15 Best Outdoor Side Tables to Turn Your Backyard Patio Into a Dream Destination

Simplicity is best with small outdoor side tables (indoor too, for that matter). The best ones are lightweight and have a straightforward design that doesn’t take up much space. Take IKEA’s popular Tanebro table, for example. The affordable piece not only comes in several colors—including black, green, beige, and pale yellow—but is made of a powder-coated steel that’s not hard to clean. As one reviewer says, “Perfect size for a small porch, perfect height for a cup of coffee from a porch chair.”

If you’re looking for a black outdoor side table, you can get two stunning pieces for the price of one with West Elm’s best-selling Tyra nesting side tables. The sleek modern design is a dream for hosting because it can easily be moved around as needed. Styling wise, it’s minimalist enough to work with most aesthetics, including yours, though we think it looks particularly nice when paired with outdoor lounge chairs in cream, beige, and other warm neutral tones. 

Side tables are typically seen as more of a functional piece than a conversation starter, but not so with Anthropologie’s Frutta ceramic side table. Each of the fruit-forward designs is just the pop of color your patio needs this summer. Choose one in lemon, orange, or strawberry—or better yet, all three.

Teak outdoor side tables are known for their durability, but this one is particularly built to last. From its timeless and functional design to the weather-resistant detailing, you won’t have to think about redecorating your patio ever again with a piece like this. But even though it comes with a one-year limited warranty, we recommend treating your table with teak oil to enhance the wood grain and further protect against weathering.

Host a lot? You might want to consider an outdoor side table that also functions as a cooler. This one comes in six attractive colors—we’re partial to the taupe or white—and has an ingenious adjustable table height so you can use the base for ice and beverages and the top for all your snacks. Cheers to that.

The stylish boho-chic look of handwoven outdoor wicker side tables is reason enough to add these nesting tables to cart. Just wait until you learn that they’re a sustainable lighting solution, too. Sold as a set of two, the weather-resistant design features built-in solar panels that charge during the day and automatically light at night. You’ll get up to 10 hours of warm accent lighting and a versatile table, all in one beautiful piece.

This aluminum table has the kind of minimalist design that makes it the perfect blend between function and form, and it’s waterproof and rust proof too. Customer reviews describe this metal outdoor side table as “sturdy,” “great looking,” and “simple yet elegant.” What else do you need, really?

You won’t find a more “waterproof” outdoor side table than this. The patented plastic-stone composite material prevents UV damage and is weather-resistant—and best of all, the table itself also doubles as an umbrella stand. Staying sun safe has never looked better.

So many Article customers liked this indoor-outdoor rattan table that more than one said they ended up ordering a second table after their initial purchase. Take that as your sign to double-up when you order.

Style it as a plant stand in a corner, or tuck it in next to your outdoor sofa as the perfect spot to place a margarita. Either way, Terrain’s hand-crafted spiral aluminum side table is the colorful touch your backyard needs. Each of the six options—chartreuse, white, lavender, gold, green, and blue—stand out on their own, but you’ll have the most fun if you mix and match.

New to Pottery Barn, the Lakewood rope round side table is about as close to the “quiet luxury” aesthetic as a patio accent table can get. The acacia wood and cream-colored rope details are so sophisticated, your guests will think they’ve arrived at a five-star resort. Most luxurious of all, however, is the white glove delivery service that includes full assembly, packaging removal, and recycling.

Few outdoor side tables with storage are as roomy as this piece. In fact, many customers say in their reviews that they used theirs to organize toys, chair cushions, and other larger items. The functionality doesn’t end there, either—the lid easily slides off so you can use it as a tray table for carrying drinks or snacks.

A best seller at West Elm, you’ll love how much of a statement this sculptural concrete pedestal table makes. We recommend styling it with wicker furniture for a super-chic blend of textures and fabrications. It’s the kind of piece that stands out without making a fuss about it.

Scroll through the customer reviews on Amazon for this unsuspecting glass-top table, and you’ll understand how versatile it really is. One person describes turning it into a bistro set for their patio, while another says they used theirs as a plant stand in the summer and then a place to hold seasonal decorations in the fall and winter.