Brigid Arnott
Relaxing alfresco is the stuff of life in Australia and setting the scene with comfortable, purpose-driven furnishings can take your entire outdoor zone from drab to fab. The inclusion of an outdoor coffee table as part of the mix creates a heavenly area to rival your interior decor and the right one will provide a surface to display plants and platters, a place to pop your drinks and even somewhere to put up your feet if that’s how you roll.
Investing in furniture designed for the outdoors and made to withstand the rigours of weather as the seasons change makes good sense. Buy once, buy well. Choose a style with your unique outdoor conditions in mind – such as salty sea air, frosty winters or harsh sunlight – and your outdoor coffee table is more likely to stand the test of time.
In terms of material, timber may be the obvious choice, however powder-coated steel, recycled plastic, concrete and natural stone all feature in the growing market of outdoor furniture. Better still, choose one that can be used inside too and repeat the same table outside for a cohesive transition from living room to alfresco zone. If space allows, consider outdoor furniture sets complete with an outdoor sofa, armchairs, and outdoor coffee table and matching side tables. Why not add an outdoor rug to anchor the area and raise the style stakes?
2024’s TOP OUTDOOR COFFEE TABLES
- Nora travertine coffee table set, $499.99, Adairs (here’s why)
- Newport coffee table in Oak, $599, Lounge Lovers (here’s why)
- Lovell concrete indoor/outdoor coffee table, $799, Luxo Living (here’s why)
The best outdoor coffee tables 2024
01
Nora travertine coffee table set
$499.99/set of 2, Adairs
Best for: Decks and balconies
Key features:
Ideal for a contemporary deck or balcony, get the look and feel of trending travertine without the grunt work or extra weight. Group next to one another for a larger surface area for food and display, or split and set up alongside seating to have tables within easy reach.
- Faux travertine finish
- Best used undercover
- Indoors or outside use
- Dimensions: Small – W50 x D50 x H33cm / Large – W58 x D58 x H40cm
- Made from MDF and laminate
02
Newport coffee table in Oak
$599, Lounge Lovers
Best for: Multipurpose outdoor zones
We love furniture that does double duty and this clever coffee table can be used as seating in your alfresco setting, or as part of the mix of the Newport collection of outdoor furniture. Natural, durable Acacia wood is used with a light teak finish on steel legs for a look that’s at home in a classic or contemporary setting.
Key features:
- Wipe clean surface
- Solid Acacia wood with powder-coated steel legs
- Ottoman also available
- Dimensions: W83 x D83 x H22cm
03
Lovells concrete indoor/outdoor coffee table
$799, (usually $1099) Luxo Living
Best for: Sleek, statement-making style
Go low with this behemoth of an outdoor coffee table. Ideal for outdoor living, plan to position this statement-making solid concrete unit just where you want it in your relaxation zone. The huge surface area boasts a smooth finish and rounded shape to make a welcome change from timber and rectangles for contemporary styling.
Key features:
- Available in White or Grey
- Weatherproof concrete with Polyurethane coating
- Dimensions: W120 x H30cm
- Weight 120kg
- Delivery fee applies
04
Maui outdoor coffee table
$279, Castlery
Best for: Everyday alfresco living
Solid Acacia wood and a classic coffee table aesthetic will work with any outdoor furniture combination to effortlessly take your entertaining outdoors. The Maui collection also includes a matching side table, outdoor sofa and lounge chairs and all pieces have custom covers available to purchase separately.
Key features:
- Solid Acacia timber construction
- Can also be used indoors
- Natural lacquer finish
- Dimensions: W100 x D70 x H36.5cm
- Classic coffee table style
05
Airlie outdoor coffee table in White
$149.95, Pillow Talk
Best for: Poolside entertaining
Pair this beauty with the matching side table for a fresh update to your contemporary outdoor deck, patio, poolside, or front verandah. The lightweight material and compact size let you take it anywhere and the UV resistance makes it your new alfresco BFF. You’re welcome.
Key features:
- Wipe-clean surface
- UV-protected Polypropylene
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Dimensions: Coffee table – W70 x H36cm / Side table – W45 x H50cm
06
Malta outdoor round drum coffee table
$729, Castlery
Best for: All-day lounging
Designed to last, this generous, robust coffee table is part of an entire collection of ‘Malta’ outdoor furniture and sold separately or as a bundle – you choose which pieces work best in your space. Not sure if it’ll work in your space? Plug the dimensions of your outdoor room into Castlery’s Room Designer to play with layout and sizing for a perfect fit!
Key features:
- Elegant wicker weave on an aluminium frame
- Round design eliminates sharp edges
- Dimensions: W98 x H40cmG
- 2 year limited warranty with 14-day return
07
Globe West ‘Aperto Ali’ round side table in Grey
$450.00, Aura
Best for: Tight spaces
If your alfresco area is small in size, make a big impact with this handy side table that can be tucked in anywhere next to furniture. Designed in Australia, the minimal profile would work indoors too and doesn’t take up any visual space, thanks to a streamlined silhouette.
Key features:
- Powder-coated finish
- Easy to move around
- Lightweight aluminium
- Dimensions: W40 x H40cm
08
‘Gardeon’ coffee table in Natural
$111.94 (usually $154.95), Myer
Best for: Pet lovers
Why can’t your furry friend be part of the outdoor action?! This hidey-hole is the perfect perch for pets to curl up without being underfoot, even when no one else is about. The sturdy construction includes a pet bed and extra aluminium bracing at the base to carry your pooch or pussy. Double the fun by getting one for indoors and one for outside.
Key features:
- All-weather use
- Removable tempered glass tabletop for hot and cold beverages
- Dimensions: W51 x H42cm (opening 20cm)
- Weather-resistant and rust-free, stylish design
What do you put on an outdoor coffee table?
When choosing your outdoor coffee table, go large! Try for as much surface area as possible to style with lighting or candles and leave room for food plates and drinks. When not in use, place your best potted plant in the centre to show off your green thumb and tie in with the surrounding garden. An outdoor coffee table in a holiday home by the coast or in the country may warrant a display of collected shells, driftwood, or unusual flora from local walks, but keep it simple and the collection uncluttered.
How tall is an outdoor coffee table?
An outdoor coffee table should measure the same height as indoor coffee tables – around 40-45cm high, but contemporary styles are sometimes as low as 30cm. Since you’ll be accessing food or drinks from a seated position most of the time, consider the relative height of your outdoor sofa or armchair.
How much space do you need to walk around a coffee table?
For ease of movement while keeping everything within easy reach, position your outdoor coffee table approximately 50-60cm from the front of your sofa and armchair seats. Ideally, leave 50cm on each side of your coffee table to provide ample room to walk around it.
Related article:
- Achieve peak alfresco living with these luxe outdoor lounge furniture sets
- Alfresco ideas for a space you’ll want to relax and entertain in
- 9 of the best outdoor furniture buys from Kmart
