Buying an Outdoor Coffee Table
There are a few things to consider when buying an outdoor coffee table — or really any piece of outdoor furniture — including obvious factors like style and comfort. Be sure to consider the material it’s made of, which often has unique benefits and maintenance requirements.
For instance, aluminum outdoor furniture is lightweight and won’t fade or rust, while steel is heavier and more durable but requires rust protection. You can often find outdoor tables made from wood like teak, cedar, cypress or pine, but these materials often require a sealant to protect it and help prevent fading. Of course, there’s also plastic furniture, which is inexpensive and lightweight but typically not as durable as other options.
Best Round Outdoor Coffee Table: Project 62 Martii Rattan Table
If you want to pull up several patio chairs to your coffee table, consider a round model such as the Project 62 Martii Rattan Coffee Table. It’s crafted from all-weather rattan wicker for a homey feel, and the steel frame supports drinks, decor and anything else you want to put on it. “The table top is thick and sturdy enough to hold cocoa cups and board games,” writes one happy Amazon reviewer who gave it five stars.
Best Wooden Outdoor Coffee Table: Christopher Knight Home Carlisle Table
For a simple, timeless coffee table that meshes well with any decor, the Christopher Knight Home Carlisle Outdoor Acacia Wood Coffee Table is a great pick. It has a rustic sandblasted finish, and the acacia wood top is supported by a black iron frame that reviewers call extremely durable. “We have two large dogs and cigar-smoking friends, and it is handling the abuse while still looking good,” says one reviewer. If you prefer a coffee table with shade, consider building an umbrella table.
Best Wicker Outdoor Coffee Table: Hampton Bay Cambridge Table
Wicker is a classic outdoor furniture material, and today it can be made from traditional rattan or synthetic resin. The Cambridge Wicker Outdoor Patio Coffee Table falls into the latter category, with an all-weather resin construction and faux wood top. The rectangular shape is ideal for an outdoor sitting area, and the lower shelf is handy for storing accessories you might want nearby.
Best Concrete Outdoor Coffee Table: Leisure Made Montgomery Table
No need to worry about this coffee table blowing over in the wind! The Leisure Made Montgomery Concrete Outdoor Coffee Table is as sturdy as they come. The statement table is hand cast from concrete and fiberglass so it’s solid but not overly heavy, and the white-washed exterior highlights the intricate pattern around its edges. Alternatively, you can make a concrete table.
Best Metal Outdoor Coffee Table: Hampton Bay Crestridge Table
Metal coffee tables are some of the most durable, and the Hampton Bay Crestridge Steel Outdoor Patio Coffee Table is even powder-coated for increased longevity. This table has a dark brown steel frame with a wood-pattern ceramic tile tabletop, and you can actually swap out the existing tiles for custom ones to match your decor. Another option is this build-it-yourself table with hand-bent metal legs and a tiled top.
Best Glass-Top Outdoor Coffee Table: Sol 72 Brentwood Table
If you’re looking for a sleek, modern coffee table, the Sol 72 Brentwood Coffee Table combines a traditional wicker base with a contemporary glass top and silver feet. The glass top provides a flat area to place drinks, and reviewers love how spacious this table is. Says one, “(It) is a perfect size for entertaining and plenty large enough for guest drinks and appetizers.”
Best Outdoor Coffee Table with Storage: Hampton Bay Laguna Point Table
The handy Hampton Bay Laguna Point Wicker Outdoor Coffee Table does double duty as a table and a hidden storage spot. It’s made from all-weather resin wicker woven into a unique knit-inspired pattern, and features a steel frame and glass top for durability. As if that’s not enough, this outdoor storage bench has a compartment that’s perfect for stashing outdoor pillows and other accessories.
Best Modern Outdoor Coffee Table: Safavieh HadwinTable
For a stylish modern outdoor living space, consider the Safavieh Hadwin Coffee Table, suited for indoor and outdoor use. This sleek accent piece has an oval concrete tabletop that’s supported by a natural acacia wood frame, providing an interesting touch of contrast that will make it the focal point of any room, inside or out.
Best Budget-Friendly Outdoor Coffee Table: IKEA KROKHOLMEN Table
If you’re not looking for anything fancy, the KROKHOLMEN Coffee Table from IKEA is a simple option that’s incredibly affordable at $35. The steel table features a mesh metal top, and reviewers say it’s really sturdy, especially for the price.
“I love the size and round shape,” writes one reviewer who gave the table five stars. “We get high winds in our backyard and since the top is open mesh, we’ve had no issues with them blowing around.”