• Blog
  • Food
    • Meal Planning
    • Most Popular
    • All Recipes
    • Quick and Easy
    • Breakfast
    • Hors d’Oeuvres
    • Entrees
      • Beef
      • Lamb
      • Mexican
      • Pasta
      • Pizza
      • Pork
      • Poultry
      • Salads
      • Sandwiches
      • Seafood
      • Soup
      • Vegetarian
    • Side Dishes
    • Dessert
    • Cocktails
  • Fashion
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Fall
    • Winter
  • Home
    • Two Lakes Lodge
    • The Thomas House
    • DIY
    • Entertaining
    • Home Decor
    • Organization
  • Travel
  • Holidays
  • Shop
    • Shop Instagram
    • Shop Liketoknow.it
    • Shop DeLeon Midwest
  • About
    • About
    • FAQ
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Let’s Collaborate!
  • * 2020 GIFT GUIDE! *

The Charming Detroiter

Home Decor•Lifestyle•Two Lakes Lodge

How to Plan Outdoor Coffee Table Decor

June 23, 2018
Share this! -->Share on Facebook
Facebook
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Email this to someone
email
Print this page
Print

Today I’m taking the coffee table decor outside, as I share my tips for how to plan your own outdoor coffee table decor, from start to finish!

Are you stumped with how to plan your outdoor coffee table decor? See how I used the same principles as indoor coffee tables for this outdoor space!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Are you stumped with how to plan your outdoor coffee table decor? See how I used the same principles as indoor coffee tables for this outdoor space!

Are you stumped with how to plan your outdoor coffee table decor? See how I used the same principles as indoor coffee tables for this outdoor space! Are you stumped with how to plan your outdoor coffee table decor? See how I used the same principles as indoor coffee tables for this outdoor space!

Coffee table decor can be one of those difficult-to-master design concepts: you don’t want to have too much or too little on the table. It can be difficult to find that perfect balance of pieces that flow seamlessly together, and doubly so when it comes to outdoor coffee table decor! Today I’m bringing some of the same principles we use for indoor coffee table design to the great outdoors!

Are you stumped with how to plan your outdoor coffee table decor? See how I used the same principles as indoor coffee tables for this outdoor space!

The Basics

When it comes to styling outdoor coffee table decor, we can use the same basic concepts that apply to indoor coffee tables to our outdoor spaces as well.

  • The rule of three’s always works like a charm whenever you’re stumped for coffee table styling! The concept behind the rule of three’s is to use three main objects on your coffee table, or likewise, three groupings of objects. This is one of the go-to classic decor patterns for round coffee tables, but it works equally well with square or rectangular coffee tables. For example, in the case of our outdoor coffee table, I used three groupings of objects: a planter with flowers, sculptural pieces, and two books with a candle.
  • Vary your object heights. If everything on the table is the same height, the design can become somewhat static. In contrast, if you vary the height of the three objects or groupings on the table, it can help to draw the eye to whichever piece you have chosen as your focal point (usually a larger or taller item on the table). Layering items can be helpful for varying object height, for example, stacking books as I did in this styling. Other options are a taller pot or vase with flowers and choosing sculptural items or candles of varying heights.
  • Play with textures! In this case, I used a woven straw table runner folded in half to better fit the size of the coffee table. I love that it helps ground the three groupings of objects in the center of the table and also bring a beautifully natural texture to the design. This, paired with the rich leather of the books and the oil-rubbed bronze metal sculptures allows for a lot of variety of texture, which is pleasing to the eye and makes the whole tablescape feel cozier.
Are you stumped with how to plan your outdoor coffee table decor? See how I used the same principles as indoor coffee tables for this outdoor space! Are you stumped with how to plan your outdoor coffee table decor? See how I used the same principles as indoor coffee tables for this outdoor space!

So what do I put on my table?

There are so many options when it comes to outdoor decor, and my favorite thing to do is play with textures by incorporating natural elements! Here are some ideas of items you can locate in your own home, at your favorite stores, or even in a resale shop to add that cozy touch to your outdoor space:

  • Plants! Whether it is your favorite fresh buds in a vase or a beautiful arrangement of potted flowers you picked up at your local garden center, this is a great place to bring in a natural touch to your tablescape. Plus, it is easy to use a tall vase or a large pot as the focal point for your outdoor coffee table decor. I prefer to use planted flowers outside because they are easy to leave on the table or in another outdoor space for automatic watering (aka… rainfall!).
  • Table runners are another perfect accent and a great place to incorporate texture, pattern, or color into your design. Simply fold your runner in half to use in an outdoor space, and remember to bring inside at the end of the night to prevent wear from the natural elements.
  • Candles add a lovely ambiance to any gathering space. They are also a good way to incorporate varying heights. In this tablescape I used a singular candle, but you could easily add a gathering of several candles of varying heights to add interest to your display.
  • Sculptural elements such as my set of metal star sculptures are another great place to add some texture, as often times you can contrast your more natural elements with an industrial metal piece.
  • Books can be stacked to add height or depth to your overall tablescape. Once again, remember to bring these elements inside to prevent damage to the books from the elements.

