For comparison-- in design, not size (they are both the same size), these are two offerings from the companies who make the cuddle lounge chairs.

The Meadowcraft table is slightly less expensive than the one i am considering. It is also wrought iron but has the mesh top-- and I don't like the design of the table as much.

And the Ballard Amalfi which has an interesting design for sure but it is cast aluminum and everything else, dining chairs included, are cast iron. This is also a few hundred more than the one i am considering.

Alternatively, I already own this table-- it isn't intended for outdoors but i could seal it since the patio is covered. I'd only need to seal it from the humidity. I am not sure the style goes-- but the price of "I already own it" works!

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I know you don't want this style...but for size comparison I chose a 47".

I think it depends upon the size of your chairs. 4 oversize chairs will feel more comfortable around a 48" table. If your chairs are smaller in width, especially, then 42" might work.

Can you experiment with some cardboard?

Nicole-- can 4 comfortably dine at your 47"?

CzarinAlex - yes, I do plan to make a cardboard disk for planning purposes but not sure it tells me how comfortable it will be. My chairs are on the larger size.

Funky....yes, 4. My chairs are so much smaller than what your ordering tho. I have a BIG table that seats 6 on the upper deck. I wouldn't go any smaller than 48"....

uh-- i don't intend to use the lounge chairs at the table. I have dining chairs for the dining table.

OH! I thought you were just purchasing 2 of the Athens chairs, ottoman & table. Link to Athens What other pieces are you buying? do tell

I AM buying the athens cuddle lounge chairs-- but they are not dining chairs. I already own the wrought iron dining chairs. I don't have a great photo of them right now but they are black wrought iron and will coordinate with the Athens chairs just fine.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh......cool! I didn't know of other pieces that you already owned....

If you look closely...my 47" table top is delineated into 4 sections. That's the space each diner has to him/herself. Underneath there are 4 legs...out of the way of diners.

The 3rd table, with lattice under it...is the same design as the table I was supposed to get with my set...but I chose a more ornate table, that seats 6. I'll add a photo in a minute.

I posted my big table...because I think the one you already own works! These iron pieces are pretty versatile. Everyones worried about the look being too matchy match...well...breaking it up a little is an option...

Sorry it wasn't more clear.. I DID mention them in the original post:

"I know it is a simple design but that's what i think will work best with my existing wrought iron dining chairs and the cuddle lounge chairs (that won't arrive until NEXT spring)."

They will all be on the same patio space-- so i want them to coordinate if not be a part of the same set.

what size is the existing table you have? If any of those sizes I would put the chairs with it and see how it feels. Do you leave the furniture out in winter time?

The current table is a rectangle so no help. I can't try the table before I order it. The furniture stays on the covered patio year round-- but they are not exposed to rain/snow.

Sorry, not trying to be difficult-- but the only round table I have is 60" (and the one shown above). I am not in a position to easily buy/return one (mostly because I do not drive).

Because of my little story that follows, I've got to ask this question. :) Is it necessary to buy high end patio sets when you can get one for half the price and just as good, comfy, and pretty?

I never needed porch furniture until we built our huge front porch almost 12 years ago. DH made a picnic table with detached benches for the patio. He actually sold benches for storm cellars! But I digress

Twelve Mother's Day ago my family gifted me with a porch set from Home Depot. Dark brown aluminum. They kind of look black in different light, but I did spray paint them white. They're semi-heavy but I can easily pick up them up.

They've been outside since I got them and there isn't one scratch or bent piece of metal to be had. The cushions are in tip top shape along with the removable covers. Wash like a charm. They've been in all weather and still look new. I dust them with a fiber cloth.

Now take a look at this table from HD, with me giving the aluminum 10 stars, and tell me you'd still rather pay a $1,000 for nearly the same table. And no one will even notice the little designs on the edge of the legs.

42" round table

One more thing. I'm afraid if you get a solid top table it'll show smudges and scratches. For outdoors I'm not sure if I'd do that. Mine's mesh and the mesh top is thick and close together.

We have three round tables at our lake cabin that we use for 2-4 people. I'll check the sizes when I'm there this weekend. Two are smaller - the two of us eat at the one indoors, the other small one on the deck has four chairs but that's used mostly for drinks and appetizers, the one in our screen porch is larger and easily seats four with larger chairs. I think it's 42" but I will verify - could be 48" as we have squeezed in six people with a couple smaller chairs.

Oakley, I am happy that your set has worked so well for you. Thanks for suggesting I look at cheaper-- given the cost of my lounge set, saving elsewhere would be a bonus.

However, the table I have selected is not $1000. It is also not cast aluminum. I don't know that price is relevant to my questions but the one I am looking at is on sale for $500-- and it is wrought iron which is my preference. My wrought iron dining chairs were purchased 22 yr ago and are still in great shape. I have repainted them every few years but that's it.

@3katz4me-- thank you! That would be helpful. Like you, I do have smaller chairs I keep in storage but I'll use the bigger dining chairs for everyday.

