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You love to drink your coffee outside, read books in your leisure, or throw parties. But think, you just stepped out of the house, and found nothing to put your stuff like coffee cups, books, snacks, etc. Or, during the parties, every guest is balancing their snacks and soda drinks on their laps. This doesn’t match your aesthetic outdoor setup, right?
That’s where outdoor coffee tables come in. They are more than just flat surfaces– they combine with your outdoor living furniture. Investing in outdoor coffee tables increases your outdoor patio’s functionality and improves the aesthetics.
In Australia, outdoor furniture is becoming popular every day. The outdoor furniture market is projected to grow at a rate of 4.98% by 2029.
In this article, we will discuss outdoor coffee tables and how they enhance your outdoor living with functionality and aesthetics.
What Are Outdoor Coffee Tables?
An outdoor coffee table is a low-profile table that you can use outside. Unlike indoor coffee tables, outdoor coffee tables are built to resist sun, wind, rain, and other outdoor elements.
They are the centrepiece of your outdoor lounge areas/patio and help anchor your outdoor seating arrangement with reliability.
Functional Differences From Indoor Tables
Indoor coffee tables aren’t made to survive heat, moisture, or UV rays. If you leave one outside, you will see it warp or rust within weeks.
On the other hand, outdoor coffee tables are made from weather-resistant furniture materials like treated wood, aluminium, or composite cement. They are tougher, easy to clean, and ready for any season.
Materials of Outdoor Coffee Tables
You have multiple options for material choice for outdoor coffee tables. Choosing the right material means your table lasts longer and looks better.
Here are the top options you will find.
Aluminium
Lightweight and rust-proof– aluminium is a great option if you want to move your table around. Aluminium has a light reflectivity of 80%– making it durable and long-lasting against the harsh sun of Australia.
The tensile strength of aluminium ranges from 228 MPa to 572 MPa, and the corrosion rate is 0.03 to 4 µm per year. These make it very strong and corrosion-resistant in the outdoor environment.
It’s also sleek and fits well with modern outdoor furniture.
Teak
This is one of the most durable woods out there. Teak is naturally water- and insect-resistant. It also has a very low shrinkage coefficient of 5.3%, meaning it will be stable in outdoor environments for years.
It is perfect for harsh climates, but you will want to oil it occasionally to keep that golden colour.
Cement
Cement coffee tables look bold and industrial. They are durable, but heavy. If your outdoor lounge area is windy or you don’t want the table to move, cement is a solid choice.
Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete (GFRC)
GFRC looks like cement when it becomes solid, but it is very lightweight. It is perfect when you need a rustic vibe without needing two people to move it.
It is tough, stylish, and weatherproof.
Rattan Wicker
Rattan wicker gives that classic, cozy vibe perfect for garden coffee tables and cozy patio setups. Synthetic (resin) wicker for outdoor use is UV-resistant, weatherproof, and will not unravel and fade for years. It’s ideal for soft, natural décor themes.
PU Resin and Fibreglass Mix
This combo is lightweight, super durable, and highly resistant to sun and rain. The PU resin and fibreglass mix creates a solid surface that looks sleek and modern.
It’s perfect for modern outdoor furniture fans who want something stylish with low maintenance needs.
Fibrestone
Fibrestone is a lightweight mix of fibreglass and crushed stone, offering the look of real stone without the bulk. It’s weather-resistant, durable, and low-maintenance—perfect for outdoor patio coffee tables. Ideal for both modern and classic styles, it adds a sleek finish to any of your outdoor living furniture setups.
Popular Outdoor Coffee Table Styles
You will find a bunch of popular outdoor coffee table styles in the market. Here are some ideas you will find helpful.
Classic Vs Modern Outdoor Furniture Style
Both classic and modern styles serve different but legitimate tastes and design goals.
- Classic styles use natural materials like teak, GFRC, or aged wood. To mimic the natural tone, they also use rattan wicker. They feature curved legs, ornate designs, and warm tones. This style is perfect for heritage homes or gardens with rustic themes.
- On the other hand, modern outdoor coffee tables have clean lines and no frills. They are usually made from aluminium, fibreglass, PU resins, etc.
The colours of modern furniture stay neutral– charcoal, black, greys, or crisp whites. This works best in minimalist spaces and adds elegance to compact and large patios and backyards.
Coastal Style Coffee Tables
A coastal-style coffee table is designed to reflect the easygoing, airy feel of beachside living. It’s all about creating a relaxed, fresh, and natural vibe—whether you’re by the ocean or just want that seaside atmosphere in your outdoor or indoor space.
Features of a Hampton-style setup include:
- Rattan wicker, aluminium, or whitewashed teak tables with a light, airy finish. Or with slatted tops or wicker bases to keep things light.
- Cushions in navy, white, or seafoam, paired with stripes or nautical prints.
6 Ways Outdoor Coffee Tables Enrich Your Outdoor Living
Outdoor coffee tables enhance your outdoor living in many ways. Here’s how you will benefit.
1. Practical Daily Use
You can use your outdoor coffee tables for daily use. You can put your coffee cups, snacks, and soda drinks that ease your outdoor leisure time.
You can also put your laptop and books on it when you want to work outdoors with some relaxation.
2. Creating a Functional Outdoor Lounge Area
Outdoor coffee tables make your outdoor seating areas functional. When you put the table between the outdoor loungers, it turned your outdoor area into a real outdoor lounge area.
