Outdoor Side Tables

Where Outdoor Side Tables Are Used

Beside Lounge Chairs and Chaise Lounges

A side table placed beside an outdoor chaise lounge or pool lounge chair holds a drink, sunscreen, and a book within reach without requiring the seated person to get up. For poolside use, the side table should be approximately the same height as the chaise lounge armrest, or slightly higher: most chaise lounges sit 12" to 16" off the ground, making a side table of 18" to 22" the most convenient height. Choose a weather-resistant and rust-resistant material for poolside placement: aluminum and resin are the best choices where regular water contact is expected.

Beside Outdoor Sofas and Sectionals

An outdoor side table placed at the end of a patio sofa or sectional fills the same role as an indoor end table: a surface for drinks and remotes at a height that aligns with the sofa armrest. Most outdoor sofas have armrests at 22" to 26" above the floor; a side table matching this height creates a seamless extension of the arm surface. For sectionals, a round side table placed at the corner of the L is a practical configuration that is accessible from both adjoining seats.

Beside Adirondack Chairs and Rocking Chairs

Adirondack chairs have wide, flat armrests that handle most drink-holding duties, but a side table between two Adirondacks provides a shared surface for a pitcher, snacks, or a centerpiece. Most Adirondack chairs have armrests at approximately 25" to 28" above the floor; a side table at 24" to 26" positions the surface just below armrest height, which allows items placed on the table to be visible and accessible from the seated position.

Beside Patio Dining Chairs and as Accent Tables

An outdoor accent table or small outdoor end table placed beside a dining chair at the edge of a patio provides a landing spot for items that don't belong on the dining table itself: sunglasses, a phone, a candle. In this context, the side table functions as much as a decorative element as a functional surface, and material and finish choices should coordinate with the dining set and surrounding furniture.

Outdoor Side Table Formats

Small Round Outdoor Side Tables

A round outdoor side table with a compact diameter of 14" to 20" is the most versatile format: the circular profile has no corners to navigate, making it easy to position beside any chair configuration. Small round side tables are particularly well-suited for placement between two chairs, where the table's centerpoint is equidistant from both seats.

Small Square and Rectangular Side Tables

A square outdoor side table with a top of 16" to 22" per side provides slightly more usable surface area than a round table of similar dimensions and positions naturally against the arm of a sofa or the side of a chair without leaving a gap. Rectangular outdoor end tables suit placement beside a sofa where the longer dimension aligns with the sofa's side profile.

Adjustable-Height Outdoor Side Tables

Some outdoor side tables include a telescoping or adjustable-height mechanism that allows the surface to be positioned precisely at the desired height regardless of the chair or lounge height it pairs with. This format is particularly useful for chaise lounges, which vary significantly in seat height between reclining positions.

Materials for Outdoor Side Tables

Wicker and Resin Wicker

A wicker outdoor side table in all-weather resin wicker over an aluminum frame coordinates naturally with resin wicker sofas, chairs, and dining sets and provides a fully weather-resistant surface without annual treatment. The woven texture adds warmth to the table's appearance beyond what a plain aluminum or resin surface delivers.

Aluminum and Steel

A powder-coated aluminum or steel outdoor side table provides the most minimal, modern profile and is the best choice for contemporary patio aesthetics where clean lines and an unobtrusive presence are preferred. Aluminum is rust-free without any surface treatment; steel requires quality powder coating and chip maintenance in wet climates.

Teak and Wood

A teak outdoor side table paired with teak dining chairs, a teak dining table, or other teak furniture creates material consistency across a patio setup. Teak side tables require no sealing and withstand outdoor exposure across seasons with minimal care beyond an annual wipe-down. Smaller teak side tables are also among the heaviest for their size, which prevents them from tipping or blowing over in the wind when placed beside a lightweight chair.

Resin and Polywood

Resin and polywood outdoor side tables are the lowest-maintenance option in this category: no painting, sealing, or annual treatment required. They are particularly practical for poolside use where the table may be splashed or submerged accidentally, and for climates with high annual rainfall where any wooden surface requires consistent care to remain sound.

Buying Considerations

Height: Match the side table height to the armrest height of the adjacent chair. For lounge chairs and sofas with armrests at 22" to 26", a side table of 20" to 24" is the most comfortable. For low-profile lounge chairs without armrests, a lower table of 16" to 18" is appropriate.

Surface area: A tabletop of at least 12" x 12" or a 14" diameter round top provides enough space for a drink and a small item. Anything smaller functions more as a decorative accent than a practical surface.

• ● Base stability: A wide base or weighted base prevents the table from tipping when a drink is placed near the edge. Narrow-legged or tall side tables are more prone to tipping in outdoor wind conditions.

Complete the Outdoor Seating Area

For lounge chairs and chaise lounges to pair with outdoor side tables, browse our outdoor lounge chairs.

For outdoor sofas and sectionals suited to pairing with end tables at the arms, see our outdoor sofas and sectionals.

For the full outdoor table range including dining, coffee, and bar tables, return to our outdoor tables collection.