Picking the Right Table for Your Outdoor Setup
The table you need depends on how you use your outdoor space. If you've got a garden sofa and nowhere to put a drink, a garden coffee table is the obvious addition. Our rattan-effect coffee tables pair perfectly with many of our garden sofa collections, creating a coordinated outdoor living area. If you're after something smaller to sit beside a lounger or accent chair, a compact side table in powder-coated metal takes up very little space and can be moved wherever it's needed.
For patios that serve multiple purposes, from afternoon lounging to evening dining, a rising coffee-to-dining table is a practical option. These clever designs use a simple lift-and-lock mechanism to transform from coffee-table height to dining-table height in seconds. It’s an easy way to maximise functionality without filling your patio with additional furniture.
Material choice plays an important role too. Rattan-effect PE weave wrapped around metal frames offers excellent weather resistance and can remain outdoors year-round with minimal maintenance. Solid acacia wood brings warmth and natural character to a garden setting, while powder-coated aluminium tables are lightweight, contemporary and virtually maintenance-free. Whatever your style, you'll find an option that complements your existing garden furniture.
Sizing, Placement and Pairing
A coffee table generally works best positioned around 40cm from the front edge of your sofa. This leaves enough room to stretch out comfortably while keeping drinks, books and snacks within easy reach. For corner sofa layouts, square tables around 80–90cm wide often provide the best proportions, while larger straight sofa arrangements can comfortably accommodate rectangular designs.
Side tables offer greater flexibility. They work well beside a sun lounger, between two garden chairs, or positioned at the end of a sofa. Because they're compact and lightweight, they're easy to move around the garden whenever your setup changes.
Many of our garden tables feature tempered glass tops, which are safety-tested for outdoor use and incredibly easy to maintain. A quick wipe removes pollen, watermarks and everyday marks, while the durable surface resists staining and weathering throughout the year.
Garden Table FAQs
Can I Leave a Garden Table Outside All Year?
Rattan-effect and powder-coated metal tables are designed for year-round outdoor use. Solid wood tables are also weather-resistant, though covering them or moving them under shelter during prolonged periods of wet weather will help preserve their appearance.
What Size Coffee Table Works with a 6- or 8-Seater Sofa?
For corner and U-shaped layouts, a square coffee table around 80–90cm wide works particularly well. Larger straight-line sofa arrangements can accommodate rectangular tables up to around 110cm wide. Leave approximately 40cm between the sofa and table edge for comfortable access.
How Does a Rising Coffee-to-Dining Table Work?
A built-in lift-and-lock mechanism allows the tabletop to be raised from coffee-table height to dining height. Simply lift the tabletop, secure it in place, and lower it again when finished. No tools or additional parts are required.
Are Glass-Topped Garden Tables Safe Outdoors?
Yes. Our glass-topped garden tables use tempered safety glass, designed to withstand everyday outdoor use. If damaged, tempered glass breaks into small rounded fragments rather than sharp shards.
Do Your Rattan Tables Match Your Sofa Collections?
Many of our rattan coffee tables use the same PE rattan weave and colour finishes as selected garden sofa ranges, helping you create a coordinated outdoor look. Product images and descriptions make it easy to compare finishes before ordering.
What’s the Difference Between a Coffee Table and a Side Table?
A coffee table is designed to sit in front of a sofa and provide a central surface for drinks, books and snacks. A side table is smaller and typically sits beside a chair, lounger or sofa arm, offering a convenient place for a drink or personal items.
What Are the Delivery and Returns Terms?
We offer free next-day delivery on most orders placed before 8pm on weekdays to mainland UK addresses (some conditions apply). Most products are also covered by our free 30-day returns policy. See our delivery page and returns page for full details and exclusions.