Outdoor Side Tables
Discover modern outdoor and garden side tables designed to keep drinks, books and everyday essentials close at hand. Compact and easy to position beside sofas, armchairs and sun loungers, they add useful surface space without crowding a patio, terrace or balcony.
A Practical Addition to Outdoor Seating
An outdoor side table keeps drinks, books and everyday essentials close at hand without taking up the space of a larger coffee table.
Use one beside a sofa, armchair or sun lounger, or place matching tables at either end of a larger seating arrangement. Their compact size makes them particularly useful on patios, terraces and balconies where keeping the centre of the space open matters.
Side Table or Coffee Table?
A coffee table usually sits in the centre of a seating arrangement and provides a larger shared surface.
A side table is smaller and positioned beside an individual seat, making it a better choice where space is limited or you simply want drinks and essentials within easy reach.
The two can also work together in a larger lounge, with a central coffee table supported by smaller tables beside individual seats.
Ideal for Smaller Spaces and Sun Loungers
Side tables work particularly well where a larger table would make the space feel crowded.
Pair one with an outdoor armchair on a compact patio or balcony, or place it beside a sun lounger for drinks, books and sunglasses. In a larger garden, several small tables can also offer more flexibility than one central surface.
Check the width, depth and height before ordering to make sure the table sits comfortably alongside your furniture.
Choose the Right Height and Shape
A side table should be easy to reach from the seat beside it. Compare the tabletop height with the arm and seat height of your sofa, chair or lounger before choosing.
Round tables create a softer look and work well beside individual seating, while square and rectangular designs can align naturally with straighter sofa frames.
Choosing from the same collection gives you the simplest coordinated finish, although complementary materials and colours can work equally well.
Materials for Outdoor Living
NUMA outdoor side tables use contemporary materials chosen to complement the wider furniture collections and suit regular outdoor use.
Exact frame and tabletop materials vary by design, so check the individual product page for specifications and care guidance. For frequently used tables, an easy-to-clean surface can be particularly useful for drinks, food and everyday outdoor use.
Complete Your Outdoor Lounge
Use a side table between two armchairs, beside a 2 or 3 seat sofa or next to a sun lounger to make the seating area more comfortable and practical.
Scatter cushions can add softness, while a nearby parasol provides shade without changing the layout. Keep additions purposeful so the space remains open and easy to use.
Caring for an Outdoor Side Table
Regular light cleaning will help prevent dust, leaves and drink marks from building up on the tabletop and frame.
Follow the care guidance for the individual material and make sure the table is clean and dry before covering it where a protective cover is recommended.
For more advice, explore our outdoor furniture care guide.
Outdoor Side Table FAQs
What is an outdoor side table used for?
An outdoor side table provides a small, easy-to-reach surface beside a sofa, chair or sun lounger for drinks, books and other everyday items.
What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?
A side table is smaller and usually sits beside an individual seat. A coffee table is larger and normally sits centrally within a seating arrangement.
Are side tables good for small patios and balconies?
Yes. Their compact footprint makes them useful where a larger table would restrict movement or make the space feel crowded.
Can I use a side table beside a sun lounger?
Yes. It provides a convenient surface for drinks, books and sunglasses without taking up much floor space.
What height should an outdoor side table be?
Choose a height that is comfortable to reach from the seat beside it. Compare the tabletop height with the arm and seat height of your furniture before ordering.
Can outdoor side tables stay outside?
This depends on the materials and care guidance for the individual table. Follow the product-specific advice for cleaning, covers and seasonal care.