How To Style A Coffee Table?

A coffee table is a great place to showcase decorative objects. Whether you have a round, square, or rectangular table, styling is about creating a cohesive design that complements the rest of your living space.

One trick is to balance the visual weight of your decor by using symmetry and grouping items in odd numbers. This creates cohesion while still being eye-catching and interesting.

Books

Stacking books on coffee tables has always been a favorite of interior decorators. And it’s a trend that’s catching on once again, with celebrities such as Cindy Crawford and Miranda Kerr displaying their collections of fashion photography and design books, respectively.

While it’s tempting to rely on books to fill a space, you can also style them with other elements for a more sophisticated look. For example, use trays, boxes, or other small sculptural pieces that keep the books on the table but add an artistic touch without taking up too much room.

Another way to make books stand out is to pair them with colorful mugs and accessories. These items can be stacked together to create an eye-pleasing, textured stack that’s easy to remove and change out when you want a different look.

You can also go the minimalist route and display only a few books to showcase your favorites. This looks especially impactful if you have a colorful, bold, or theme-driven collection.

Regarding which books to choose for styling a coffee table, consider your lifestyle and your taste in design. There are plenty of books that explore a variety of topics, from travel and food to fashion and art. For example, if you’re a nature lover, seek photography-focused books from renowned shutterbugs.

For design lovers, coffee table books offer a wide range of options infused with contemporary designs and interesting ideas. They’re a great way to stay up to date with the latest trends and get inspiration for your next project.

Aside from decorating with books, there are other smart ways to style your coffee table, such as incorporating a tray and adding plants. These are simple, cost-effective ways to transform your living room into a cozy retreat!

There are so many great options regarding coffee table books, but one of the most important factors is their size. So often, these big-format books can overwhelm smaller spaces like nightstands and phone stands, so it’s best to keep them on a smaller scale for styling a coffee table.

Tray

A coffee table tray can add a touch of elegance to your decor while keeping essential trinkets organized. These trays can be used as a centerpiece on a coffee table, nightstand, or dining table and are available in many different designs and styles. They also come in different sizes, so you can pick the most comfortable to hold your items.

Adding a tray to your coffee table is an easy and budget-friendly way to style it. It also helps keep clutter at bay, so you can focus on the bigger picture.

Start by clearing your coffee table of items that don’t need to live there permanently. This includes loose change, old receipts, and mail. Then, wipe your coffee table, so it is clean and ready to receive new items.

Next, choose a tray in a neutral color palette that works with the rest of your decor. You can also experiment with contrasting colors and patterns to achieve an interesting look.

You can use a square, rectangular, or round tray for your coffee table. A circular decorative tray usually isn’t as wide as a rectangular one, so this can be a good option for a smaller space.

Once your tray is in place, choose a few objects at varied heights to create interest and depth. These could be a vase, a jar, or a decorative sculptural object.

If you have a lot of books, try using a few different ones on your tray to add a layer of interest and depth. A scented candle or decorative sculptural object can also add another element to the mix.

Adding a framed artwork is also an excellent idea for a tray since it adds depth and sophistication to the overall look. Again, you can choose a piece of art that matches your style to make it more cohesive.

A textured or marbled tray is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something with more texture. This tray type is a great addition to a modern or contemporary interior because it’s easy to style and looks stunning when paired with the right accessories.

Plants

Plants on your coffee table add beauty and life to the space and bring nature indoors. It is a great way to introduce greenery into your home and make the most of your furniture without spending a fortune.

Some of the best coffee table plants are easy to care for, too. For example, a flowering streptocarpus, also known as the African violet, will cheer up a table with its thin velvety leaves and colorful blossoms. They do well in bright indirect light and occasional watering and look great on a decorative pot.

A jade plant, also known as a money tree, is another low-maintenance option that makes an excellent addition to your table decor. With a little sunlight and care, this tropical succulent can be placed on a spring stand or mounted on a wood block for an instant centerpiece.

