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Folding garden tables are ideal if your home's only outdoor space is a narrow balcony or petite patio. They provide a comfy spot for you to enjoy your morning coffee or alfresco lunch before being stored away again quickly and easily, if required. Mosaic Table Top Outdoor
But it isn’t only small gardens that can benefit from this compact furniture. Collapsible tables are a lightweight breeze to move around, making them handy additional surfaces to complement your existing set-up, particularly when you’re hosting friends and family.
One big benefit of folding garden tables, especially during winter, is that they can be stashed away in a shed and protected from rain damage. They also tend to be more affordable than their traditional fixed counterparts. So, there are lots of reasons to invest!
Collapsible garden tables are usually made of wood or metal, and there are pros and cons to each.
Wood is a classic choice that suits most outdoor schemes. It can last for years with proper care; applying a wood treatment every six to nine months should keep it looking its best. That said, as wood is prone to rot and water damage, you should store it or protect it with a waterproof cover during the colder months.
Metal, such as steel and aluminium, is a great fuss-free option that requires little maintenance. It’s usually powder-coated to prevent scratches and rust, meaning it can withstand bad weather. It’s easy to clean too, merely needing a quick go-over with a damp cloth and warm soapy water. Coloured sets may start to fade after a few years, at which point you can refresh it with a thin layer of paint.
There are plenty of collapsible designs to choose from, including larger options to seat the whole family and mini side tables to boost your alfresco dining or garden bar area. Scroll down for House Beautiful’s edit of the best folding garden tables for summer 2023.
For just £30, this folding bistro table is a complete steal. Its removable table top can be used as a serving tray during parties and it comes in five stylish colours, including this punchy yellow. It’s also suitable for indoor use, so you can use it as a side table in your living room once you’ve headed inside.
From our very own House Beautiful Marketplace, this square wooden table is simple yet smart. Its neutral finish will sit pretty in any outdoor space and it’s versatile enough to be dressed up however you like to tablescape. Made from rot-resistant eucalyptus wood, it should look as good as new for summers to come, although we always advise covering it during bad weather.
This ornate table has a really romantic vibe; it feels straight out of a Parisian café. We love the intricate detail and clean white finish – it’s a lovely fresh look for summer. It's selling out quickly though, so snap it up if you're tempted!
This super practical rectangular folding table is the pop of colour your garden needs, thanks to the coloured lacquered metal in terracotta (it’s also available in a green eucalyptus or prussian blue colourway). This lightweight table is great for maximising space when needed and is easy to carry and store.
Aussie brand Business & Pleasure Co. do seaside accessories so well, from retro-inspired cooler bags to on-trend scalloped beach towels. This teak wood table is made for popping into your car for lazy afternoons by the coast with loved ones. It features four wine glass holders and a parasol slot, and even comes with a removable carry strap for faff-free transportation.
This FSC-certified wooden side table is only small but it makes the perfect extra surface for guests' drinks during a bbq, as well as decorative bits like a couple of plant pots or outdoor candles. It’s another classic choice that won’t date.
Rattan-effect garden furniture makes for an effortlessly chic option, so we had to include this folding bistro table in our list. It's versatile enough to suit almost any other furniture you have, and should complement most outdoor schemes. A larger version is available here.
If you're looking for something simple, this traditional wooden table is ideal. There are plenty more pieces in the range to complete your scheme; the matching decking chair will give you somewhere to doze on lazy afternoons and these folding stools will provide additional seating for guests.
Here's a sweet little table in a soothing olive green. We’d style ours with pastel coloured cushions and a muted outdoor rug. If you need somewhere to sit, there are matching garden chairs available.
This simple yet stylish folding table seats four, so it’s a good choice for families – and there are matching bistro chairs as well. It also comes in white, dark grey or beige.
This beautiful mosaic table makes a chic, space-saving option for balconies. Just secure it over the railings and fold it away when Sunday brunch is over. You can choose from four pretty patterns to suit your space.
This vibrant side table will liven up any patio or balcony. It’s made from durable and weather-resistant polypropylene plastic, making it a low maintenance option that can be enjoyed for years. Plus, it’s easily cleaned with a damp cloth. It’s available in four colours, including a more muted grey, but the bright pink is our pick.
With a stylish monochrome table top, this bijou table feels relaxed and modern. The legs have been specially designed to prevent damage to floors, so there's no need to worry about unsightly scratching on your patio. Suitable for indoors, it would also work well as a side table in your home. We like the turquoise colourway too.
Lauren is our Homes and Garden writer, covering the latest homeware trends, sales and launches for Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Cosmopolitan, House Beautiful, Red and Harper’s Bazaar.
On a daily basis, Lauren navigates the ins and outs of interiors – whether it’s offering tips on how to perfect a garden bar or trying out viral kitchenware. She is committed to finding the most reliable products and best-value deals, so readers can buy with confidence and save money.
Lauren has a BA in English Literature and Journalism and has worked in various editorial roles across Southeast Asia and North America. She previously wrote for a local London newspaper, covering everything from entertainment and lifestyle to politics and wellness.
When not writing, Lauren can be found bargain hunting for pre-loved trinkets and clothes at various car boot sales across the capital.
Follow Lauren on instagram @laurenkatehannah
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Lauren is our Homes and Garden writer, covering the latest homeware trends, sales and launches for Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Cosmopolitan, House Beautiful, Red and Harper’s Bazaar.
On a daily basis, Lauren navigates the ins and outs of interiors – whether it’s offering tips on how to perfect a garden bar or trying out viral kitchenware. She is committed to finding the most reliable products and best-value deals, so readers can buy with confidence and save money.
Lauren has a BA in English Literature and Journalism and has worked in various editorial roles across Southeast Asia and North America. She previously wrote for a local London newspaper, covering everything from entertainment and lifestyle to politics and wellness.
When not writing, Lauren can be found bargain hunting for pre-loved trinkets and clothes at various car boot sales across the capital. \n
Wrought Iron Garden Stake Follow Lauren on instagram @laurenkatehannah