NewInterior AI
Outdoor Furniture & Decor

Outdoor Side Table

The outdoor side table is a small but essential accessory that brings convenience to every outdoor seating position, providing a surface for drinks, phones, books, and sunscreen within arm's reach. These compact tables eliminate the awkward balancing of beverages on chair arms, ground surfaces, or laps, adding a touch of polish and practicality that elevates the entire outdoor experience. Outdoor side tables come in a delightful variety of forms, from classic round drum shapes and C-shaped slide-under designs to folding portable options and sculptural accent pieces. Their modest size makes them perfect for experimenting with bold materials and colors that might overwhelm in a larger piece—a vivid cobalt ceramic drum, a hammered copper end table, or a concrete hourglass form can serve as a striking accent within a neutral seating group. Lightweight models that can be easily picked up and repositioned are particularly versatile, moving from beside the lounge chair to next to the hammock as the mood dictates.

Key Characteristics

  • ✓Compact portable design
  • ✓Within arm's reach of seating
  • ✓Lightweight and repositionable
  • ✓Weather-resistant construction
  • ✓Available in bold accent materials
  • ✓Stable flat surface for beverages

Types & Variations

Round drum side table
C-shaped slide-under side table
Folding tray-style side table
Stacking nesting side tables
Stool-height dual-purpose side table

Common Materials

Glazed ceramic drumPowder-coated aluminumTeak with natural finishHammered metal copper or brassCast concrete with textureAll-weather wicker with glass top

Works Well With These Styles

CoastalModernEclecticBohemianContemporary

Placement & Usage Tips

Position side tables within 6 to 12 inches of chair arms at approximately the same height as the chair arm or slightly below. For chaise lounges, place a side table at the midpoint of the chaise on the dominant-hand side for easy access.

💡 Pro Tip

Choose a side table with enough weight to resist wind displacement but light enough to reposition one-handed while holding a drink in the other. The sweet spot is typically 8 to 15 pounds, which ceramic drums and small concrete tables achieve naturally without added ballast.

Related Terms

Outdoor Coffee Table

A low, weather-resistant table placed in outdoor seating areas to hold drinks, books, and decorative items, available in materials from teak to powder-coated aluminum.

Outdoor Lounge Chair

A comfortable, reclining or deep-seated chair designed for relaxation in outdoor environments, typically featuring weather-proof upholstery and rust-resistant frames.

Outdoor Chaise

An elongated reclining chair designed for sunbathing and poolside relaxation, featuring adjustable back positions and weather-resistant construction.

← Back to Glossary