Related: Our New Home: Two Lakes LodgeAre you stumped with how to plan your outdoor coffee table decor? See how I used the same principles as indoor coffee tables for this outdoor space!Are you stumped with how to plan your outdoor coffee table decor? See how I used the same principles as indoor coffee tables for this outdoor space!

How do you deal with rainy weather?

My biggest concern with buying an outdoor patio set like this was bad weather! I didn’t want my beautiful new wood furniture and nice ivory cushions to be ruined within a summer. So my advice? Do your research! I read a lot of reviews for a lot of different sets, and kept in mind the return policies on each website. The set I finally set on was one that weathers well according to a lot of other reviewers, and I don’t have a problem with the look of weathered wood furniture on a patio at all! As for the cushions, I chose to use two options:

  • First up, we purchased a large (and I mean large!) outdoor storage bin for the cushions and pillows. This will be great for storage in the winter as well, as the storage bin we purchased is quite heavy duty, but for heavy rainstorms that we know are coming our way, we can stick most of our cushions in here for safekeeping. It also contains a zippered section to ensure that water does not seep into the storage portion of the container. This is also a perfect option if you have a tablescape display filled with decor items that you only use outside: store them in your bin with your pillows to protect them from the elements when you aren’t using your outdoor space!
  • Secondly, we also sprayed all our cushions with two coats of heavy duty outdoor water “shield” spray, which should protect the cushions from rain showers. It has not yet rained since we put the protectant on the cushions, but the reviews sound promising, so I will keep you posted!
Are you stumped with how to plan your outdoor coffee table decor? See how I used the same principles as indoor coffee tables for this outdoor space! Are you stumped with how to plan your outdoor coffee table decor? See how I used the same principles as indoor coffee tables for this outdoor space!

Are you stumped with how to plan your outdoor coffee table decor? See how I used the same principles as indoor coffee tables for this outdoor space!Overall, I am in love with how this space came together! It’s light and airy with just the perfect amount of outdoor coffee table decor, which is important because you don’t want to be lugging a ton of stuff inside and outside when company is over! I love that the flowers can typically just live out on the porch all summer long, and when we have family or friends over, I can bring out a few other pieces to make it feel nice and cozy.

What are your favorite tips for outdoor summertime decor? Share with me by commenting below, and scroll down to shop this post!

Related: Guest Bedroom Remodel
Are you stumped with how to plan your outdoor coffee table decor? See how I used the same principles as indoor coffee tables for this outdoor space!

Are you stumped with how to plan your outdoor coffee table decor? See how I used the same principles as indoor coffee tables for this outdoor space!

Shop this Post

8 Piece Patio Set – Christopher Knight Home

Outdoor Rug – Safavieh

Striped Pillow Set – Cabana Classic

Palm Print Pillow Set – HACASO

Metal Pail – Etsy (similar style here)

Table Runner – Pottery Barn (old; similar styles here and here)

Storage Bin – Patiorama

Water Protectant Spray – ScotchGuard
Are you stumped with how to plan your outdoor coffee table decor? See how I used the same principles as indoor coffee tables for this outdoor space!

Share this! -->Share on Facebook
Facebook
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Email this to someone
email
Print this page
Print

coffee table decor outdoor coffee table decor outdoor decor outdoor design outdoor styling styling

0
7 Comments
Previous Our Two Year Anniversary
Next My Zaful Haul 2018 Summer

Related Posts

My Top 10 Favorite Places to Eat and Drink at Disney World | The Charming Detroiter

My Top 10 Favorite Places to Eat and Drink in...

These tasty ancho chili burger are paired with a macerated kale slaw and a creamy goat cheese ancho mayo!

Grilled Ancho Chili Burgers

7 Ideas For Beach Inspired Bedroom Decor: Looking for beach inspired bedroom decor? These 7 ideas are must-do concepts for anyone looking to escape to the ocean in their bedroom!

