For the adult entertainer in you, there's no talk of card tables and cheap lawn chairs when it comes to an outdoor gathering. You have progressed beyond the college kegger days and leave the Christmas lights just for the winter months. You also know that success hinges on buying just the right patio dining set. These days, outdoor and indoor dining sets have been playing around with different table and chair heights, the result of which changes the feel and formality of any occasion.
Normal Height
The average dining and writing table, the kind build for basically as long as tables have been around, in Western Europe at least all measure around 28 to 30 inches high. The average height for many a table is exactly 29 inches. The chairs then sit proportionate, with typical seats measuring 11" to 13" lower. The normal allowance for leg room is about 24 inches, and 12 inches of that should be reserved for knee clearance.
High Tables
Recently, the furniture world has embraced the form of the elegant high dining table, which has in turn influenced many a patio dining set. Also known as gathering height and balcony tables, these are raised about half a foot higher than typical tables, or on average 36" high. Chair seats typically measure in at 26 inches, which means more leg room than normal height tables. This unique realm is in between dining table and bar height, so it's not uncomfortably high, but noticeably so. The chairs of a high dining set are specifically designed for convenience, and are supposedly easier to get into and out of than are barstools. There are even some chairs which swivel to accommodate. The resulting feeling can either be more formal than a normal table, or more akin to bar-side dining, depending on the surrounding ambience of the décor and the occasion itself. The high patio dining set also gives a more modern look, but is useful in certain spots where a good view is to be enjoyed, as over a tall fence or wall. It would not however be ideal in areas that are already adequately elevated, like roof decks and could give users the adverse effect of feeling too high up. For indoors, balcony tables look great in cathedral ceiling and loft spaces.
Low Tables
The low patio dining set is relatively modern trend in furniture as well. Also called chat, gathering and conversation groupings, these are the type of patio dining set you would see at elite clubs and lounges.
They are vaguely reminiscent of Asian style low seating, but not so low that you have to sit on your knees atop a pillow. These setups are reserved for more casual occasions, such as brunch, drinks, or as the name would imply, chatting. However, they are not necessarily for everyone. Some people with long legs might have trouble fitting underneath the table, while those with back ailments might find it uncomfortable to sit so low to the ground. Also, as the opposite of the high patio dining set, the gathering set is perfect for roof balconies, but can tend to feel dwarfed when surrounded by noticeably taller accompanying furniture and walls.
To buy the right patio dining set, you need to consider two major factors. The one thing to ask yourself is where it's going to go. Exactly what amount of space there is, along with whether it will be placed inside, outside, on a roof, etc. will help determine what is needed. The second consideration is how it will match your décor and the ambience you want to imbue upon your guests. For instance, if most of your other furniture is traditional, you may want to go with a traditional height table. Do your friends prefer formal sit-down dinners, sophisticated soirees or drinks and mingling? In the end, there is no right thing to buy. It hinges upon personal preference along with individual situations.
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