Outdoor spaces are an often overlooked area when decorating your home, but they offer endless opportunities to enhance your style and create a welcoming atmosphere. The right outdoor decor can make your backyard, patio, or balcony feel like a retreat. One of the most prominent and helpful pieces in any outdoor space is a nice coffee table. Not only is it a practical place to rest drinks, snacks, or decor items, but it’s also the centerpiece of your outdoor area and plays a huge role in setting the entire tone.
I love my outdoor coffee table, because it gives me the chance to showcase my personality and add some much-needed character to my outdoor space. In this post, I’m going to share a roundup of outdoor coffee table decor ideas to inspire you to do the same during your next outdoor refresh!
These ideas will help you bring your space to life with style and functionality. Let’s go!
8 Outdoor Coffee Table Decor Ideas
Natural Wood Charm
Natural wood coffee tables are a nice way to bring warmth and an organic touch to your outdoor space. You can pair it with striped floor cushions or pottery for a well-rounded, nature-inspired look. I also like to pop a low-maintenance plant on top for added greenery, paired with just an outdoor tray or candle to keep things neat. What I love about this idea is how versatile it is. The natural wood looks great whether you’re going for a classic farmhouse look or something more relaxed. Don’t forget to add in some pretty blue and white coasters to prevent rings on your table!
Garden-Inspired
A garden-inspired coffee table essentially reflects your outdoor area and perfectly complements it. Add some greenery, delicate floral touches like fresh flowers in a vase, and try to embody the word “fresh”. Start with potted plants full of herbs like lavender, rosemary, or mint. Moss or small succulents are also a great option. To finish it off, add a few candles in glass hurricanes for a soft, glowing ambiance. I love how refreshing and vibrant this decor style is, creating an inviting and relaxed environment.
Coastal Calm
If you like the beach, a coastal-inspired coffee table is a good choice. Look for tables made of driftwood, reclaimed wood, or woven, airy materials like wicker or rattan. Pair it with soft blue or white hue pillows, along with seashells, a beautiful seagrass vase, or vintage glass beads. This look is perfect if you live near the beach or simply want to bring a little piece of the ocean into your home’s outdoor space.
Effortless Modern Style
If sleek and simple is your style, opt for an outdoor coffee table with a modern, minimalist look. Think clean lines, neutral colors, and minimalist accessories. I love how this approach creates a calm and clean atmosphere. It allows enough space for everything, without overloading your outdoor area. Choose a modern coffee table with a sleek design, preferably in a neutral tone like black, gray, or white. Layer it over an outdoor jute rug for a simple and clean base. Try to keep accessories to a minimum, only adding what you need or what really sparks joy, such as a simple vase or a simple moss centerpiece in a textured pot.
Provincial Inspired
French Country style is perfect for creating an outdoor space that feels cozy and welcoming. Choose a stone or wooden coffee table and decorate it with a planter or planter basket filled with flowers. This decor idea is all about making your outdoor space charming and practical in a timeless way.
French Riviera Inspired
The French Riviera vibe is all about effortless sophistication, and this decor style brings timeless elegance to your coffee table. Opt for a light palette of whites, soft blues, and greys. An iron or glass coffee table is the perfect luxurious focal point. Line it with votive candles, glass hurricanes, or terra cotta pots. Add a garden stool or striped pouf for an unexpected pop of color!
Classic New England Style
This style evokes feelings of understated beauty, elegance, and sophistication. It’s stylish yet super laid-back. Start with a natural wood table decorated with elements like blue hydrangeas, woven materials, and blue linens. A woven tray is also a nice touch.
Traditional and Timeless
Traditional elegance is all about charm and sophistication, making a space warm and welcoming yet clean and refined. It’s perfect for those who appreciate classic design with a warm, inviting touch. I love pairing two ottomans as a coffee table to give a seating area some interest. Add elements like throw blankets, a tray, and traditional flower urns.
How To Decorate An Outdoor Coffee Table
Step 1: Choose the right table.
The first step in decorating your outdoor coffee table is to choose the right one! Consider the size of your outdoor space, the materials that will actually withstand weather, and what style you prefer. A sturdy, weather-resistant table is absolutely essential. Materials like concrete, teak, metal, and wicker are great choices for outdoor tables.
Step 2: Add a simple base layer.
Start by adding a base layer to your coffee table. A neutral-colored tray or woven placemat is a great place to start because you can organize your decor on top of it, making it easier to rearrange when needed. It also keeps smaller items from rolling around everywhere. A tray is great for holding drinks, candles, or other small items, while the placemat can add some texture to the surface.
Step 3: Incorporate some fresh greenery.
Greenery is everything. It can take a space from drab to fab in seconds by breathing life into it. Whether it’s a single plant or a small group of succulents, greenery makes an huge impact on your space. Choose a mix of plant sizes to create balance and depth. Or, if you prefer a more simplistic approach, a single small tree right in the middle can really add to the space without overwhelming it.
Step 4: Personalize it with accessories.
Think about the things that best reflect your personality. Whether it’s a stack of your favorite books, candles, or a small decorative sculpture, accessories are the way to show off your style. Just be sure to keep everything balanced and don’t overcrowd the table.
Step 5: Finish it off with a comfortable seating set.
While a coffee table is a great place to start, your guests will also need somewhere to sit! So, to complete the look, pair your coffee table with a cozy patio set. A warm seating area will help tie the space together, making it feel inviting and complete. It’ll be the perfect place for all of your friends and family to come together and enjoy quality time.
Make your outdoor coffee table POP with these decorating tips!
By following these tips and using the decor ideas above, you’ll be able to create an outdoor coffee table setup that you love. If you liked this blog post, you should take it a step further and check out my Spring Patio Refresh. And, for even more decorating tips and inspo, be sure to keep up with my blog. Happy decorating!