3. Improving Outdoor Entertaining Ideas
When you are hosting outside, you can utilise the coffee tables as your go-to station to put the necessary things. You can utilise it for serving food, soda, snacks, chips, or even portable speakers.
You can also put napkins, bug repellent, and everything your guests might need. All these improve your outdoor entertaining.
4. Amplifying Outdoor Furniture Décor
Tables aren’t just functional — they’re decorative too. Choosing a style that aligns with your outdoor furniture decor adds elegance and aesthetics.
If you’ve got timber chairs, pick a wooden table. For metal or rattan lounges, go with similar finishes. You can add extras like plants, candles, or outdoor lanterns, which will improve your outdoor furniture decor and aesthetics.
This gives your outdoor environment a blend of pure style and functionality. Think bold colours, smooth finishes, or custom tops.
5. Supporting Versatile Lifestyle Use
You may have versatile outdoor spaces. Whether you have a tiny balcony or a large patio, there are outdoor coffee tables that fit everywhere and align with your versatile lifestyle.
In small spaces, you can place a compact table for your morning cuppa or pot plants.
In bigger areas, large outdoor coffee tables can be used to serve food, drinks, snacks, etc.
6. Quick Storage Solution
Some outdoor coffee tables come with built-in compartments or convertible tops. This is great if you want to hide away cushions, coasters, books, small towels, etc.
Such outdoor coffee tables with built-in storage are great for people who don’t have a lot of space and want to keep things tidy.
How to Choose the Right Outdoor Coffee Table
Choosing the right coffee table enhances your living room. Here are some aspects you should consider to pick the right coffee table for you.
Go for Weather-Resistant Furniture Types
Climate considerations are a must. Choose waterproof outdoor furniture that can handle sun, rain, and storms.
Go for materials like UV-resistant synthetic wicker, rust-proof aluminium, GFRC, and sealed teak. These materials will keep your durable outdoor tables in good shape all year. For coastal zones, avoid untreated metal.
Choose Low-Maintenance Options
No time to clean and upkeep your outdoor coffee tables regularly? Then go for materials that don’t absorb stains. Choose lightweight and simple designs.
Powder-coated metal, resin, or glass tops are easy to wipe down. These are ideal for families or anyone who prefers relaxing over constant cleaning.
Avoid raw or untreated wood, porous stone (like unsealed concrete), or fabric-topped tables. These materials easily absorb moisture and stains, need sealing or oiling frequently, and show wear much faster outdoors, especially in humid or coastal areas.
Get the Right Size
Choosing a coffee table for patio setups means balancing space and flow. The standard height is 40–50cm, but check your seat height to keep things level.
Leave about 30–45cm clearance between the table and your sofa/seat for easy movement. Avoid tables that are higher than your seating arrangements.
Tips to Enhance the Functionality of Outdoor Coffee Tables
Here are some ideas for placement, pairing, storage, and style of the coffee tables to enhance your outdoor decoration.
Garden Coffee Tables Designs
In gardens, you can go for natural materials like teak and cement. They blend well with the environment. Round and oval shapes (for example, the 2-Tier End Table) work best around plants and pathways.
Space-Saving Outdoor Furniture Options
For tight balconies, choose small outdoor coffee tables that are light and easy to move. Folding frames with modern designs, hidden storage, and clean lines are perfect.
Placement Ideas for Maximum Comfort
You can place a balcony coffee table between two chairs and allow room to walk.
For larger outdoor areas, try two matching tables or one with extra storage. The goal is comfort without overcrowding.
Outdoor Coffee Table Decoration Tips
To keep your space looking cohesive, match your outdoor coffee table with the material and colour.
- A teak table pairs well with timber or white-cushioned lounges.
- Synthetic rattan or light fibrestone tables go nicely with rattan wicker chairs.
- For black metal seating, choose cement or PU resin in grey. Stick to 2–3 core colours like white, natural wood, and navy to avoid clashing.
Storage and Longevity Tips
When your outdoor coffee tables are not in use, you should properly store them to extend their lifespan as follows.
- Cover the tables when not in use, especially in winter.
- Apply protective oil, such as Golden Care- Teak Protector, to all outdoor coffee tables made from teak once or twice a year.
FAQs
1. What is the best material for an outdoor coffee table?
Teak and aluminium are top choices. Teak offers a natural look and lasts for years. Aluminium is low-maintenance and won’t rust. For something modern, try GFRC cement.
2. Are there eco-friendly outdoor coffee table options?
Yes — look for tables made from reclaimed wood, recycled plastic, or sustainable rattan wicker. These options are durable, stylish, and better for the environment.
3. Is it okay to use an indoor coffee table outside temporarily?
Not really. Indoor tables aren’t built for UV, moisture, or temperature changes. Even a quick exposure can warp or damage them. Stick to waterproof outdoor furniture for safe and long-term use.
4. Is it OK to have a coffee table higher than the sofa?
It’s better if your outdoor coffee table is the same height or slightly lower than your sofa. A taller table can feel awkward and disrupt comfort. Aim for about 40–45 cm to suit most outdoor seating arrangements comfortably.
Final Thought
The right outdoor coffee table does more than hold your drinks or books. It brings your space together, reflects your style, and completes your outdoor living furniture setup.
Whether you need something weather-resistant, compact, or simply stylish, there’s a table that fits. For durable, well-designed options made to handle harsh weather, check out Outdoor Furniture Co Australia. From cozy patios to modern balconies, we’ll help you find the perfect table for your outdoor space.