A coffee table isn’t just a functional piece of furniture; it’s a central focal point in your living room that sets the tone for the entire space. Styling it like a pro can transform the look of your room, creating balance, adding personality, and showcasing your unique style. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to style your coffee table like a designer.
Start with a Tray
Using a tray is a great way to anchor your coffee table decor. It organizes smaller items and creates a defined space for accessories. Choose a tray that contrasts with the table material—if your coffee table is glass, try a wooden tray, and if it’s wood, opt for a metallic or ceramic tray.
Pro Tip: Choose a tray in a shape that complements your table. Rectangular trays work well on square tables, while round trays are ideal for round or oval tables.
Add Layers with Books
Coffee table books are a classic styling element. Not only do they add personality, but they also bring height and depth to your arrangement. Stack two or three books with varying sizes and colors that reflect your interests or interior design theme.
Pro Tip: Large books with bold covers make a statement. Use books that inspire you, whether they’re about art, design, travel, or fashion.
Using a tray is a great way to anchor your coffee table decor. It organizes smaller items and creates a defined space for accessories. Choose a tray that contrasts with the table material—if your coffee table is glass, try a wooden tray, and if it’s wood, opt for a metallic or ceramic tray.
Pro Tip: Choose a tray in a shape that complements your table. Rectangular trays work well on square tables, while round trays are ideal for round or oval tables.
Add Layers with Books
Coffee table books are a classic styling element. Not only do they add personality, but they also bring height and depth to your arrangement. Stack two or three books with varying sizes and colors that reflect your interests or interior design theme.
Pro Tip: Large books with bold covers make a statement. Use books that inspire you, whether they’re about art, design, travel, or fashion.
Bring in Something Green
Plants and flowers breathe life into your space. Add a vase of fresh flowers or a small potted plant to soften the look of your coffee table and introduce natural elements. If you’re not into plant maintenance, try faux greenery or succulents that require minimal care.
Pro Tip: Consider the season when selecting greenery. Lush green plants work year-round, while seasonal flowers can be swapped out to reflect different times of the year.
Plants and flowers breathe life into your space. Add a vase of fresh flowers or a small potted plant to soften the look of your coffee table and introduce natural elements. If you’re not into plant maintenance, try faux greenery or succulents that require minimal care.
Pro Tip: Consider the season when selecting greenery. Lush green plants work year-round, while seasonal flowers can be swapped out to reflect different times of the year.
Add Sculptural Pieces
A sculptural object, like a decorative bowl, figurine, or candle holder, can serve as a centerpiece and add interest. Look for items with unique shapes or textures to create visual intrigue.
Pro Tip: Use odd numbers when placing objects. Groups of three or five tend to feel more natural and balanced than even numbers.
Include Personal Touches
A sculptural object, like a decorative bowl, figurine, or candle holder, can serve as a centerpiece and add interest. Look for items with unique shapes or textures to create visual intrigue.
Pro Tip: Use odd numbers when placing objects. Groups of three or five tend to feel more natural and balanced than even numbers.
Include Personal Touches
Don’t forget to inject some of your personality into your coffee table styling. Personal items like a framed photo, a small piece of art, or a travel souvenir can make your coffee table feel more lived-in and reflective of your style.
Pro Tip: Rotate personal items periodically to keep the look fresh. A seasonal swap can help refresh your space without needing to redo the entire arrangement.
Balance Height
Varying the height of objects on your coffee table adds visual interest and creates a dynamic composition. Use a tall vase, a stack of books, and a lower dish or tray to create layers of height.
Pro Tip: Be mindful of scale. Don’t overcrowd the table with too many tall pieces, and keep the arrangement below eye level for a clear view across the room.
Mix Textures
Create contrast by mixing different textures—smooth, rough, shiny, and matte. For example, pair a sleek ceramic vase with a woven basket or a glossy tray with a rustic wooden bowl.
Pro Tip: Mixing materials like marble, wood, metal, and glass will enhance the overall look and add dimension to your coffee table décor.
Pro Tip: Rotate personal items periodically to keep the look fresh. A seasonal swap can help refresh your space without needing to redo the entire arrangement.
Balance Height
Varying the height of objects on your coffee table adds visual interest and creates a dynamic composition. Use a tall vase, a stack of books, and a lower dish or tray to create layers of height.
Pro Tip: Be mindful of scale. Don’t overcrowd the table with too many tall pieces, and keep the arrangement below eye level for a clear view across the room.
Mix Textures
Create contrast by mixing different textures—smooth, rough, shiny, and matte. For example, pair a sleek ceramic vase with a woven basket or a glossy tray with a rustic wooden bowl.
Pro Tip: Mixing materials like marble, wood, metal, and glass will enhance the overall look and add dimension to your coffee table décor.
Keep It Functional
Your coffee table should still serve its primary function. Make sure you leave enough space for daily activities like placing a cup of coffee, remote controls, or a book. Styling should enhance, not hinder, the practicality of your space.
Pro Tip: Use decorative boxes or stylish coasters to keep small items organized and within reach without cluttering the table.
Embrace Negative Space
Don’t be afraid to leave some empty space on your coffee table. Overcrowding it with decor can make it look cluttered. Negative space helps highlight the items you do display, allowing them to stand out more.
Pro Tip: Keep your arrangement airy by leaving gaps between different objects, so each piece has room to shine.
Be Flexible
One of the best things about styling a coffee table is how easy it is to change things up. Don’t hesitate to experiment! Move things around, swap in new pieces, and keep evolving your table’s look over time.
Pro Tip: Adjust your styling to suit different occasions. You can make it more festive during holidays, add seasonal touches in spring or autumn, or simply change the arrangement when you're in the mood for a refresh.
Styling a coffee table is an art that allows you to express your design aesthetic while keeping things functional. By incorporating these tips, you’ll have a beautifully styled coffee table that will make your living room look like it belongs in a magazine!