A few weeks ago, I shared my colorful poolside seating makeover and the terracotta pot table I created for this spot has been wildly popular! Since I’ve had a number of questions about it, I decided to share a full tutorial for this fun and easy project. This terracotta pot table is perfect for any space, even if it’s a tiny balcony! You can use the inside of the pot for storage or just enjoy this DIY table but however you choose to use it, this simple project will become a favorite in your outdoor living space.
To make a table from a terracotta pot, you’ll need a large terracotta pot {preferably more than a foot in width}, a large terracotta tray, and outdoor paint that will weather well. I used DecoArt Patio Paint {affiliate}. You can also use a craft paint and cover it with poly to protect it from the elements.
Be sure the pot is tall enough to sit at a good height for a table and make sure the tray sits on top of the pot without sinking in.
How to Make a Terracotta Pot Table
Tape around the bottom edge of the pot rim {see arrow} to ensure a straight paint line, then fill in the entire rim with outdoor paint. Use a color that will go well with your outdoor area. I love this bright turquoise but a more neutral color would also look great.
Since it’s too difficult to tape a rounded curve, simply freehand the edge of the tray, and fill it in completely with paint. It doesn’t have to be perfect … just follow the curve of the saucer.
Make sure that all top edges that show are covered completely in paint. I used two coats and then let the paint dry for the length of time suggested by the manufacturer before I stacked the saucer on top of the pot.
That’s it!
Just a few easy steps and you have a cute and unique outdoor terracotta pot table that can also act as a storage spot. This is such a great addition for a patio or a small space!
For more outdoor ideas, be sure to check out this tutorial for a simple umbrella table …
… bright DIY log stools to place around the fire pit …
… and my colorful backyard makeover!
I love this table! What a great idea. I think I might have to make one for our patio. So cute! I’d love for you to come share this at our Pinteresting Party! It kicks off every Saturday.
Yay! I’ve been waiting for this post, Randi. LOVE this table! 🙂
Your craft ideas are the best and your photos are so colorful. I know this will match the adirondack chairs from a few weeks ago.
How cute! I love that it can be used as storage too!
I love this! Yesterday I told my husband that next summer, we are going to have nice outdoor furniture and a cute colored outdoor rug and it was totally because of that post. We might need a table like this, too!
This is so cool and easy to make thanks for sharing
What can you put in it? I can’t imagine it can hold all that much…Ideas from the group…?
It’s fairly large … about 2.5 feet high. I’ve stored magazines in it … things that I can read while I watch the kids swim.
Oh! That is a perfect idea…! My wife is a HUGE magazine fan too! I bet you can guess where they end up when they are left outside…lol
THANKS!
I love this! Terra cotta pots and saucers are one of my favorite things and this is perfect! The size reminds me of a garden stool! Great project! xo
hey well aren’t you so clever Randi! this is wonderful 🙂
What a wonderful idea! The color is great too.
Saw this on Hometalk and I wanted to stop by and say I love it! I see a project in my future!
Good job and great idea!
Great idea!
Simply adorable. Saw this on Hometalk! Following you on pinterest and facebook!
I put mine on wheels!!!!
Such a great idea! We’ve been needing a very small outdoor table, and this is perfect! I love that you can use it for storage as well!
I made your terracotta pot table! Thanks for the wonderful idea!
I love the rug! Would you mind sharing where I can find it?
Sure … if you click on the link back to that original post you’ll see a bit more about it. It’s from Mohawk Homes. So pretty, isn’t it?
Be sure to store it indoors during the winter months. Terra cotta that is left out in the cold will end up crumbling into bits (I’ve learned through experience!). Love the table idea, will have to try it.
Oh gosh, thanks so much for sharing that bit of advice!!
Beautiful! And so useful. Love it. One comment…I used a wine cork to plug the drain hole in the pot. Ants can be a nuisance in my area, and I felt this plug would help keep them from getting inside. I am hoping to make another and put it in my flower bed. I would store my garden gloves and hand tools inside it. Thank you for such a great idea.
I am a single mom of a teen age son and I can’t afford patio furniture, however THIS I can do! Love it, I am going to do mine with glow in the dark colored paint. In two tones if I can.
Could you line the inside with insulation (like the inside of a cool bag) and use it as an ice bucket?? Wonder if that would work? Will be making this for my garden!
I’m sure you could … that’s a really fun idea!
I love this idea, and really want to do it, but have been everywhere in my area that I can think of, and can not find a large enough clay pot and saucer. Any ideas?
I think your best bet is to hit up a garden store. I found my pot at Calloway’s {I think they’re only in Texas} and they definitely had the best size selection. I hope you find one!
If I’m not mistaken, you can find the terra cotta pots at Lowes. Gonna get me some of both sizes. Large for some tables and smaller to reverse, paint and have double type tables.
I’d plug the hole on the pot and either add sand to weigh it down or paint the inside of the pot and put ice inside to add a few drinks too.
Making two right now. Using spraypaint. Yay! They’re looking good!! Thanks for the idea. I am filling mine half with sand so people can but their cigarette butts in them. Then I can scoop out after party and put lid on. Table again!.
Hi! I have an upgrade to this. If you don’t have a huge pot then 2 smaller ones will do. Drive a piece of rebar into the ground . Place one pot on the top of it facing down-the rebar should poke up a few inches. Place the other pot on top facing up with the rebar sticking into the pot. Now it will not slide sideways. Fill the pot lid with mortar mix cement if you want to do a mosaic top. Then grout it and have a beautiful sturdy table.
I love the Terra Cotta Pot Table. I love your simple instructions and I think I could make a table myself. Thank you for sharing with us.
Can someone tell me what size “large” pot to use for table? I love this and Like to add a few on my patio (pool) next to the chairs!
A 12-18 inch diameter pot is ideal, with a height of about 24 inches. You want to be able to comfortably reach it and it needs to have space to hold a few things.