Garden Coffee Tables

To share a relaxed moment on the terrace or in the garden, like tea or drinks, or simply to rest a book down while relaxing outdoors, the traditional outdoor table comes in a wide range of shapes, materials and sizes as a garden coffee table. Depending on how often it's used, the space available and the upkeep involved, this small outdoor side table can take different forms and use different types of material: would you prefer an outdoor coffee table in wood, teak, metal or rattan? Do you fancy a round garden table for outdoors? Or perhaps rectangular, or even square? How do you look after it and make it last?

Follow our tips for choosing the right outdoor side table.

What is the ideal height for an outdoor side table?

An outdoor coffee table, just like an indoor coffee table, generally stands between 30 and 50 cm for a standard size, and can reach nearly 70 cm for taller models. Beyond 100 cm, it's more accurately described as an outdoor island. If you already have garden armchairs or chairs, be sure to adjust the height of your table to match them.

How do you choose the size and shape of your garden coffee table? Round, oval, octagonal, rectangular or square?

Garden tables come in different shapes depending on your preferences and how you plan to use them. The shape will also affect the size of your garden table. Bear in mind that you need to estimate the space available between each seat and the number of guests who'll be sitting there. The length of an outdoor coffee table can typically range from 50 cm to over 250 cm, to seat anywhere from 2 to more than 10 guests... Once you have these criteria in mind, note that, depending on their shape, tables offer more or less seating space:

• Thanks to its generous shape, a round garden table is synonymous with conviviality and allows all your guests to be seated equally in a relatively modest space. Best suited to smaller spaces,
• An oval garden table offers the same benefits as a round table, but is noticeably wider and better suited to larger spaces and bigger gatherings,
• A square garden table, often smaller in size, is ideal for tight spaces such as balconies or small gardens,
• A rectangular garden table offers plenty of seating space, ideal for convivial get-togethers with several guests,
• More unusual and design-led, the octagonal garden table is certainly the least common of all and, in terms of seating capacity, is closer to a round or oval table.

Which material should you choose for your garden coffee table? Metal, resin, plastic, wood, teak, rattan, terrazzo?

Here again, depending on how you plan to use it and the look you want to achieve, some materials are better suited than others:

• A metal outdoor table brings durability and a modern feel to your garden space and requires little upkeep,
• A wood or teak garden table will need a little care but will enhance the natural, raw look of your garden,
• A rattan garden table is undoubtedly the charming centrepiece of a chic boho garden. Rattan is easy to maintain and protect, and a full article on our blog is there to help you care for it properly,
• A stone or terrazzo coffee table combines style and durability! Do bear in mind, however, that weight needs to be taken into account,
• A resin coffee table, made from a plasticised material, offers great durability and can even be woven to look like rattan.

Caring for your garden coffee table: the key to its longevity

To protect your outdoor coffee table during winter, it's best to put it into storage to shield it from the elements. Make sure to use a tarpaulin or cover and clean your garden table according to its material. Take care to raise its legs or protect them so they don't come into contact with the ground, in case it becomes damp.