This Outdoor Table Has a Small-Space Secret — It’s Perfect for Tiny Patios and Yards

A few months ago, a brand called Veradek offered to send me a few items for a summer refresh of my small patio. One of the items was the Kona Chill Table 2 in 1, a cooler and side table in one, which immediately perked up my ears. 

I have friends over often, and we always serve cold drinks out of a dingy Coleman cooler that’s been in my husband’s life probably twice as long as I have (and we’re eyeing our 7th wedding anniversary in December). While the cooler is lacking in aesthetics, it does make up for it in function. But, as an interiors writer, you might guess that I do place some importance on my spaces looking pretty.

I had a feeling the cooler side table would be a hit simply because of its sleek, modern look. However once it arrived, I wondered how I ever set up an outdoor space without this multi-tasking table in my life. 

I have to maximize every inch in my outdoor space. I don’t have room to store a cooler when it’s not in use. And, while I mentioned that I entertain regularly, that doesn’t mean I entertain every day — I don’t need a cooler just sitting there ready to fill with ice and drinks at a moment’s notice. I need it once a month, maybe twice. 

Because this cooler side table functions just like a regular modern side table when not in use, it replaces the need for both a side table and a cooler. It saves me precious square feet in a space where I don’t have the inches to give.

Let’s not pretend I’m great at measurements — the cooler was bigger than I expected, at 20.25” tall and 18.5” in diameter. But that’s exactly the size I need for a functional side table, and it comes in incredibly handy when I’m entertaining a larger group. 

The cooler itself holds 55 (12-ounce) cans. While, generally, I’m not hosting a group that’s going to come close to exceeding 15 cans — much less 55 — it’s nice to have the option, particularly because I don’t have room to store an extra cooler, especially with this table in place.

If the Veradek product design team had been going for low-effort, they could have just designed this cooler with a top that lifts up and off, like any normal cooler. But then you have that annoying moment where someone needs a drink, and if you’ve set your plate on the cooler you have to move it. We’ve all been there.

Instead, they cleverly used a top that slides open, which allows anything that’s resting on top of the cooler to remain undisturbed.

I love any opportunity to add a little surprise into my decor — and that moment when I can direct a friend to grab a drink out of a table? That’s a little unexpected delight. It’s probably the same reason one design-savvy friend ordered this cooler side table for their own home on-the-spot after seeing this fun party trick.

And, as I mentioned, I received the cooler side table as a gifted product. Since then, though, I’ve recommended it to countless friends (even my mom!). It’s just under $120, which puts it at a price point that’s not exactly cheap but is definitely less than buying both a side table and a cooler separately. Plus, if you’re a small-space dweller, you know every inch you can buy back is worth its weight in gold (or beverage cans).

Take it from me — your patio needs this twofer, and it’s not too late in the season to enjoy it.