Oakley, i do not like mesh tops. I have friends/family with solid tops and they work fine. I do have an option for a slightly textured top but not sure i want to go that direction.

Funky...Looking at your decision process...and your choices...is FUN! Sorry you have to wait so long to get the lounge set.

Can you post a photo here of your current dining chairs? I like the first table you posted, and it would go with most chairs. 36" is tiny. My sister has one in her kitchen and it is way too small for her four chairs (which are not large). I would get the 48" if it works in your area.

The wood top is nice too. I have a vintage wood top table on our screened porch, also a bench. I would only want a smooth wood top table outside because it gets fllthy even with cleaning often. The bench is not sealed and slightly rough feel, and it is harder to keep clean.

I don't have great photos of my current chairs.. the one below shows some of the elements of the chairs. I am not considering 36"-- I would get the 42" or 48".

This is a very old photo at an old house -- neighbor kids are all adults and my pups have passed on. I like the chairs without cushions but i would add cushions to coordinate with the lounge chairs.

@Allison0704, you are right! The wood top table I have is very hard to keep clean. I have a glass top on it inside-- but i don't think I'd want the glass top outside. It would just suck up pollen, dust and food debris. Thanks for helping me nix that possibility.

Agree. A glass top table came with our house. It's in the shaded area next to the pool. Hard to keep clean.

My dining table is 48" at its smallest and is comfortable for 4 diners. I don't think I would be happy with 42". However, if you are mostly going to have fewer than 4 diners, 42" would be fine.

I have a 48" iron patio table and chairs. The chairs are quite large. Four people are very comfortable at. But since it's just DH and I at home now, I would be happier with a 42" table. Feels like we're sitting quite far apart at the 48", and between the table and large chairs it takes up more space than I like.

You may have mentioned it already, but do you have a link to the table you posted above the one with the smooth aluminum top? I love it.

Our kitchen table is 48" and we comfortably seat 3 on the regular, but often squeeze in 5 when my son and DIL come over for a casual meal (and the dining room table is used as a puzzle table!). We do have smaller scale chairs though.

Our kitchen table is 42” round. DH and I eat there most nights, and now that DD is home the 3 of us eat there comfortably. Four would be snug.

I have a 48" table and chair set (wrought iron) on an uncovered patio. It was purchased in 1995 and is in great shape. We just have it powder coated occasionally. The chairs have a wide flattened arm rest so width wise take up more space. The 48" allows a generous amount of room for each person; I think a 42" would be too crowded for us. We do have a 42" kitchen set, but the chairs do not have arms, so take up less space and it's just two of us.

I just took a pic of our outdoor table and chairs. It’s 48” and the chairs are medium sized, not oversized. We’ve had it for probably 25 or more years. I do have cushions but keep them stored unless we’ll be using them because of the wildlife, pollen, etc.

I prob wouldn’t want anything smaller for general dining but if you dont plan to eat there a lot a 42” would be ok. The 48” could accommodate another couple of small folding chairs if needed if everyone doesnt mind scooting together a bit.

Thank you so much for your experiences with 42" and 48". It helps a lot... and outside, your photo was especially helpful.

I need to think about it.. and try to project how I will use the patio going forward. The pandemic has changed me-- and my views on how to relax and/or entertain.

The tables above are from Woodard, Patio Living and Ballard. I don't know where the wood top table is from. I bought it used about 10 yr ago.

Funky, reading your original post again, and seeing the solid surface top, I really think you could easily get by with the cafe feel of a 42” table. With our wide open spaces, ours doesnt ’feel’ that big, but with your patio, the large chairs you are ordering, and the side serving table, I think your best bet is a smaller table. When we entertain a larger crowd, we often put up more folding tables and tents on our patio, move things around and set up a folding table on the covered porch where we have more seating and side tables for drinks.

I am starting to think along the same lines, @OutsidePlaying.. and then maybe adding a larger table in another area of the yard when I build that out in the future.

I like the idea of a more intimate cafe style table for coffee, drinks, a meal for two ... and a separate space for a more involved dinner or gathering (when i start adding family members, the numbers increase quickly!).

I need to sketch it out -- even if i don't build out the other area for a year or two, I will have a plan.

Thanks so much!

Funky, I understand, and I do like the solid top, I was just afraid they'd scar. I was just giving you a heads up that you can get the same quality table for half the price. Usually. :)

This is a good idea for outdoor tables so they'll stay clean when not in use.

I'm sure you can get these elsewhere that are nicer

48" table with this size chair perfect for 4. Telescope Furniture

Lyfia.. that is similar to how I will place mine although there are no walls. I am thinking that's the perfect size .. and I need another plan for a larger group. It's the perfect size for morning coffee and emails.. lunch with a friend, dinner with a beau etc.

Oakley, I could be wrong but i don't anticipate issues with scratches on wrought iron. None of the chairs or table in my current set have been scratched... and they've been moved 4 times and not been babied.

