When landscape designers ask clients who are gardeners where they like to sit, the answer they get is often “several places,” since real gardeners notice the path of the sun and place themselves accordingly. In smaller gardens, light (or indeed shade) will need to be maximized, which is why you might find yourself moving furniture a few feet to the left or right, depending on the time of day. Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite portable, foldable tables for quick relocations and, come winter, easy storage.
Above: The BM3670 Outdoor Dining Table, designed in 1968 and now made from FSC-certified teak, was originally conceived by Danish designer Børge Mogensen, for use on his balcony (it measures 45.3″ long). Available from Hive at $1050, a wall mount is optional, for off-the-floor storage.Above: Foldable doesn’t have to mean small, and this Deck Folding Table, a 1971 design by Mogensen, is about two thirds longer at 76.6 inches, seating at least eight. $1970 from Design Within Reach.Above: Denmark leads the field in this category and Skagerak’s Selandia line offers a choice of foldable tables round and straight (plus foldable chairs). Round Folding Table, $1629 at Danish Design Store.Above: As if to remind you that it is always a good time for a picnic, Herman Studio’s Picnic Folding Table comes with a handle on top. Powder-coated aluminum, £689 at Skandium.
Above: The Ethimo Flower Bistro Square 31.5 Inch Table is Italian-designed. Available in 18 colors in UV-resistant, powder-coated steel. Bon Marché offers it at $445, with free shipping.Above: From Portuguese design house Adico, this 1950s design was a tribute to legendary French engineer Gustave Eiffel. The Adico 402 Folding Table is available from London retailers TwentyTwentyOne and The Conran Shop for around $300. The latter has devised its own colorways (with matching chairs), including the ones shown here.
