Today’s outdoor and garden conservatory dining sets raise the bar on seating; new alternative dining heights offer everything from traditional dining height to savvy bar or ‘gathering’ heights.

It used to be that basic outdoor and conservatory dining sets meant a redwood picnic table and benches in the backyard, but not anymore. Across all categories of conservatories, furniture materials, from woods to metals to wicker, the choices in table style are good-looking and abundant, with many newcomers to the category.

High Dining Tables

This trend has come from the popularity sparked in the indoor category of the same. Sometimes referred to as “gathering height” or “balcony height” tables, these measure about 36 inches from the ground; the category is between bar height and dining height. Seating height is usually about 26 inches and is designed to get into and out more easily than bar height for most people, especially with chairs with a swivel or rocking action.

High dining is especially attractive and welcoming where there is a great view to enjoy, like from a conservatory looking over a garden wall or embankment where you would want an elevated view of the scenery. However, consider your available space; this type of set makes a great addition to an open patio or conservatory but may not work well in an area where bulky chairs or oversize armrests could get in the way of traffic flow.

Chat Groupings

Also called “gathering” or “conversation” groupings, these sets are lower than traditional dining height. Designed for casual, small gatherings, these sets are most popular in four-person seating. They make a great setting for cocktails, brunch, or late-night conversations.

Chat tables come in a wide variety of finishes, from basic woods, wickers, or metals, to dynamic mosaic tile and stone tops. Chairs for this category are wider and deeper to increase comfort and keep the feeling relaxed. Here too, you’ll find options for rockers, gliders, and swivel-action seating. You can also find several brands that sell these tables with inserted fire pits or drink coolers built-in.

Dining Height Sets

The biggest news in traditional tabletop dining is that plain glass-top tables are being replaced with tinted, smoked, and etched glass, giving new dimensions and interest to this category. You will also find lots of texture with the addition of beautiful tile tops, mosaics, granite and resin composites, and brushed or polished metal surfaces.

Metal conservatory sets are also more interesting, with better cast aluminum options and more intricate design patterns. Powder coatings have been improved for better rust resistance. The most popular type of chair in this grouping is the “sling” chair, which has become the standard chair type sold with many different brands of dining sets. This vinyl material is mesh-like in its construction and requires very little maintenance, nothing more than hosing off with soapy water to keep it looking good. This material is great for the beach or around the pool, as it’s weather and UV-resistant and holds up well in saltwater or chlorine-heavy environments.