5 Must-Have Features in Outdoor Dining Sets for Modern Homes

“Luxury lives in the finer details. It's a cloth napkin at a dinner table. It's a mint on your pillow before bed.”

-Iggy Azalea

Australian rapper and songwriter

A wonderful dining set is indeed pure luxury.

It is a luxury not just in terms of materialistic ownership, but in terms of how it feels when you sit around it with your loved ones. 

Due to this amazing ‘feel,’ great memories are made around the dining set.

Yet, more than a spot to create memories, the dining set is a hard-working piece of furniture as well. Place the set outdoors, and it will undoubtedly work tirelessly. The set is facing sunny days, windy afternoons, and chilling nights all around the year.

It is our onus to make sure that the outer atmosphere does not affect the set badly, and for that, it is essential that the set has certain features in it.

I am sure that, as a furniture lover, you would like to know about those features.

Presenting a blog that will guide you through five must-have features in outdoor dining sets for modern homes. The piece will also explore a few essential elements related to the perfect outdoor dining set. You will get to know certain recommended steps to help you narrow your choices, and most importantly, you will get a list of amazing outdoor sets from which you can choose one for your own place. 

So, let’s start with some basics about these dining sets.

The Importance of an Outdoor Dining Set and How to Choose One

An outdoor dining set is incredibly important because the outdoor space is not an ordinary space for households in Australia. It is as crucial as indoors. 

It is the area where we find the ultimate relaxation and enjoyment. It is a relaxing spot, a personal walking field, and also a fantastic space for socialising with loved ones on weekends. And top-quality outdoor furniture pieces add to these wonderful experiences. 

Yet, in order to enjoy such pleasures, you must know how to select outdoor pieces, especially an outdoor dining set.

You can ensure that by:

1. Understanding your home, its design, and your own style preferences

Looking carefully at your surroundings and understanding its elements is the first part of selecting dining sets. 

Just take a close look at your existing pieces and make sure to match them to your outdoor set choice. A nice understanding of your interior design will make it easier for you to find a dining set that mixes well with its aesthetics.

The furniture pieces must go well with your modern home and blend in seamlessly once you bring them home.

Furthermore, you must understand your own style preferences.

Know what you adore and why. Are you a coastal person or do you prefer to keep it minimalist? Do Scandinavian pieces attract you, or are you attracted to contemporary pieces?

Making a choice is crucial; after all, you’re going to be the one who will see and use the dining set every day. Such confidence also makes it easier to narrow down your choices.

2. Considering your location and the maintenance needs

Before you bring home an outdoor dining set, you must consider the local weather. If you live in an area with a lot of rain, you will need a particular type of furniture, and if it remains hot and dry, you will need to buy different furniture pieces. It’s always best to look for weather-resistant pieces to survive any kind of weather.

Moreover, different outdoor pieces need different levels of maintenance. 

Be fully aware of the maintenance needs for a particular dining set, and then select.

3. Stay quality-conscious and also stay aware of the price range

An outdoor dining set is quite a good investment. It becomes your duty to get your investment’s worth when you bring home the furniture pieces. 

For that, set a pretty good benchmark for the quality of outdoor dining sets. The set should be of high quality in terms of material, style, design, and craft.

Make sure that the dining table and the chairs are professionally manufactured by using robust materials so that they can easily withstand the outer atmosphere, including wear and tear.

Also, have a good idea of the warranties that are offered on the products.

Now, while being quality-conscious, don’t get eager to spend a lot of money in a hurry. You may find a great range of products at different prices. The price of the dining set will depend on various factors, but try to save some money that you can utilise on styling your outdoor furniture pieces.

Browse Divano to get a fair idea of the price range of pieces that you’re interested in. 

You can use the ongoing sale to reduce the prices. 

4. Choose a set of the appropriate size and in the right material

Next, select a dining set that suits your space in terms of size. It should be neither too big nor too small.