There are many different types of plants to choose from when styling your coffee table, so don’t be afraid to get creative! The best plants include air plants, baby rubber plants, cacti, and ferns.

When choosing a plant to decorate your coffee table, it’s important to consider its size and shape. For example, a large sculptural succulent like pencil cactus or branches like a eucalyptus will help anchor larger tables.

Another great way to mix up your coffee table decor is by using items that vary in height. For example, you can use vases, candles, plants, or even stacks of books to achieve this effect.

A round table can sometimes feel a little empty, so include a few curves to break up the monotony. For example, a circle in the middle of a stack of books will create a pleasing balance between rectangular and circular shapes.

The same goes for a tall and small candlestick or paperweight. Simply varying their heights will make your grouping appear more dynamic, as seen in this living room by Haven Design and Construction.

You can also mix up your table decor with a few sculptural objects, such as these antique wooden chess pieces or this Monopoly box. These pieces will add depth and contrast to the rest of your decor, which is especially helpful if you have a more minimal style.

Accessories

Whether you’re styling a coffee table to use as a place to put books or a comfy spot to prop your feet, accessories are the key to creating a chic, eye-catching design. You can add any number of pieces to your table, including vases, decorative ornaments, flowers, and personal memorabilia.

Often overlooked, decorative accessories are easy to create an interesting look for your coffee table. Choose objects with different textures and heights to make your table look balanced. For example, try using a simple brass accent to balance out a white marble table top.

Another easy way to add color and texture to your table is by using a variety of ceramics with matching or similar colors. These can be grouped in a tray or bowl to add texture and dimension to your table.

Aside from adding a pop of color and texture, trays and bowls are also great ways to organize your coffee table. You can use these accessories to hold remote controls and other essentials while allowing you to keep your table clean and organized.

You can also use a tray to showcase a collection of miscellaneous items, such as matchboxes or coasters. Trays can be in various materials, from wicker to wood or even bronze, so you can find one that fits your coffee table perfectly.

In addition to trays, small baskets, and bowls can also be used to showcase collections or as a catchall to store miscellaneous items. This is especially useful if you don’t have a lot of surface space on your table and need to display smaller elements.

While you can easily get carried away when accessorizing your coffee table, a well-thought-out presentation is key to creating a beautiful design. For example, don’t use too many small items on a single surface because they will quickly become cluttered.

The same rule applies to large items – don’t overdo it, either. Too many large objects can make your coffee table appear empty and cluttered. To avoid this, consider placing a few larger objects in the center of your table and using two or three smaller pieces on either side to keep a balanced aesthetic.

FAQ’S

How do you make a coffee table look good?

Choose accessories that complement the colour of your coffee table. Use bright colours for the top if the table is white or another neutral colour. Showcase shiny and bright white tabletop pieces for black or dark woods. Every colour choice is possible with a flexible transparent table.

What is nice to put on a coffee table?

A tall vase with fiery red stems, a stack of books, and a round basin filled with trinkets complete the ensemble. The items are arranged in a pleasing trio, leaving enough room on the table to highlight its surface, offer a point of contrast in colours, and give the owner somewhere to set down a cup of coffee.

Does a coffee table make a small living look smaller or bigger?

DON’T USE THE COFFEE TABLE. A small living room’s empty space is rapidly filled by coffee tables, which frequently give the impression that the area is constrained. A sofa table behind the couch or small side tables at either end are further options.

What is the rule of 3 decorating?

According to the rule of three, odd-numbered groupings of objects are more appealing, remembered, and efficient than even-numbered ones. Three seems to be the key number, although (as I’ve already indicated) 5, 7, or 9 also tend to work well.

What is the 3 color rule in interior design?

Your primary colour is the first; the second colour is still noticeable but not as much as your primary colour. The third colour is your accent colour, which you should only use sparingly or scatter throughout. You might divide this up into 60%, 30%, and 10% if you like numbers. Major colour: 60%.