Outdoor Coffee Tables: How to Choose the Right Size, Height and Material

GUIDE / OUTDOOR TABLES

The right outdoor coffee table sits at about seat height, leaves room to walk around it and shrugs off sun and rain. Here is how to pick one for your lounge, patio or poolside.

The short answer

Choose a table that is the same height as your lounge seat or a little lower, and about two thirds the length of your sofa. Pick the material for your conditions: resin and aluminium need almost no care, glass and ceramic tops look refined and wipe clean, and timber suits a covered area. Our range of outdoor coffee tables runs from 25.5 cm to 50 cm high, so there is a size for a low lounge and for a higher setting.

1. Get the height right

Most people reach for a drink or a plate while sitting back, so a coffee table that is too tall or too low gets in the way. Aim for a top at about seat height, or slightly lower. Low modular lounges pair with low tables, such as the Nardi Komodo at 32.5 cm. Upright chairs and higher seats pair with taller ones, such as the Kanso at 50 cm.

2. Match the size to your seating

• Long sofa or corner lounge. Go rectangular or large. A table around two thirds of the sofa length looks balanced and keeps things within reach.
• Two armchairs and a small setting. A compact square or round table, around 70 cm or less, leaves room to walk past.
• Small balcony. Choose a small side table or a stackable one you can tuck away.
• Leave a walkway. Measure the gap between table and seating before you buy, and keep a clear path to the door.

Not sure of your overall layout? Read what size outdoor table you need for seating numbers, or browse all outdoor tables.

3. Choose the material for your conditions

Five coffee tables worth a look

Sizes below are from each product page. Check the page for current availability and delivery.

See the full range of outdoor coffee tables, or round outdoor tables if you prefer a softer shape.

When a side table is the better choice

A side table works beside a single chair, a sun lounger or at the end of a sofa, where a full coffee table would crowd the space. It also gives you somewhere to put a drink by the pool. These suit small spaces:

Browse all outdoor side tables, or add a stool or ottoman from outdoor footrests and ottomans for extra seating.

Looking after your table

Resin, aluminium and powder coated frames need little more than a wipe with mild soapy water and a rinse. Glass and ceramic tops clean up with a damp cloth. For the full routine, read how to clean outdoor furniture.

Frequently asked questions

How high should an outdoor coffee table be?

About the same height as your seat, or a little lower. The coffee tables in our range run from 25.5 cm to 50 cm high, so you can match a low modular lounge or a taller chair.

What size coffee table suits a small patio?

A compact square or round table around 70 cm or less, or a small side table, leaves space to walk around it. The Nardi Komodo is 70 x 70 cm and the Nardi Net 40 is 40 x 40 cm.

What is the best material for an outdoor coffee table?

UV resistant resin and powder coated aluminium are the easiest to look after and suit most Australian conditions. Glass and ceramic tops add a refined look.

Can I leave an outdoor coffee table out all year?

Resin and aluminium tables are made for outdoor use and can stay out. Timber suits a covered area, and it is worth checking the care notes on each product page.

What is the difference between a coffee table and a side table?

A coffee table sits in front of a lounge and is usually larger. A side table is smaller and sits beside a chair or at the end of a sofa.