If you have a small space, you can think about getting a round table set, and if it is bigger, get a signature piece with eight chairs and ottomans to fill the area beautifully.

Moreover, leave enough space around the pieces to roam around and do your thing comfortably.

And of course, material matters! You can choose from different materials, each with its own qualities, costs, craft, and style. 

The structural frame is a powerful factor that defines the quality.

The lifespan of your dining set will depend to a great extent on this factor.

So you can choose from rattan, wicker, natural wood, heavy-duty wrought iron, stainless steel, aluminium, and plastic. Each with different qualities.

Well, these practical elements are the key to selecting the perfect outdoor dining set.

But, wait!

How do you know that the set that you are buying will have all these elements in it?

For that, the chosen dining set must have certain features. 

Here are those 5 must-have features that your outdoor dining set must have.

The Top 5 Features of an Outdoor Dining Set for a Modern Home

The beautiful ecosystem of online furniture shopping has amazingly changed how we choose our outdoor furniture pieces. Since the troubled Covid times, online purchases of outdoor pieces, including those for living rooms and outdoor spaces, have seen a considerable rise year-on-year.

And this great shift in shopping habits isn’t more than about the ease of buying—it’s about access to knowledge; knowledge about various features of such furniture pieces.

This power of access to features motivates buyers to make an informed purchasing decision. 

So, here are those top five features of dining sets that every online buyer should be aware of before making a purchasing decision. 

Feature no. 1: The Dining Set Material must be Weather-Resistant 

This is simply essential! And therefore, almost all outdoor dining sets are made of materials specifically crafted to handle any kind of climate. 

It is essential because Australia is quite vibrant when it comes to weather conditions. 

If you are in Queensland, you have to get along with tropical downpours, and if you are in Western Australia, hot summers are your thing.

Who can ignore four seasons in a day in Victoria, for that matter?

The outdoor dining set needs great flexibility and strength to stay weather-resistant. The structural frame of the set, of course, plays a key role here. 

For homes in NSW or Queensland—coastal and tropical regions—synthetic wicker or strong polymers on an aluminium framework work nicely. The frame resists the harsh effects of humidity and salty water. In central Australia and Western Australia- dry and hot- eucalyptus and teak go well. They remain unbroken in extreme heat conditions. 

So, you can choose the Bali 7-piece 120cm outdoor dining set in solid teak.

Features of Bali 7pc 120cm Outdoor Dining Set

A beautiful dining set in golden colour.

Crafted from solid teak wood with a stunning golden finish, this 7-piece set includes an octagonal folding dining table and six folding chairs.

It is ideal for small to medium outdoor spaces. 

The set offers a blend of durability and modern design, with the table requiring easy assembly and the chairs arriving fully assembled. 

Its foldable design ensures easy storage, making it both functional and space-saving for your outdoor needs.

Furthermore, nicely treated powder-coated aluminium stays comfortable even on boiling days, and UV-resistant cushion fabrics keep their colors. 

So, you won’t see a washed-out, faded shade after just one summer.

For Tasmania, Melbourne, and nearby regions with fickle weather, materials like hardwoods and synthetic wicker bring out the great results.

Furthermore, go for weather-resistant cushions with washable covers.

Contemporary and modern homes, on a different note, look amazing with powder-coated aluminium frames with clean lines and transparent tabletops. 

Have some knowledge about the properties of the material that your dining set is made of.

Outdoor dining set materials and their properties

• Steel/Wrought Iron: Highly strong; works well with rust-proof coating.
• Aluminium: Best for lightweight; needs low maintenance; rust-resistant.
• Polymer/Plastic: Economical choice; low-maintenance.
• Teak Wood: Long life, resistant to rot; strong and beautiful.
• Resin Wicker: Chic, durable, and weatherproof.

2. Outdoor dining sets must be comfortable, ergonomic, and suitable for your needs 

Your outdoor dining set must come with comfortable features, including ergonomic chairs. The table and chair size should fulfill your hosting requirements.

