My $50 IKEA Table Is Perfect for Patios That Don’t Have an Inch to Spare

Charli PennEditor-in-Chief, Apartment Therapy
Charli PennEditor-in-Chief, Apartment Therapy
Hi! I’m Charli and I'm the editor-in-chief of Apartment Therapy. I’m an award-winning editor and writer who has previously worked at ESSENCE, The Knot, Entertainment Weekly, and GLAMOUR. I live for all things gold accents and hosting.
published now
Add Us
See more Apartment Therapy stories when you search on Google.
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Outdoor seating area featuring a dark gray sectional sofa, a white round table, and various potted plants.
Credit: Charli Penn

I’ve slowly been building my outdoor oasis one small, perfect detail at a time, creating the yard of my dreams over the last two years. As I start to host friends and family outside this summer, there’s a budget find that’s been getting more attention than anything else this season: IKEA’s MÅBÄRSSKÄR table.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on this highly versatile piece before it gained steam on social media, which prompted my team at Apartment Therapy to cover it. This multi-use micro table (which can be used both indoors and outdoors!) has quickly become my favorite accessory; it’s small enough to fit beside practically any chair, sofa, or lounger, yet substantial enough to make a real impact. Best of all, it’s super lightweight, so moving it around whenever I feel like changing up the layout takes almost no effort at all.

Why I Love IKEA’s MÅBÄRSSKÄR Small Accent Table

For such a compact size that’s perfect for tiny spaces, the MÅBÄRSSKÄR offers a surprisingly large usable surface area. There’s enough room for a small potted plant or decorative accent while still leaving space for a cup of morning coffee, a cold drink, or whatever book I’m currently working my way through.

We’ve used ours as both a coffee table and a side table — honestly, I still can’t decide which setup I like best. It looks right at home either way, which is part of what makes it such a versatile addition to any outdoor space.

Credit: Charli Penn

This $50 Seasonal Find Is Designed for Real Outdoor Living

The practical details are what really sold me on IKEA’s latest must-have. The powder-coated steel construction is designed to resist rust when used outdoors, and the tabletop features drainage holes that allow water to pass through instead of pooling after a rainstorm.

It’s also refreshingly low-maintenance. It’s a white table, so I know exactly what you’re thinking: But can you keep it clean? The answer is yes! The durable metal surface wipes clean easily, and because the table is so lightweight, bringing it inside during rough weather — or simply moving it around the patio as needed — never feels like a chore to me.

Credit: Charli Penn

The Most-Asked-About Piece in My Backyard

This table ended up being the final touch for our sunniest outdoor spot, and I love how seamlessly it blends into whatever style or decor immediately surrounds it. It doesn’t compete with larger furniture pieces, but somehow it still manages to make the entire space feel more elevated and complete. We’re slowly turning our backyard into a resort-inspired dream escape, and the MÅBÄRSSKÄR fits right in with my luxe vibes.

Now that outdoor hosting season is in full swing, this handy little table has officially become the most-asked-about accessory in our backyard. It’s the perfect combination of style, function, and affordability, which isn’t always easy to find in outdoor furniture. At this price point, it feels like a genuine steal; a bit of a scene-stealer, too. If you’re considering one for your own space, I wouldn’t wait too long! Something tells me these little gems won’t stay in stock forever.

Design Defined

Never miss the style inspo and recommendations you crave with Design Defined. Follow along each week as our Home Director Danielle shares the best style advice, latest trends, and popular decor finds you just can't miss.

More to Love from Apartment Therapy