chatting away at the table, surrounded by nature is the order of the day. This is especially true in summer when warmer days demand that lunch is taken on the patio with freshly squeezed juice, teas and treats. Summer might occasionally be underwhelming in London, but it does not mean your outdoor furniture should be, especially on days when you can take advantage of good weather.
Here are some key points to take into account when deciding on what furniture is going to serve you best.
Furniture should not be difficult to buy and even more so when for your backyard. No rule dictates the style of the outdoor dining table, so you might consider a completely separate motif from your interior. Your patio suite can be a statement piece used primarily for decoration, or it can be purely functional and used for its exact purpose, dining.
Luxury homes feature backyards that include a grill, a kitchen sink, a fridge, a patio and more and it’s likely yours does too. If your yard or patio has a kitchen, place your outdoor table as close to it as possible. Here is why:
We know that the UK climate only allows for, on average, about 1400 hours of sun per year, with England as the sunniest in the entire region. For this reason, it is imperative to carefully consider the material your table will be made from. Senior designer Will Smith offers the following advice on selecting something durable that works for all seasons.
The most popular choice by far as the material is natural, durable and has a unique charm depending on the type of wood used. However, it is not as simple as buying any wood.
Hardwoods such as teak, redwood and cedar are preferred for outdoor furniture as they’re more durable and resistant to weathering and moisture. Outdoor dining tables made from teak are considered a long-term investment piece which can easily be paired with a couple of teak outdoor chairs for extra charm.
Overall design plays an important role in the type of wood you are going to choose. Some tables are constructed with support beams that may hinder cleaning or moving.
Considering the design alongside the wood would be wise as the aesthetic is as important as the sturdiness and construction.
Glass tabletops first made an appearance in the 1600s and have remained iconic features, when done the right way. Interior designers sometimes caution against the use of glass furniture if one does not know how to style it correctly. However, in alfresco settings, glass dining tables offer a contemporary addition to the backyard. The most important consideration is the fragility and safety of glass.
Tempered glass or toughened glass is a type of glass manufacturing method that is much more resistant to cracking and impact, making it a safer option for outdoor furniture, especially tables. As a standard, we always recommend tempered glass. The frame is of equal importance and should be made from rigid material like stainless steel, copper or aluminium. The frame must be able to hold the weight of the glass tabletop without causing any buckling.
It was around the 1800s when metal outdoor furniture first made an appearance.
Homes of the past were practical and functional and often featured the best materials such as metal. So it comes as no surprise when they were popularised for three decades between 1960 and 1990, however, after a brief hiatus, metal outdoor furniture has once again emerged as a versatile and choice option.
This versatility means your table can be minimalist, contemporary or traditional. A metal like aluminium is lightweight so you can move your table easily if necessary, however, it does not possess as much strength as more dense metals.
Aluminium is rust-resistant and requires little to no maintenance, whereas steel, which is considered stronger and durable enough for an outdoor table, is prone to rust if not properly maintained.
Whether your current style is modern or traditional, incorporating a wicker dining table adds a touch of Bohemian charm. A wicker table is quite traditional and can be treated as such. Ensure you check the quality and that it is sturdy enough to use as an outdoor dining table when assessing what’s on offer.
Interior designers have the notion that the maintenance of quality is what ensures your furniture is long-lasting. Materials such as wood and marble might require little to no maintenance, but it is still a requirement. Even quality needs to be cared for. Keeping your table in mint condition does not have to be difficult. In most cases, a microfibre dusting cloth over the table once a week will suffice. It is proper maintenance outside of the weekly clean that ensures longevity. This is where you will consider polish, varnish and sometimes water. Here are some maintenance tips to consider:
Pro tip: Consider purchasing protective furniture covers for your outdoor furniture as it will act as a further barrier against the elements.
When the warmer weather makes its appearance around July, we are certain you have already planned a couple of chic backyard brunches. Seating does not have to be overwhelming as there are plenty of outdoor extending dining tables that easily be extended manually or with a remote.
If you have commissioned a 10-seater dining table as your standard table this will be used daily. However, you have an extension available (which is often cleverly hidden) that can accommodate up to 20 people or more.
Before we explore this further, do understand that complementing other furniture does not mean it has to be an exact match. Rather focus on how two items, styles, material types, etc. can complement each other to make the entire space work.
Today, expert advice is hard to acquire as skills from the past are no longer considered important. Skills such as carpentry and interior design have long been associated with culture and sophistication. At FCI London, we have over 35 years of industry expertise in conceptualising tried and tested methods, weird and wonderful styles and clever and unique designs.
Our designers have worked with numerous materials, textures and colours so you don’t have to experiment at your own expense. Reach out to us with your needs, detailing what you have in mind, and we will do the rest. Our showroom floor is available for consultation, or you can contact us online. We are ready to help!
Our professional team is available to help you with every step of your decor project. Book a personalised visit and let's get the ball rolling on your new dining room design.
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