Standard dining chairs have a seat height of 43-50 cm, while tables generally have 74-78 cm height. If leisurely meals are your thing, go for chairs with contoured and soft backs. The cushions must be weather-resistant and at least 4-6 cm thick for nice comfort.

Choose the Iberia 13-piece outdoor extensible dining table chair set for such comfort.

Features of the Iberia outdoor extensible dining table-chair set

Presenting a beautiful all-weather 12-seater dining set for your modern home. 

It is made of low-maintenance, non-rusting aluminium with a powder-coated finish, and it is extremely comfortable. 

The set includes a 12-seat extension dining table with an aluminium slat surface. Designed in a contemporary coastal style, the set looks pretty in an open-air dining setting. 

Stackable chairs with textilene covers complete the set. These are strong chairs with a charcoal/ white frame with dark silver textilene. 

3. Easy and low maintenance requirements

Easy maintenance is also one of the top features since outdoor furniture pieces need steady upkeep. You can choose an easy-to-maintain material such as treated wood or resin wicker.

These materials can be cleaned with an effortless wipe-up. 

Hardwood and teak pieces are also low-maintenance. They only require quarterly cleaning with water and mild soap, with a yearly decent clean. 

With good care, a teak dining set may last over 20 years! Aluminium dining sets are also amazingly trouble-free.

If it is a coastal area, they require just a monthly wipe-up. Just rinse after using a soft detergent, and they are clean. Overhaul hardware in a year, and you’re good to go with it. 

Good quality aluminium dining sets will decorate your outdoor dining area well for over 12 years. Wicker also requires quarterly soft cleaning with mild soap. With the least care, you can expect over 8 years of good looks.

Hard plastic sets and resin also require minimal care. Just a monthly wipe-up with a soft cleaner is cool. 

Less investment and low maintenance attract many furniture lovers towards plastic dining sets.

4. They must be UV-resistant, rustproof, and moisture-resistant 

For modern houses, dining sets should combine strength with style. 

For that, make sure that your set’s structural frame is inherently rust-proof, offering exceptional weather resistance. 

These materials should be designed to be UV-resistant. It prevents fading and breaking from sun exposure. Note that developing an everyday cleaning routine keeps harmful buildup of pollen, dirt, and other outdoor contaminants away. 

For regions with extreme sun exposure, UV protection outdoor dining sets are worth considering. 

5. They must uplift the charm of your space

And yes, impeccable beauty should also be a feature in your dining set.

So, choose a dining set that is not only robust but also aesthetically pleasing, complementing your home's interior design and architecture. 

They must look pleasing to the eyes when you incorporate nice lighting or lanterns to create an inviting atmosphere for gatherings in the evening. 

A dazzling dining set transforms your outdoor space into an oasis of ethereal beauty, and so, select a design that adds to your outdoor space’s overall décor. 

For your modern home, you can choose neutral tones for a serene beauty or bold tones for a statement piece.

Now wait not; bring home these Divano outdoor furniture bestsellers that are feature-rich and also budget-friendly.

• Iberia 7pc Outdoor Dining Table Chair Set
• Stud 11pc Outdoor High Bar Dining Table Set
• Stud 9pc Outdoor Dining Set
• Stud 5pc Outdoor Dining Set
• Bali 5pc 80cm Outdoor Dining Set
• Barcelona 6pc Outdoor Dining Wicker Set

And many more…

Now, let’s Start Making it Feature-Rich

In conclusion, it is well understood that an outdoor dining set should have at least five features in order to enhance the outdoor space. 

By considering weather resistance, strength, beauty, comfort, and low maintenance, you can find the right match of outdoor furniture for your modern home. 

At Divano, your favourite dining set includes outdoor tables, chairs, sofas, and benches. 

Bring home a lovely garden dining set with up to 30% off in the ongoing winter sale and beautify your outdoor space.

It’s your space; make it luxurious.

Happy purchasing!