Rattan Cube Sets: Space-Saving Garden Furniture for Small Patios

Got a small garden but still want to seat the family for dinner? A rattan cube set might be the cleverest bit of outdoor furniture you’ll ever buy. The chairs and stools tuck right under the table when you’re done, leaving one neat block that takes up barely more of your outdoor space than the table itself. In this rattan cube set buying guide we’ll cover how they work, which size to go for, the details worth checking before you buy, and the honest downsides nobody mentions on the product page.

How does a cube set work?

A cube set is a square or rectangular table with chairs and footstools designed to slide underneath it. When it’s packed away, it looks like a single rattan cube. Pull the pieces out and you have a full outdoor dining set. Most come with seat cushions, and the footstools double as extra seats when friends pop round.

Some designs go a step further, making even better use of a small patio. You’ll find sets where the chairs have low backs that fold or slot neatly against the table edge, and others where the footstools sit inside the chairs. The idea is always the same: lots of seating when you need it, very little clutter when you don’t.

4, 6 or 8 seater?

Size	What you usually get	Best for
4 seater	Table and 4 chairs, or 2 chairs and 2 stools	Couples and small patios
6 seater	Table, 4 chairs and 2 stools	Small families
8 seater	Table, 4 chairs and 4 stools	Families who entertain

Tucked away, a 4 seater typically measures under a metre square. Remember that you’ll still need room around it to pull the chairs out when you use it. As a rough rule, allow about 75cm on each side where someone will sit, so they can push back and stand up without bumping into a wall or a flower bed.

It’s worth being realistic about the “seater” number. On an 8 seater, four of those seats are usually footstools. That’s fine for a summer barbecue, but if you regularly host eight adults for a long dinner, a full dining table set with proper chairs may suit you better. Our guide on how to choose a rattan dining set compares the two.

Why a cube set is ideal for small gardens

• Tiny footprint when stored. More room in your outdoor space for kids, pets and plants.
• Easy to cover. One square cover protects the whole set in winter, and fitted covers for cube shapes are easy to find.
• Tidy look. No chairs left scattered across the lawn.
• Flexible seating. Stools work as side tables or footrests.
• Good value for the space. You get dining and casual seating from one set, rather than buying two.

The trade-off is comfort. Because everything has to fit into a compact shape, the chairs are rarely as deep or reclined as a sofa set. If lounging matters more to you than eating outside, have a look at our sofa sets or corner sofa sets instead.

Rattan cube set buying guide: what to check

Chair comfort

Because the chairs need to slide under the table, they can be lower and boxier than standard dining chairs. Look for thicker seat and back cushions and note the seat height in the listing (around 40 to 45cm feels normal for dining). Removable, washable cushion covers are a big plus.

Table height

Some cube sets are coffee-table height rather than dining height. Make sure you get the one you need. A dining-height table is usually around 70 to 75cm tall.

Glass top

Tempered safety glass, at least 5mm thick, is easy to wipe and won’t shatter dangerously. See whether the glass sits loose or is held in place, as a loose top can slide when you pull the chairs out.

Frame and weave

PE rattan on an aluminium frame is lighter to slide in and out, and won’t rust. Steel frames are heavier, which helps with stability on windy patios, but they need more care at the joints. Avoid PVC weaves if you can, as they tend to fade and crack in the weather much sooner. Good-quality PE rattan is woven tightly, UV-stable and weather-resistant, which is what you want for a set that lives outdoors.

Feet and levelling

Patios are rarely perfectly flat. Adjustable or rubber-capped feet stop the table rocking and protect your paving from scratches.

Colour

Grey is by far the most popular choice, but shades vary a lot. Our guide to grey rattan garden furniture explains how light grey, mixed grey and charcoal compare, and which suits your patio and the rest of your outdoor design.

Planning the layout

A few useful tips before you order:

• Measure twice. Mark the stored size and the “in use” size on the ground with tape or chalk, and walk around it.
• Think about access. Leave a clear path to the back door and any gates.
• Consider shade. A square table often has a parasol hole. Check the size and pair it with one of our garden parasols.
• Think about delivery. Cube sets often arrive in one or two large boxes. Make sure they’ll fit through a side gate or the house.

Where you put it matters too. A cube set works best on a firm, level surface such as paving or decking. On a lawn, the legs sink into soft ground and the chairs are hard to slide back under the table, so if grass is all you have, consider a few paving slabs as a base. It’s also worth thinking about the view. Placing the set where you get evening sun, or where you can keep an eye on the kids playing, means you’ll actually use it rather than walking past it.

Finally, think about storage space for the cushions. Most cube sets come with several, and a waterproof storage box or a spare shelf in the shed saves you carrying them back and forth through the house every time it looks like rain.

Cube set or bistro set?

If it’s genuinely just the two of you and you only have a balcony, a rattan bistro set is smaller still. If you want flexibility for guests, a cube set wins. It’s also easier to grow into: a 4 seater can handle the odd visitor, while a bistro set really is built for two.

Care and maintenance

Good news: a PE rattan cube set is fairly low maintenance. Brush off leaves and dust every few weeks, wash it with warm soapy water a couple of times a season and let it dry before covering. Our guide to cleaning rattan garden furniture has the full routine. Bring cushions inside when it rains, or store them in a waterproof box.

Cube set FAQs

Can garden furniture sets like these stay outside all year?

A cube set can, as long as it’s PE rattan on an aluminium frame. Store the cushions inside and use a breathable cover through winter to keep off rain, leaves and algae.

How long do outdoor furniture sets last in the UK?

It depends mostly on the weave and frame, plus how well it’s looked after. A well-made PE rattan cube set that’s covered in winter should last many seasons, while cheaper PVC weaves usually show wear much sooner.

Are the footstools comfortable enough to sit on?

For a meal, yes, especially with a cushion. For long evenings, most people prefer the chairs.

Are garden furniture sets expensive to run?

No. There are no running costs beyond the occasional cleaning products, a cover and, eventually, replacement cushions. Prices to buy vary widely, so check our guide to the best time to buy rattan garden furniture.

Looking for more options? See the range of rattan cube sets available on our site, add a parasol for shade, or read the full rattan garden furniture buying guide.