To maximize your outdoor space, you can decorate it with furniture like a sofa, a mini dining area, or an outdoor console table. The many shopping choices can be confusing so we came up with the best outdoor console table ideas below.
For storage, you can either keep it open with shelves or go for closed storage with drawers and cabinets. You can never go wrong with simple and classic but you can also play with shapes and lines to make it exciting. Lastly, your outdoor table can either be decorative or functional, depending on what your needs are.
Of course, pre-made console tables may not be up to everyone’s taste, especially if they have very pricey tags. If they have the tools and skills, many opt to make it a DIY job instead.
In this article, we’ll go over the advantages of an outdoor console table. We’ll also go over some of our suggestions and ideas to make your outdoor area pop up with a console table.
Why a Console Table Outdoors?
If you have a living space outdoors on your patio or backyard, it’s a good idea to transform that space into an outdoor hangout space. It can be your little escape to the outdoors, especially if you often find yourself cooped up inside your home.
You can build a real outdoor living space complete with a sofa and a casual dining area.
To finalize the look and add a bit more to your outdoor decor, a console table is a great piece of furniture to look into.
A console table isn’t only useful for breathing life into long entryways and hallways. It also keeps essential daily items like keys and mail or keeps seasonal items like scarves and gloves.
Maximizing your outdoor space
With an outdoor console table, you can maximize your outdoor space. You can use it as a place to put food and drinks for a casual buffet dinner.
If you want a mini outdoor bar for serving drinks to family and guests but don’t have the luxury of a huge space, a console table might just do the trick. This can easily keep your bottles of wine, beer, and other drinks while having serving glasses in a nearby spot as well.
An accent to your decor
An outdoor console table can be a great decorative accent piece to your patio’s decor. You can place plants, lamps, candles, and pictures on top.
Outdoor console tables come in a variety of styles, designs, shapes, and sizes to give your outdoor space a personality that perfectly matches yours.
Built-in drawers can also serve the functional purpose of keeping keys, accessories, or other items out of sight.
Outdoor Console Table Ideas (+ Images for Inspiration!)
If you’re thinking of adding a new piece of furniture to your outdoor living space, you might want to consider a console table right outdoors.
And to get you started on this journey, we have below some great outdoor console table ideas:
- Keep it open
An open console table makes for a very beautiful decor piece in your outdoor living area. Even with open storage and without closed drawers, you can still neatly keep daily essentials here with baskets.
The top of the table can also hold plants and little trinkets you treasure and would want to show off.
- Serve as a mini outdoor bar
If you’d rather have your new console table serve something functional, you can use it as a mini outdoor bar. Because of its slim design, this works great for outdoor areas with limited space.
- Maximize storage
If you don’t want things to be out in the open, storage solutions with doors and drawers might be a good fit for your needs. This plus the surface space you get on top, you’re ready to maximize your outdoor space no matter how limited it is.
- Play with lines and shapes
Console tables come in a variety of shapes to choose from. You’re not limited to only rectangular tables but you can opt for half-moons or something round. You can even play around with different leg shapes.
These different shapes on your console table take your outdoor decor up a notch. If you don’t want to be stuck with something “too simple” for your tastes, playing with different table shapes can be an exciting way to work around it.
- Keep it classic and simple
Of course, you can’t ever go wrong with something simple and classic, as pictured above. A simple outdoor console table still serves two purposes: a smart storage solution and an accent piece to your outdoor space.
The Best Materials to Look For in Your Outdoor Console Table
Outdoor console tables can be made from different materials. It depends on the design, the purpose, and what you need in your outdoor area.
Below are some of the best console table materials:
- Wood
Wood is the most common table console material. Most tables – dining tables and coffee tables – also use wood. Wood goes with almost any interior design and decor, making them a popular choice. Wood also comes in many different colors and tones, making them easy to coordinate with the rest of your home’s design and decor.
- Metal
Console tables can use different metals as their material. Console tables made from metal are the most durable, withstanding the outdoor’s elements. This includes aluminum, iron, or steel and can come in many different finishes as well.
In some cases, metal is used as a base and framework for the table, with another material as the tabletop.
- Glass
Some tables use glass tops. The reflective property gives it a sleek, modern, and more expensive look.
- Plastic
Some cheaper console tables use plastic materials instead. This is lightweight but still very durable, perfect for any outdoor use and setting.
- Concrete
Concrete is another material gaining popularity in terms of outdoor console tables. These are sturdy and can stand up to abuse and outdoor weather conditions.
- Marble
Like concrete, marble makes for a sturdy and strong console table that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Choosing and Shopping for an Outdoor Console Table
When you’re out shopping for a new outdoor console table, it can be confusing since there are many to choose from. Consider these factors below to make sure you’re getting what you need:
Design
Outdoor console tables come in a variety of styles and designs. Which one you choose can be a reflection of your personality and style.
There are classic and simple styles but modern and contemporary options are also endless. Rustic outdoor console tables are also a popular choice among homeowners who want that country house look.
Moreover, these outdoor tables now come in different shapes. You can go for the traditional rectangular shape but other shapes like half-moons also exist. Playing with shapes and lines is a good way to amp up your home’s decor.
Material
We dived deep into the different materials most outdoor console tables can be made from. You have wood, metal, glass, plastic, concrete, marble, and so much more.
Which material you go with would depend on your needs and the style and vibe you’re going for. Many table options are made with more than one material so that’s another thing to factor in.
Storage
Many homeowners use an outdoor console table to maximize their outdoor space, another important factor to consider.
Some tables only have open shelves. And if you don’t want your things seen out in the open, drawers and cabinetry systems also exist.
The Alternative: DIY Outdoor Console Table
An outdoor console table can cost anywhere from $200 to $2,000. This price range can still go up or down depending on the shop you’re buying from and the brand.
For anyone who doesn’t want to spend tons of money on buying an outdoor console table, the alternative of making it a DIY job instead is quite tempting.
If you have the materials, skills, and patience to do it, we’ve found some helpful blogs to help you through the process.
For a simple and classic outdoor console table, check this out or maybe this guide.
If you want to DIY a rustic console table, check this one out.
You can also DIY a console table with either a granite or cement tabletop.
Conclusion
If you’re planning to make your patio or backyard area a livable outdoor space, you might want to look into outdoor-friendly furniture to upgrade it. One common outdoor furniture you might want to consider is outdoor console tables.
Depending on your taste and needs, you can either keep it open or go with closed storage like drawers and cabinets. It can either be decorative or functional and serve as a mini outdoor bar or buffet table. Lastly, you can go for a classic look or play around with shapes and lines to give your outdoors a refresh.
And that has been our guide on outdoor console table ideas. Reach out to us below if you want us to answer your query next!
