A garden bar used to mean a shed with a hand-painted sign. These days it can be as simple as a tall table, a few stools and somewhere to keep the drinks cold. Rattan bar furniture makes it easy to pull off, because it looks smart, copes with the British weather and doesn’t need a builder.
Whether you’re planning summer cocktails or a frosty Christmas get-together with mulled wine, here’s how to choose the right pieces and set up a garden bar that people actually gather round.
Why choose rattan bar furniture?
Bar-height seating changes the feel of a garden. Guests stand and perch rather than sinking into sofas, so it’s more sociable and suits parties where people drift in and out. Rattan brings a few extra benefits:
- Weatherproof. PE rattan on an aluminium or powder-coated steel frame can live outside, so the bar is always ready.
- Small footprint. A tall table and two to four stools take up less floor space than most lounge sets.
- Easy to style. Woven textures look relaxed in summer and cosy with blankets and lights in winter.
The honest downsides? Bar stools aren’t the place for a long afternoon nap. Backless designs get uncomfortable after a while, and tall furniture can feel exposed in a windy spot. They’re also less suited to young children, who may struggle to climb up safely.
Bar sets, stools and tables: what’s available
There are a few ways to build your garden bar, depending on space and budget.
Rattan bar sets
A rattan bar set is the simplest option. You get a matching bar table and stools in one box, usually as a three-piece set for two people or a five or seven-piece set for larger groups. Some include a glass top, cushions on the stools and shelves under the table for bottles and glasses.
Rattan bar stools on their own
If you already have a raised counter, a brick wall with a coping, or an outdoor kitchen, rattan bar stools may be all you need. Look for footrests, a supportive back and cushions that tie on so they don’t slide off.
Ice bucket and cocktail tables
These are tables with a built-in cooler or ice bucket in the centre, sometimes with a lid that lifts or a top that rises to bar height. They keep drinks cold without trips back to the kitchen and are brilliant for parties. Our range of ice bucket tables includes low and tall styles.
Getting the height right
This is where garden bars most often go wrong. A stool that’s too tall or too short for the table is uncomfortable, and you’ll notice within minutes.
| Surface | Typical surface height | Stool seat height to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Dining table | around 72 to 76cm | around 45cm (standard chairs) |
| Counter | around 90cm | around 60 to 66cm |
| Bar | around 100 to 110cm | around 70 to 80cm |
As a rule, leave roughly 25 to 30cm between the top of the seat and the underside of the bar. Check the listing for exact measurements, especially if you’re mixing a table and stools from different ranges. A built-in footrest makes a real difference to comfort at bar height.
Garden bar ideas to try
You don’t need a big garden to create a bar. Here are a few garden bar ideas, from simple to more ambitious.
The patio corner bar
Tuck a three-piece bar set into the corner by the back door. It’s handy for the kitchen, sheltered by the house and easy to light from an outdoor wall light. Perfect for a quick drink after work.
The wall-mounted perch
Fix a sturdy shelf or narrow counter to a garden wall or fence at bar height and line up two or three stools. It takes up almost no floor space, so it’s ideal for narrow gardens and courtyards.
The poolside or lawn bar
In a bigger garden, set up a larger bar set on a flat area of the lawn or near a hot tub, with an ice bucket table alongside. Put down outdoor rugs or paving slabs so the stool legs don’t sink into the grass.
The balcony bar
A slim bar table and two stools can turn a balcony into a sundowner spot. Bar furniture is light, but always check weight limits and any lease or building rules first, and keep tall items away from the edge. Our bistro sets for balconies guide has more space-saving ideas.
Styling a garden bar for autumn and Christmas
A garden bar really comes into its own in the run-up to Christmas, when a short evening outside feels like an event. A few ideas:
- Lighting. Warm-white festoon lights or lanterns make the bar the focal point. Use outdoor-rated lights, and have any new outdoor sockets fitted by a qualified electrician.
- Warmth. Add a patio heater or set the bar near a fire pit. Our fire pit table guide explains the safety basics, including never using gas fire pits under a low canopy.
- Textiles. Seat cushions and a basket of blankets make tall stools far more inviting on a cold night. Bring them indoors afterwards.
- Drinks station. An ice bucket table works as well for chilling fizz as it does for keeping mulled wine jugs and mugs organised.
- Greenery. Potted evergreens, a wreath on the fence and a few garden accessories finish the look.
What to check before you buy
- Frame material. Aluminium is light and rust-free. Powder-coated steel is sturdy and usually cheaper but can rust if the coating chips.
- Stability. Tall furniture needs a wide, steady base. Read reviews for comments on wobble and check for adjustable feet if your patio is uneven.
- Table top. Tempered glass is easy to wipe but shows water marks. Wood-effect or slatted tops hide marks but need more cleaning.
- Cushions. Look for removable, washable covers and quick-dry foam.
- Storage. Shelves under the bar table are useful for glasses, bottles and a bottle opener.
- Value. Compact three-piece bar sets start from around £130, while larger sets with cushioned stools and ice bucket tables start from around £350.
Looking after rattan bar furniture
Brush off leaves and wipe the frame and weave down regularly. A wash with warm soapy water a few times a year keeps it looking fresh, and our rattan cleaning guide has the full routine. Empty and dry ice buckets after every use to stop mould and smells. In winter, store cushions indoors and use a fitted cover on the table and stools between parties. Our garden furniture covers guide explains how to choose one that fits tall pieces.
Garden bar FAQs
Can rattan bar furniture stay outside all year?
PE rattan on an aluminium frame can, as long as you bring the cushions in and use a cover through the wettest months.
What height should garden bar stools be?
For a bar around 100 to 110cm tall, choose stools with a seat height of roughly 70 to 80cm. For a counter around 90cm tall, go for around 60 to 66cm.
How much space do I need for a garden bar?
A three-piece set fits in an area of roughly 1.5m by 1.5m. Allow extra room behind each stool so people can get on and off comfortably.
Are bar stools comfortable for long evenings?
Stools with backs, footrests and cushions are much more comfortable than backless ones. If you plan long nights outside, pair the bar with a lounge set nearby.
Ready to set up your own garden bar? Browse our rattan bar sets and stools to compare sizes, colours and heights.
