Brighten Your Backyard

Is your alfresco more like a fiasco? Here's just the solution.

An outdoor bistro table and chairs can lend a much-needed dose of panache to small or nondescript yards and patios. Outdoor "rooms" for dining and entertaining are a huge trend that shows no signs of stopping. The right bistro set can create comfortable and stylish seating in even the most modest space.

Things to Consider

Depending on a variety of factors, including weather and noise level around your home, you may want a bistro set that functions as purely an aesthetic focal point, or you may actually want to use it for relaxing, dining, or one-on-one entertaining.

Whether you are choosing your outdoor bistro set based on its style or functionality (or both), accurately measure the size of the patio or yard area where you plan to put it. If you want to use the bistro set for dining and seating, make sure you have enough clearance around it for the chairs to be easily moved when getting in and out.

Think Outside the Box Unlike a clunky picnic table, a space-efficient bistro table and chair set is ideal for tight spaces, with each set designed to seat only two or perhaps three at a time. Many are portable and fold up when not in use. Don't overlook the possibility of putting your table and chairs out on the grass, or in a flowery garden clearing to invite enjoyment of a beautiful sunset and refreshments. The average bistro table top is only about 2 feet in diameter. For lounging and dining, a cafe-height bistro table, which stands about 29 inches tall, is perfect. Chairs with padded seats will be most comfortable. Of course, taller counter-height (36 inches) or pub-height sets (40 inches) may work better given your particulars.

Your Perfect Match

Outdoor bistro sets have many personalities, including English garden proper, Zenlike simplicity, boldly modern, rough hewn, and Parisian ooh la la. The best part of the search for an outdoor bistro set is finding just the right set to express your unique style with your favorite colors and materials that please your eye and complement your home.

Start with a Clean Slate

When working with limited patio or yard space, enter the art of editing. Create a setting that is clean and open as possible. You may consider laying an outdoor rug, putting up a lightweight screen, or moving the kids' toys so that your bistro set is not lost in a clutter of objects. That will make the space visually more open and spacious and will make the bistro set distinctly pop. Orient the table keeping in mind not only how it will look from afar, but also how the seated view will look; consider placing your set out of direct sun or wind.

Let your backyard patio become a retreat for outdoor fun and dining. The perfect outdoor bistro set will get you on your way.