I will use tablecloths sometimes but most days it will be the top + planter

I had planned an uncovered patio for grills/big green egg and chairs in the sun-- was hoping to put it in this year but i lost steam and other things took priority. I think that's where i should put a larger table/umbrella. I am going to sleep on it a few days but i think that is what will work best-- keep the table under the covered patio small and intimate.

Thank you all for helping me to think through this!

@Funkyart I don't have a pic of our actual pergola but this is very, very close. We are having some landscaping work done in the backyard, so my patio is a mess, catch-all right now so I won't take a pic. Haha. I'll try to remember to when the job is done. I do know the pergola is 8 x 10. It's powder coated steel and the corner pieces bolt down into the concrete. Our cover is very similar to this. It's some kind of outdoor fabric with just a bit of open weave. We did not like the sides coming down so long, and we don't need shade coming from the side, so we took the shade top to a local tent/awning place and had the sides shortened. Ours doesn't tie on either. We have a small-ish wicker sofa with a matching club chair and ottoman under the pergola. Then we have two glider/rocking chairs at one side. I have a couple of side tables. It fits nicely and I have a rug under there too. We really enjoy having the shade.

ETA: We don't have a table on the patio. Outside of the pergola I have multiple planters/pots, grill area and a deck box (storage - cushions, etc.). Our sunroom has sliding windows with screens and I have a drop-leaf table in there where I can easily open it up to seat four-six.

I think you will do well with wrought iron - it's pretty hard to hurt it! I would definitely go for the 42, probably the 48 if it were me. Can't wait till you get your area all set up!!

Okay - measured mine and here are photos. The indoor table is 42” and the porch one is 48”. I think 42” is pretty cozy for four though we’ve had four eat at that table when we’ve had buffet service. My other deck table is 39”.

I have a new 42" diameter table in our eat-in kitchen in Cathedral City, and it replaced a 41" diameter bistro table. Normally, it is just the two of us, but the new table will accommodate four people with the dining chairs, and the old table had four bulky barstools, which did not create a problem.

Here's the old bistro table with four barstools:

Photo taken before we moved in.

Here's the new table with two chairs:

We can comfortably fit two more chairs and places, but I am using oval placemats because the rectangular ones do not fit.

LOL @Tina Marie, thanks for searching out a photo! I have never seen a pergola with a screen-- that's pretty cool! Does it hold water? I think I want sun on my extended outdoor scape but today's temps may change my mind lol.

Thanks, @3katz4me and @Lars those photos help a lot. I can see that 48" would serve most of my needs-- but the 42" is going to better fit the corner location and it's really just the look i want!

And since I confused some, here is my vision for the eating and dining areas .. via an extremely crude mockup (note: i will NOT get red cushions).

@Funkyart there is no screen???

Sorry, whatever you call the fabric covering ...

Funky, I can’t wait to visit next summer and curl up on one of those chairs!

PS when I look at Ballard web site, it says those chairs ship in 1-7 days. Why is it going to take so long to get yours? I looked because I want them but I wish (1) they were 1/2 the price and (2) I didn’t already have perfectly good chairs that don’t need to be replaced.

Late to the party, can commisertate on the "wrong purchase" on the wicker set. Re table size. After seeing your chairs, would choose the 48 inch table. The chair arms look wide, and while you could squeeze them around the smaller table, can you position them comfortably for 4 people to be able to eat at the smaller table. Do mock up with cardboard and see how 4 chairs fit around. Looking forward to seeing your vision in situ!

@Sueb20, the chairs at ballard are different-- they are cast aluminum but the ones I like are wrought iron. I would consider the ballard chairs except that the standard cover color (sand) won't work for me (i have beige brick-- they'd disappear)-- and it's another $700 or 800 to replace the cushions.

Wayfair has something similar that they say ships in 10 weeks (vs 40 wks) but I don't trust them-- they don't update shipping times and I have ordered numerous items that have not shipped, not shipped and then cancelled.

Maggie.. I think where i have landed is to keep a table for two under the covered patio and consider a second, larger table when I build out the uncovered patio (for grills, sitting in sun, etc). If i am being honest with myself and you, I am more likely to casually hang with SO/friends/sisters and serve cocktails than to serve full meals. I think this setup will do well for that kind of gathering ... and/or a meal for 2. I just don't Entertain (with a big E) that much anymore. Others in my circle have better spaces for entertaining (and parking) crowds.

This has been a good exercise for me to really think realistically about how i will use the space. Thanks for the input!

@Funkyart LOL! I had to go back and look at my picture. I was afraid I had found a screened in pergola!!! Anyhoo - the cover allows light (greatly filters it) and rain to come through. So no, it doesn't hold water. We only use the shade top during the hottest time of year - probably May - September.

I hate your chairs will take so long but I do agree the wrought iron will be much sturdier than cast aluminum.