How To Style Coffee Tables?

Coffee tables can be the centerpiece of a living room and can tie a room together. Styling a coffee table can be a fun way to express your style and create an inviting atmosphere.

Whether your coffee table is used as a work surface or a place for decorative pieces, there are a few simple design tips you should keep in mind when styling it.

Keeping the scale of the coffee table in mind is key, says interior designer Sarah Peddicord. She recommends starting with a tray or tray-like piece to set the foundation for your decor.

• Keep It Simple

The coffee table is one of the first focal points in a room and is a great spot to showcase your personal style. From a travel memento or family souvenir to your latest design book, there are plenty of ways to make your coffee table feel like you.

Playing with varying heights is easy to create depth and lead the eye around your space. You can do this by stacking books, using a lidded box or small vase, or placing a sculptural object at the top of a tray.

When styling a coffee table, keep it simple and pick items that complement one another. You can also mix textures to add visual interest and contrast to your space.

• Keep It Circular

If you aim to keep your coffee table clutter-free, stick to circular items. This will help create a unified look and make the space less cluttered.

You can even use a tray on the bottom tier to corral your decor pieces, so they don’t get knocked over as easily. It’s also a great spot to stash stray items like remote controls.

Grouping objects in odd numbers can create a sense of balance and order and the right amount of chaos to impress your guests. For example, stacking books on a tray can create a nice visual effect while still keeping things tidy.

Another way to add a touch of elegance to your display is with a vase or jar with a decorative edge. This will allow you to control the height of your display while also adding a pop of color and texture to your table.

• Add A Pedestal

Adding a pedestal when styling your coffee table is an excellent way to add texture and depth. It can also help prevent trailing plants from dangling too low or splattering on the floor.

Depending on your style, you can opt to display a textured geode or crystal. These sculptural objects will add dimension and interest to your tabletop, making them perfect for those with a more minimal aesthetic.

Another popular accent to add when styling your coffee table is a framed or mirrored glass panel. These glass panels are easy to find in stores and are available in various colors to suit any interior design.

• Add A Plant

Adding a plant is the perfect way to create a focal point and make your coffee table stand out. Not only do plants bring nature indoors, but they also help improve your home’s air quality.

To style your coffee table with a plant, start by choosing a plant that matches the overall look of your space. Then, mix and match different types of plants to add dimension to the area.

Many houseplants are perfect for a coffee table, including snakes (Dracaena trifasciata), ferns, and jade plants. All of these plants require minimal care, and they’re also very air-purifying.

• Add A Tray

A tray is a great way to add visual interest and texture to your coffee table. It also acts as a base for your accessory groups and gives your decorative objects boundaries.

Whether you go for a rectangular or circular tray, choose one that complements your coffee table design. The trays are usually inexpensive and can add a lot of flair to your decor.

When styling a tray, place the tallest object on it first. This can be a stacked book, a marble bowl or dish, or a lidded box.

After that, go to the shortest object. This could be a jar, candle, or another small item.

To create a balanced vignette, decorate with odd numbers of accessories and vary the heights. The easiest way to do this is to create a triangle with the outside edges of your vignette.

• Go Minimal

Minimalist styling is the perfect way to keep your coffee table looking sleek and polished. But it also requires a certain level of skill and creativity to pull off.

When styling a tray or coffee table, start with the tallest item, like a stack of books or a marble bowl. This will give you a sense of how to place your mid-height object (like a lidded box or short candle).

Then move down to the shortest one. This can be a short book, a marble bowl, a decorative dish, or a lidded box.

Adding odd-shaped ornaments to your tray or coffee table is a great way to add visual interest without overwhelming the space. They’re perfect for breaking up symmetrical shapes like a round table or glass bowl.

• Go Bold

One of the best ways to add a splash of energy to your coffee table is to go bold. Black is a classic hue that works in many homes, and pairing it with bright colors can turn up the glam quotient.

Another way to make your table pop is to play with shapes. For example, try mixing circular pieces with square ones to create a classic combination, as Holly Lydick did in this Toronto home.

