If you've been shopping for garden seating, you'll have seen the same style of furniture listed under half a dozen different names — companion set, jack and jill bench, tête-à-tête, love seat. They all describe the same thing, and the mix of names causes no end of confusion. Here's what a companion set actually is, why it has so many names, and how to choose the right one for your garden.

What is a companion set?

A companion set is two individual seats joined by a shared central table. Instead of sitting side by side on a bench, you sit with a small table between you — ideal for resting a cup of tea, a book or a drink while you talk. Most sets seat two, though three and four-seater versions add extra chairs around the same central table. The table often includes a parasol hole so you can add shade on a hot day.

It's the sociable middle ground between a plain garden bench and a full dining set: more practical than a bench for sitting and chatting, but far more compact than a table-and-chairs arrangement. That makes companion sets a natural fit for patios, balconies and smaller gardens where space is tight.

Why so many names? Jack and jill, tête-à-tête and love seat explained

The different names all refer to the same basic design — they're regional and stylistic variations rather than different products:

• Jack and jill bench — a traditional British name, referring to the two paired seats.
• Tête-à-tête — French for "head to head", describing seats angled towards each other for easier conversation.
• Love seat or garden love bench — emphasises the intimate, two-person nature of the seating.
• Companion set or companion seat — the most common trade term, and the one we use at Bench Store.

If you see any of these terms, you're looking at the same style of furniture. Don't let the naming put you off comparing options.

Angled or straight?

Companion sets come in two configurations. Angled sets turn the seats gently towards each other, which makes conversation more comfortable and gives the set a slightly more relaxed look. Straight sets keep the seats in line, which can suit a more formal setting or a spot against a wall or fence. Both hold the same central table — the choice comes down to how you'll use it and where it's going.

What to look for in a quality companion set

As with any garden furniture, the material and build determine how long it lasts outdoors. A few things worth checking:

• Timber quality — FSC-certified Scandinavian redwood or a dense hardwood like Roble will outlast cheaper softwoods.
• Treatment — pressure-treated timber resists rot far better than an untreated or lightly painted finish.
• Fittings — galvanised zinc bolts won't rust and streak the wood the way ordinary steel can.
• Guarantee — a rot-free guarantee (Charles Taylor sets carry ten years) tells you the maker stands behind the timber.
• Assembly — check whether it arrives flat-packed or ready to use, and factor in any delivery lead time.

Finding the right companion set

At Bench Store, our garden companion sets are led by Charles Taylor — handmade in Britain from FSC-certified redwood with a 10-year guarantee, in angled and straight configurations. As an authorised stockist with over 35 years in the trade, we handpick every set for build quality and comfort. Browse the full companion set range, or see how they compare with our wooden garden benches if you're weighing up a bench instead.