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    The Charming Detroiter

    Home Decor•Lifestyle•Two Lakes Lodge

    How to Plan Outdoor Coffee Table Decor

    June 23, 2018

    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!

    In your patio, coffee table decor can be a hard design concept to master: you don’t want to have too much or not enough on the surface. 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.
    • 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.
    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!

    Related: Our New Home: Two Lakes Lodge

    How do you deal with rainy weather?

    My biggest concern with buying an outdoor patio set like this was bad weather! However, after reading a lot of reviews for so many different furniture sets, and their return policies, the set I finally chose was one that weathers well according to a lot of other reviewers. As a matter of fact, I don’t think I would have any problem with the look of weathered wood furniture on my patio. 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! Also, if not the spray, you could check out a few outdoor cushion covers that might be able to protect your cushions from rain.
    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!

    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!

    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!

    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

    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 outdoor coffee table decor outdoor decor outdoor design outdoor styling styling

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    Comments

    1. Susan David says

      February 22, 2023 at 11:35 pm

      Thank you for sharing these amazing ideas! I was looking for some ideas for my backyard garden and I will definitely implement these. I recently came across Backyard Alpha and they have some really unique ideas for backyard designs.
      https://www.backyardalpha.com/backyard-pond/

      Reply
    2. chris_thomas says

      October 13, 2022 at 6:08 am

      If yo want to decorate your outdoor coffee. Then add a basket full of fresh flowers to give your table a touch of color. Paint or stencil your table with a fun pattern or design. Add some pictures

      Reply
    3. chris_thomas says

      October 13, 2022 at 6:04 am

      If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your outdoor living space, consider adding a coffee table. There are many different styles and options available, so you can find the perfect one for your needs. how to decorate an outdoor coffee table. Add a basket full of fresh flowers to give your table a touch of color. Paint or stencil your table with a fun pattern or design.

      Reply
    4. Junnun Chowdhury says

      July 27, 2022 at 10:56 am

      Hello jessica !!
      Right now, I read and completed this Blog. actually, I need this kind of coffee table idea, I love the vibe of outdoor coffee table décor. I think your blog is very helpful for a lot of people,

      Thanks !!
      Junnun Chowdhury

      Reply
    5. Junnun Chowdhury says

      July 27, 2022 at 10:49 am

      Hello jessica !!
      Right now, I am reading complete this blog about the coffee table décor, this table idea is fantastic, I think your blog is very helpful for a lot of people, Thanks for sharing the outdoor coffee table décor.

      Thanks !!
      Junnun Chowdhury

      Reply
    6. Junnun Chowdhury says

      July 27, 2022 at 10:48 am

      Hello jessica !!
      Right now, I am reading complete this article about the outdoor coffee table décor, this table idea is Excellent, I think your blog is very helpful for a lot of people, Thanks for sharing the outdoor coffee table décor.

      Thannks !!
      Junnun Chowdhury

      Reply
    7. tom says

      January 8, 2022 at 7:47 am

      wow, this is really great idea and tips of outdoor coffee table decoration. thanks for sharing this amazing article about out door coffee table. great and helpful article for everyone.
      tom recently posted…Cancel the Carbs – Shedding Extra Kilos with Low-Carb DietsMy Profile

      Reply
    8. tom says

      January 8, 2022 at 7:46 am

      wow, this is really great idea and tips of outdoor coffee table decoration. thanks for sharing this amazing article about out door coffee table. i just love this type of simple and peaceful decoration for coffee.
      tom recently posted…Cancel the Carbs – Shedding Extra Kilos with Low-Carb DietsMy Profile

      Reply
    9. Jolie says

      December 25, 2021 at 4:38 am

      Great ideas Sarah, and the styling is amazing.

      Reply
    10. jolly says

      December 2, 2021 at 10:02 am

      wow, this is really great idea and tips of outdoor coffee table decoration. these are so simple and decent ideas that makes things so beautiful. thanks for sharing this amazing article about out door coffee table.

      Reply
    11. jolly says

      December 2, 2021 at 10:01 am

      wow, this is really great idea and tips of outdoor coffee decoration. these are so simple and decent ideas that makes things so beautiful. thanks for sharing this amazing article about out door coffee table.

      Reply
    12. easytest says

      October 2, 2021 at 5:17 am

      I am reading this article about the outdoor coffee table decor thanks sharing this article
      easytest recently posted…Best Auto Clicker for MinecraftMy Profile

      Reply
    13. gbhouse says

      September 22, 2021 at 12:38 pm

      Wow this is too good about the plan outdoor coffee table décor thanks sharing this article
      gbhouse recently posted…Design Home Renovation / Makeover Mod APK for iOSMy Profile

      Reply
    14. huda says

      August 6, 2021 at 11:51 am

      hmmm encourage me to use waste cans and bottle to design some thing for my outdoor. you share amazing ideas with us . I going to try this within the day .
      Thank you so much for making this post for us
      huda recently posted…How to Clean Espresso Machine [Step-by-Step Guide]My Profile

      Reply
    15. Shreya @ The Creatives Hour says

      April 19, 2021 at 3:18 pm

      This outdoor coffee table is definitely one of the most aesthetic ones that I’ve ever seen. Absolutely love it!

      Reply
    16. 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
    17. 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
    18. 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
    19. 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
    20. Arabella Davies says

      December 10, 2019 at 6:38 pm

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

      Reply
    21. 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

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

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    This buffalo check shacket is perfect for fall 2022 and is on major sale!

    Welcome to The Charming Detroiter! I’m Sarah, a suburban mother and wife who loves to share all things style, food, travel and home decor with y’all!

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