7 Ideas for Beach Inspired Bedroom Decor

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ched says

    September 13, 2020 at 1:29 pm

    Hi Sarah,
    thank you for sharing this article on blog! Your outdoor coffee tables they are beautiful design and the material! Thank you for all of your ID you share with us! Please continue to share!

    Reply
  2. Zoe Campos says

    August 26, 2020 at 5:57 am

    Thanks for reminding me that I have to decorate my outdoor area in layers to prevent the design from appearing too static. We have a nice-looking lawn in our front yard and thought that it would be a good idea to decorate it according to my chosen aesthetics. Aside from an outdoor living space, I’m also planning to buy some mythical statues that I can scatter around.

    Reply
  3. ness says

    July 20, 2020 at 6:13 am

    Thanks for sharing. You have a great idea. That set it looks gorgeous I love wood.
    ness recently posted…What are the Best Teak Wood Alternatives for Outdoor Furniture?My Profile

    Reply
  4. Jessy Higgins says

    December 19, 2019 at 6:56 am

    Great tips on outdoor coffee table decoration. I love the way you explain everything with the photograph. We have just developed outdoor area and installed sunbrella patio furniture. I will use your tips as well. Thanks!!

    Reply
  5. Arabella Davies says

    December 10, 2019 at 6:38 pm

    Such good ideas Sarah, and the styling is beautiful as always.

    Reply
  6. Jessica says

    February 24, 2019 at 9:41 pm

    Well, this should be a lot of fun. I’ve never really thought about having coffee in the outdoor but I guess we could adapt a little change now! Thank for the simple breakdown of the process!
    Jessica recently posted…11 Ninja Coffee Bar Reviews & Comparison – Which Is Best?My Profile

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. My Fall Table Decor - The Charming Detroiter says:
    September 3, 2018 at 9:01 am

    […] Related: How to Plan Outdoor Coffee Table Decor […]

    Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Hey, I'm Sarah! I'm the influencer behind The Charming Detroiter, a lifestyle brand aimed at helping my fellow 30-something women succeed at living luxurious and full lives. I share style and fashion tips, home-cooked meals, beauty tips, home decor, travel guides and more! To learn more, click here!

My Favorite Stores

ASOS
Banana Republic
Crate & Barrel
Express
Forever 21
J.Crew
J.Crew Factory
Nordstrom
Old Navy
Pottery Barn

Search by category:

The Charming Detroiter


Trending Posts

Here it is, my friends: the best Cyber Week deals of 2020! This is your one stop shop for all the best sales this week and the discount codes!
Holiday

The Best Black Friday 2020 Deals!...

November 26, 2020

Here it is, my friends: the best Cyber Week deals of 2020! This is your one stop shop for all the best sales this week and the discount codes!
Holiday

The Best 2020 Cyber Week Deals!...

November 23, 2020

This casual Thanksgiving outfit is perfect for celebrating at home in a comfy cozy way, and is under $25!
Fall

A Casual Thanksgiving Outfit: Featu...

November 25, 2020

These faux leather Spanx leggings are exactly what you need for a cozy and comfortable yet super glam holiday season! I paired them here with a mostly black look with this shawl and bodysuit!
Fall

The Perfect Holiday Outfit: Leather...

November 30, 2020

This year more than ever, taking care of yourself is so important! Today I'm sharing my favorite items for relaxing at home this season for holiday self-care!
Beauty

Relax at Home: Holiday Self-Care!...

December 2, 2020

It's a modern farmhouse Christmas over here at Two Lakes Lodge! Today I'm sharing our 2020 modern farmhouse Christmas home decor!
Holiday

Our 2020 Modern Farmhouse Christmas...

December 4, 2020

About

About

Hello and welcome to The Charming Detroiter! I'm Sarah, a suburban wife, expectant mother, and physician from Metro Detroit who loves cooking, fashion, travel and home decor! Most of all, I love organizing it all, and I'm glad you're here so that I can help you too! To learn more, click here!



Newsletter

Find me on Instagram @thecharmingdetroiter!
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. New posts will not be retrieved.

There may be an issue with the Instagram Access Token that you are using. Your server might also be unable to connect to Instagram at this time.

Error: No posts found.

Make sure this account has posts available on instagram.com.

Error: admin-ajax.php test was not successful. Some features may not be available.

Please visit this page to troubleshoot.

Copyright © 2021 The Charming Detroiter
  • Blog
  • Food
  • Fashion
  • Home
  • Travel
  • Holidays
  • Shop
  • About
  • * 2020 GIFT GUIDE! *
Theme by SheShoppes

Copyright © 2021 · Avondale for Genesis on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy and Disclosure Policy