Smart Outdoor Coffee Table Alternatives For Your Small Patio Space

If you love to sit on your patio and take in some fresh air, you know how important it is to have a well-designed space. In addition to having a comfortable place to sit, you also need a table or surface to set things on. If you have a small patio space with very limited square footage, what are your options for clever, space-saving outdoor coffee tables? Fortunately, there are virtually limitless choices when it comes to coffee table alternatives that won't take up too much room and can make your small patio feel much bigger.

Beginning with a conventional option, you can always use an outdoor end table as a coffee table alternative. Placing a mosaic end table next to your seating area will provide a useful surface where friends can place their phones and beverages. The Cadiz Round Outdoor End Table from World Market is a solid option, with high ratings from customers. Thanks to its iron material and powder-coated finish, it's super suitable for outdoor use and has a compact diameter of 16 inches, making it ideal for small patios. You can score this table in coral red, sun, or palm mosaic designs, depending on your style. While not a traditional coffee table, this side table is a nice-looking alternative.

For more creative ideas for a unique coffee table alternative, lean into a rustic vibe by purchasing a wooden whiskey or wine barrel to repurpose in your small patio space. These barrels are an excellent option for a creative but bear in mind that a full-sized whiskey barrel, like this Jack Daniel's Barrel from Ace Hardware, can be pricey, retailing for $189.99. It also sits fairly tall at 35 inches, making it more of a high-top surface. For a more affordable and lower-sitting coffee table alternative, you could purchase a Wooden Half Whiskey Barrel Planter for $99.99, which is only 16.5 inches high. Flip the planter upside down to use the bottom as your coffee table surface, or if you're handy, cut a piece of wood in a 26-inch diameter circle and secure it to the top of the planter with wood glue or nails. If you choose the latter, remember that you'll have to apply a protective coat to the wood to prevent it from warping in outdoor conditions.

If you're super short on space but still want a coffee table that you can use when you need it, consider a foldable balcony table. These folding tables, such as the Interbuild Stockholm Acacia Wood Railing Bar Table, discreetly fold flat when not in use. All you'll need to install one of these folding tables is a balcony or railing to affix it to. If you're looking for more ideas to maximize your small patio, check out these tips and tricks.