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Outdoor furniture is a beast to shop for. On top of choosing wisely when it comes to materials that will stand the test of time, there’s also the element of design to consider. We’re not only discussing looks here but, even more important, how the chosen piece fits and functions within the overall flow of a space. If you aren’t outfitting your open-air setup with a prebundled patio set, steer clear of the bulkier coffee table styles and spring for a stealthier option: the outdoor side table.
Akin to martini tables, outdoor side tables are built to hold alfresco essentials only—an ice-cold drink, a bowl of snacks, and a good book—without overcrowding the area. Not only are these pieces more streamlined and easier to move around, they’re readily available in a wide range of aesthetics and price points. We clocked excellent options made from sculpturesque metals and weather-resistant wicker to enduring concrete and elegant marble, with prices starting as low as $30. Below, shop our top picks for the best side tables, broken out by outdoor-friendly material.
Our Favorites
- Best metal: Anthropologie Colorful Iron Side Table with Tray Top
- Best concrete: Sarah Sherman Samuel Clouded Round Side Table
- Best marble: CB2 La Paloma Marble Outdoor Side Table
- Best ceramic: OKA Rander Ceramic Stool
- Best wicker: Serena & Lily Blithedale Side Table
- Best wood: Rejuvenation Mesa Indoor-Outdoor Side Table
Metal
Some of the most affordable options on this list are made from metal—this includes pretty powder-coated steel and artfully shaped iron styles. Aside from being weather resistant, this material is lightweight and offers a more streamlined silhouette. Our colorful favorite from Anthropologie (also offered in green and peach) costs just $58 and features a tray-top that’s ready to support your summer drink of choice. You might also recognize the Christopher Knight outdoor side table, featured below, as another top pick we saw on Amazon for under $100.
Concrete
Side tables crafted from concrete and fiberstone offer a sturdier surface that isn’t at risk of toppling over or rusting in the rain. However, the material is more porous than metal, so it may show the occasional stain. Our favorite is, unsurprisingly, crafted by Sarah Sherman Samuel for Lulu and Georgia. We adore a pedestal silhouette, especially one with softly rounded edges and a curved base. Runners-up include a squiggly green number from West Elm, a sharp matte-black Amazon score, and even a tiered duo.
Marble
Marble is certainly more of an investment when it comes to the outdoor side table category—however, it’s one that is built to withstand exterior wear and tear. If you aren’t in the market to splurge on our incredibly elegant favorite, designed by Ross Cassidy and crafted out of solid purple braccia, we found two alternative options in the under-$300 range that do not sacrifice any of the varied stone’s chic aesthetic. One is constructed from concrete with a marblelike finish; the other features an antique brass base with a live-edged marble top.
Ceramic
Ceramic side tables are made for pattern play, offering design enthusiasts the opportunity to layer some extra dimension into their outdoor setup. Our uncontested top pick for this category is OKA’s glossy cabana-striped stool, which also comes in a nautical navy and candy apple red. Minimalists might prefer UO’s textural shapely style or Meg Morrison’s one-of-a-kind work of art.
Wicker
Weather-resistant wicker is a traditional outdoor staple—one that Domino-favorite Serena & Lily does particularly well. Our top pick for this category features a lovely powder blue hue along with a supportive glass top and unique hourglass shape. Wicker tables are a lightweight, soft style that still offer a bit of textural intrigue and, as seen below, a pop of color.
Wood
Teak is always a solid choice for outdoor furniture, at the very least because it is a naturally hardy material that gently patinates over time. Our top pick, from Rejuvenation, is crafted from just that—and, as an added bonus, is FSC certified, too. If you’re looking for some color and a tad bit more versatility, the modular side table from Annie Selke comes topped with a removable tray in a rainbow assortment of hues. We also love the forest green lacquered bamboo nesting tables from One Kings Lane, which offer two surfaces in one.
