Now that the warm weather is finally here and it’s officially summer, it’s time to start putting your small patio space to work.

Last week I wrote about creating an outside oasis and this week we’re going to switch from living space to dining space.

The outside patio dining area isn’t all that different from the dinning area inside the house. Many of the same rules apply to placing furniture so that you get the most comfortable and functional space possible.

And, now that we’re spending a lot more time at home, it’s even more important to have a space that’s just as comfortable and inviting outside as you have inside.

So, if you have a small(ish) patio space and you’re trying to figure out the best option for a dining table and chairs, let me tell you Why a Round Table and 6 Chairs is Perfect for Your Small Patio.

Why a Round Table and 6 Chairs is Perfect for Your Small Patio.png

Round Tables Fit Small Spaces Better

Round tables are great for small patios because they have no 90◦ angles, no sharp corners to navigate. This makes the table ideal for most square and rectangular patio spaces.

Without a “head” of the table spot, everyone gets the same amount of space. This also makes it easy to get into your dining chair. There’s no squeezing by Uncle Artie or shimming behind Cousin Cindy. No more trying to wedge yourself between your sister’s twins on the bench seat. It’s as simple as pulling your chair out and sitting down.

Each person at a 60” round table should have around 24” of personal space. That leaves plenty of elbow room for each person to sit comfortably and have full range of motion at the table.

Tip: Choose armless chairs and a pedestal base for the table to give you the most amount of space.

Why?

A table with legs only allows room for 4 chairs. Sure, you could pack in a few more chairs but there’s nothing worse than being stuck, straddling the leg of a patio table. Inevitably you’ll end up bashing your knee or trying to free yourself with a feat of acrobatics to get up for a second helping of potato salad.

Arms on chairs also eat up space that could be better utilized. Every inch or fraction of an inch is important when figuring the seating for a round table. Armchairs will add inches to either side of the chair making each seat a super tight squeeze around the table.

Round Tables Are Better for Conversations

There’s nothing better than sitting around the patio on a warm evening visiting with friends and family. When you choose a round table for your outdoor dining area, you choose the best option for visiting with your guests.

Everyone has the same view on a round table. You’re not yelling to someone at the other end or trying to hear who’s talking way down on the other side. You’re facing the person you’re talking to and you can easily hear everything their saying.

Round Tables are Great for Outdoor Game Night and Snacking

Planning on playing cards on the patio? Love to break out a board game or host trivia night? A round table makes it easy to size up the competition and to see who has the best poker face.

A 60” round table is the perfect size to deal cards across or to sweep the chips you when win your hand.

Speaking of chips, 60” around is also the ideal size to pass the bowl of chips across. You won’t have to stand or strain, just slide them across.

Tip: You could also place a lazy Susan in the middle and give it a spin, that way everyone has access to all the snacks and they won’t have to put their cards down to pass the ambrosia salad with both hands.

Consider Additional Seating

Just like inside, you should think about your outside dining and living spaces as an extension of your home.

Sure a 60” table is great for 6 people but what happens when you have a friend who brings a guest? Or if your aunt Madge stops over with her friend from yoga? You’ll need a couple of extra seats in a pinch. Think about where you can tuck a bench off to the side or hide a couple of chairs under a console.

Your patio is just like a room inside. Treat it like you would a small dining area in your house. Scout out where you can create additional seating or how to incorporate multi-functional pieces to make the most of the space.

This console is slim and not only adds functionality: the ability to keep everything that doesn’t fit on the table within reach; it’s also the perfect spot to tuck a couple of round stools underneath. When you have a couple of surprise guests, you’ll be ready!

The console can also double as an extra dining table in a pinch.

How to Make a 60” Table Fit Best

As with any space planning, it’s important to know the size of your patio area. This is really the only way to accurately plan out the size of your table and chairs. Buying furniture on a whim is never a good idea. Patio furniture is an investment just like the furniture inside the house.

Making an accurate plan with proper measurements will make the difference between success and disappointment. The 60” round patio table works best in spaces that are square or rectangular.

Shoot for about 18” of space behind a dining chair, when it’s pushed in toward the table, to have enough space to move around comfortably.

Ideally, you’ll want to have 38” or more behind the chairs to the wall, fence or edge of the patio. This is plenty of space for getting around and serving your guests. Even if you don’t have enough room for a 60” patio dining table, keep these standard clearances in mind so you can plan out the best size for your space.

There you have it, short and sweet: Why a Round Table and 6 Chairs is Perfect for Your Small Patio.

Now that you have the patio table of your dreams, time to send out the invites for a fun night of dinner, drinks and games to celebrate the finished space! Here’s a recipe for a homemade hard lemonade to get the party started.

Make the most of the summer weather and enjoy your new patio dining space.

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Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s offered online interior e-design services for small spaces ranging from coaching, product sourcing and full room plans with installation guidance. He is a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating space homes and awkward layouts. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.