How to Style a Coffee Table
Stack Some Books
The simplest way to style your coffee table is to pile some books on top of it. After all, everyone has a few books worth showing off. Whether you have actual designated coffee table books or just books with beautiful images you think guests would enjoy, feel free to display a few. You can stick to a single stack if you’d like, or make two piles. If you go with the latter, just make sure both stacks are about even, and consider arranging one on each side of any other items you display on the coffee table.
Put a Vase of Flowers on the Table
Another way to add some beauty and fragrance to the room is to place a vase of fresh flowers on the coffee table. Fortunately, you can find flowers—and vases—in every color, so choose based on the shade that works best with the rest of the room. Just make sure both the vase and bouquet you choose aren’t too tall, as you want guests to be able to see over your coffee table when sitting down.
Incorporate Natural Elements
Every home can benefit from displaying a few artifacts from nature. No matter which organic items you choose, you’ll feel calmer and more connected to nature when you’re around them. So consider filling a wooden bowl with seashells, or put some sand into a nice vase. You could also place a piece of coral or a twisted tree branch on your coffee table to offer a rustic, natural look for your home.
Add a Couple of Candles
Candles are both pretty and practical, so they’re perfect for your coffee table. Choose a few candles whose color and design match the rest of the room, so they work well as part of the décor. Then light at least one of the candles before guests come over so their eye is drawn to the coffee table, and the room smells fresh and fragrant. If you want a unique alternative to a candle, a nice lantern would work as a coffee table centerpiece, as well.
Pull It All Together with a Tray
If you’re worried about clutter on your coffee table, you can group everything together by putting it in a tray. This creates a chic, organized spot to display your books, candles, vases and more. It’s also the perfect place to discreetly store some coasters or remote controls so you can keep everything you need on your coffee table without disrupting the flow of the décor.
12 Coffee Table Ideas to Spark Your Imagination
1. Fresh, Fresh, Fresh
Placing a simple vase of flowers on your coffee table will make any living room feel like an open-air oasis.
2. Four Little Vases, All in a Row
A little family of vases never hurt anyone!
3. Texture on Texture on Texture
Contrasting colors and materials to give your coffee table a little textural flavor.
4. Crisp & Clean
For a breezy, first-day-of-spring feel all year long, shy away from dark colors.
5. Rugged & Natural
For a “straight-from-the-woodshop” charm, opt for a distressed finish, industrial base and potted plant decor.
6. Blackout
Mesmerized by that iconic elegance that seemed to follow the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O. everywhere they went? Turns out it’s not so elusive after all. In fact, it can all be boiled down to one simple motto: Ultra-black goes with everything and anything. Commit to memory for flawless aesthetic, every time!
7. Peep Show
Statement decorations don’t always have to be front-and-center; place a few below eye-level for out-of-the-way intrigue.
8. Farmhouse Harmony
A scented candle, burgeoning blossoms and a backdrop of fresh firewood come together to celebrate life’s simple pleasures.
9. Happy Hour
Fresh from the grapevine: a rustic serving tray, decorative decanters and purple plants to impress even the classiest of sommeliers!
10. Sliver of Gold
You say splash of gold, we say très chic!
11. Group Huddle
Like humans, nesting tables do better as a team; unlike humans, they don’t require a bubble of ‘personal space’ – push them in as close as possible and layer on the style!
12. Concrete Ideas
Fusion decor = industrial concrete + sweet florals.
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Common Questions About Coffee Table Styling
What are some easy ways to make my coffee table look more put-together without being cluttered?
Achieving a polished coffee table look is all about curated vignettes. Start with a decorative tray to anchor your items and create a sense of order, then add a few key pieces like a stack of stylish books, a small plant or vase with fresh flowers, and a personal touch like a candle or a small decorative object. Aim for a balance of height and texture to keep it visually interesting yet serene.
I have a small living room; how can I choose a coffee table that maximizes space and still looks good?
For smaller spaces, consider a coffee table with built-in storage, like one with drawers or a lift-top, to keep clutter hidden. Round or oval shapes can also be more forgiving in tight areas, promoting better flow and reducing sharp corners. Look for tables with slender legs to create an illusion of more open floor space, making your living room feel larger and more inviting.
What materials work best for a coffee table if I have pets or young children running around?
Durability and ease of cleaning are key when choosing coffee tables for active households. Opt for materials like engineered wood with a laminate finish, tempered glass (which is more resistant to scratches and shattering), or metal, as these tend to be more resilient to spills and everyday wear and tear. Many Living Spaces coffee tables offer robust finishes that can withstand the demands of family life.
How can I ensure my coffee table decor complements my overall living room aesthetic?
Think of your coffee table as a miniature extension of your room's style. If your living room is minimalist, keep decor simple and functional; for a bohemian vibe, mix textures and patterns; and for a modern look, opt for sleek lines and geometric shapes. Select items that echo your sofa's color palette or introduce a complementary accent color to tie everything together seamlessly.
Is it worth investing in a high-quality coffee table, or are more budget-friendly options just as good?
A well-made coffee table can be a lasting investment that enhances both the look and functionality of your living space for years to come. Higher-quality pieces often feature superior materials and construction, ensuring greater durability and a more refined appearance. While budget-friendly options can be stylish, investing in a quality piece from a reputable retailer like Living Spaces can offer better long-term value and a more elevated feel.