You can also play with heights to create a more dynamic look. This can be achieved by using vases or planters of differing heights in the same color, as shown here, or by placing candles of different heights next to each other.

Another great way to make your coffee table stand out is by putting it in front of something else, like a book or paperweight. This is an easy way to add visual interest and make your table feel more cohesive with the rest of the room.

• Add A Statement Piece

When styling your coffee table, it’s important to include one statement piece that captures the heart of your design scheme. This item should stand out from the rest of your decor, attracting attention and drawing people to your living space.

To start, build your collection of vignettes that speak to your style and story. These objects should have sentimental qualities, allowing them to garner an emotional response from you and your guests.

For example, a book your mother gave you or a ceramic cup your grandmother used to use might be the perfect addition. These sentimental pieces can become the focal point of your coffee table and serve as a great conversation starter when entertaining guests.

• Mix And Match

Coffee tables and side tables are excellent places to showcase books, vases, and plants. They’re also great for adding eclectic decor and making your living room unique.

One of my favorite ways to style a coffee table is with flowers. A beautiful vase full of blooms in a muted color scheme works wonders.

If you’re going for a more minimalist look, try placing single stems in multiple vases. They’ll add a lot of bang for your buck and won’t take up too much space.

Alternatively, you can display an original work of art. Whether it’s an oversized palm leaf, geode, or crystal, this is a beautiful and eye-catching centerpiece that’ll stand out on your coffee table.

• Add A Floor Cushion.

A floor cushion is a great way to add a touch of oomph to your coffee table. They come in all shapes and sizes, making them suitable for every styling need.

They can be used for extra seating, a reading nook, a meditation corner, or as a fun decorative addition to your living room or den. They also have a surprisingly large number of other functions like providing extra support for your feet.

The best part? They are super comfortable to sit on. And when you’re done with them, they roll up nicely and are easy to transport if you need them to be out of the way. In addition, the small size makes them perfect for small spaces. And they can even be a good outdoor seating option if you have an elevated deck.

Here Are Some Tips For Styling Your Coffee Table

• Start with a Tray: Adding a tray to your coffee table can help create a cohesive look and give you a surface to group your items. Choose a tray that complements your room’s decor and color scheme.
• Add Books: Books are a great way to add color and personality to your coffee table. Choose books with covers matching your room’s color scheme or interesting graphics or typography.
• Add Decorative Objects: Decorative objects, such as vases, candles, or sculptures, can add depth and dimension to your coffee table. Choose objects that are different shapes and sizes to create visual interest.
• Incorporate Natural Elements: Adding natural elements like plants or flowers can bring life and freshness to your coffee table.

FAQ’s

What are some basic elements to consider when styling a coffee table?

Consider using components that offer height, texture, colour, and visual interest when decorating a coffee table. These can include things like platters, books, candles, and ornamental items.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when styling a coffee table?

Avoid making some frequent blunders include overcrowding the table with things, utilizing things that are too big or tiny for the table, and not providing enough space for guests to set their drinks down.

How can I incorporate books into my coffee table decor?

A coffee table may be given height and visual appeal by adding books. They may be stacked in various ways, used to support other decorative items, or left open to exhibit the covers and artwork.

What are some ideas for incorporating natural elements into my coffee table décor?

Your coffee table design may be given a new, natural feel by including organic items like flowers, plants, and stones. You may put a potted plant on the table, show freshly cut flowers in a vase, or fill a colorful bowl with tiny stones or shells.

How can I add a pop of color to my coffee table?

A vibrant vase, a pile of colourful books, or a stylish tray in a striking colour are all wonderful ways to bring colour to your coffee table. To create a unified design, you may also add a bright rug or accent cushion to the seating area nearby.

How can I use trays to style my coffee table?

Trays are a terrific way to organise minor decorative objects and give your coffee table a uniform appearance. With a tray, you can quickly move decorations like candles, flowers, books, or candles aside to create place for food or beverages.