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How to style a coffee table


45 Coffee Table Decor Ideas

Introduction

By

Sarah Lyon

Sarah Lyon

Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.

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Updated on 09/21/22

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You've finally found the perfect coffee table for your living room, family room, or primary en suite lounge space. Now, all you have to do is make it pop with the right mix of accessories that suit both your lifestyle and aesthetic.

Whether you prefer a minimalist or a maximalist approach, check out these stylish and wide-ranging coffee table decor ideas will help you add those finishing touches that will turn this functional piece of furniture into a showstopping focal point.

The 8 Best Lift Top Coffee Tables of 2022

How to Style Your Coffee Table Once and for All

In a perfect world, we'd all have immaculately styled coffee tables—ones with perfect monochrome stacks of fashion books, designer candles, and towering floral arrangements. Yes, in the age of Instagram, our innate determination to keep up with the Joneses has extended to the living room. In the real world, however, our coffee tables better resemble a mashup of remotes, miscellaneous magazines, kids' toys, and other random objects. In everyday life, function takes precedence over form. So how do we strike a balance between stylish and manageable? We'll show you how to style a coffee table to be the centerpiece of your living room, no matter how you use your space.

Bauer Media/Trunk Archive

A little greenery goes a long way. Start with an interesting plant or greenery arrangement to make your coffee table feel more organic and less staged. Larger sculptural succulents, like pencil cactuses, or branches, like eucalyptus or cherry blossoms, are great to anchor larger coffee tables.

Courtesy of Stefanie Stein

Round coffee tables can be a little tricky. Generally, they look their best when items are arranged in a triangular shape: a stack of books, a tray, and a bowl, for example. Too many square or rectangular items can also make a round surface feel a little off. Playing with a variety of geometric shapes, from circles to hexagons, will help the surface feel more dynamic.

Courtesy of Liljencrantz Design

On square coffee tables, try dividing the surface into quadrants and display an arrangement of four main items: A stack of books, a tall plant, a tray, or a collection of bowls, for example. This grid feels organized and dynamic at the same time. Move items the four quadrants until you reach the best display.

Courtesy of Liljencrantz Design

Add decorative objects on top of your stack of books for a personal touch. Vases, candle holders, or heirloom objects will give your surface a more dynamic and interesting feel. It will also create height where things might otherwise feel a little flat.

Bauer Media/Trunk Archive

Use trays and boxes to keep all your essentials organized. This could include remotes, matchboxes for your candles, coasters, or any other small items you like to keep handy on your coffee table, but that might feel out of place or not hold enough weight on their own.

Thomas Richter; DESIGN: Space Exploration and White Arrow

Go the minimalistic route and display only a collection of your favorite coffee table books—no fuss needed. This can feel especially impactful if you have a bold or colorful coffee table, or if your books are color-coded or carry a specific theme.

Bauer Media/Trunk Archive

Do you have family memories or souvenirs you want to display? While we tend to save those types of objects for bookcases or console tables, the interesting objects can actually have more impact on a coffee table, where people congregate, so don't be afraid of throwing in a few unexpected items—especially ones with interesting backstories.

Courtesy of Fantastic Frank

Embrace the Scandinavian hygge philosophy and layer the space around your coffee table with floor cushions to encourage people to gather around, and to make your space feel extra cozy. This is an especially good trick if you have small children or pets, or if you love hosting friends for game night. Your living room will instantly look more inviting.

Courtesy of Space Exploration

Do you collect antique silver boxes, busts, bowls, or other interesting objects? Let your coffee table be a display for your most prized collections. Repetition is a known trick of the trade, so use it to your advantage and display similar items in large numbers.

Courtesy of Catherine Kwong

One mistake that people often make with their coffee table is displaying too many objects of similar sizes. Breaking up the surface with a comparatively large object can do wonders for the overall feel of your room. For example, display an oversized vase with tall branches or a large bowl to give your space a more dynamic look.

Courtesy of Catherine Kwong

Above all else, consider how you use your coffee table before you choose how to style it. Do you typically set your drink down on it when watching TV? Do you love to play board games? Do you lounge around reading books and magazines on weekends? The best coffee tables may be expertly styled, but they aren't functional if they don't serve the purpose that their owners need them for.

How to style a coffee table in the living room of a country house?

Many love the look of a stylized coffee or coffee table that gives a country house living room a sense of calm.

If you think your coffee table is more than just a drink preparation surface that can also accommodate a couple of magazines or books, then you can create a stylish addition to your country house décor.

The design of the coffee table sets the tone for the entire country house living room. nine0003

When you style and decorate your coffee table, you want to keep it functional. Space for books and accessories is great, but make sure you leave space for essentials (like a tray and space for snacks and drinks).

Once you understand how you actually use your coffee table, get inspired by the following ideas from top interior designers:

A simple and minimalist coffee table. nine0013

Glass adds instant sophistication to a vignette. A glass jar or several traditional bell-shaped jars of varying heights can contain everything from greenery and flowers to sculptures and collectibles. Arrange them on a tray or stand.

Coffee tables should be functional, as they will be the center of attention of guests. Leave enough space for guests to enjoy drinks while you are having fun. Use approximately 1/3 of the total length/diameter of the table as space for drinks. nine0003

Flowers and a glass lantern decorate a simple coffee table.

An important combination of color, texture and different heights, the central part of the coffee table. Books, vases, greenery and metallics carefully styled in the same vein can create a perfectly balanced, dignified display.

Match the color of your wall, the color of the sofa or the neighboring paintings on your coffee table. This creates an important aesthetic connection and color repetition.

Periodically change the design of the coffee table. This will keep you busy in your yard and help you celebrate the season without waiting for the December holidays. nine0003

Why should there be only one table?

Be open to new ideas.

An eclectic group of small tables with a flexible approach.

Depending on the situation, a group of small tables may be the best solution. The group of tables can expand and contract as needed, whether you need cocktail space or a footstool.

Keep your coffee table style simple.

Many people like very simple coffee tables with minimal items. It is enough to add one or two books and flowers to the design in this style. nine0003

Glass and metal coffee table accentuates simple accessories.

Organizing multiple items in a larger tray keeps your coffee table comfortable and clean.

Style your coffee table with your favorite accessories.

Coffee table styled with your favorite accessories is a nice accent for a comfortable space.

The design of this table is dictated by the expression of your individuality. For example:

Consider the interior of the room when styling your coffee table.

You can make your coffee table as unique as your accessories. As the centerpiece of any living room or entertainment space, a coffee table can always set the tone for its surroundings.

Natural elements fill this warm and cozy living room.

To give a natural style to your coffee table, use items that can be found in the countryside. nine0003

For example, if a country house is located on the bank of a river or reservoir, you can place a water-polished driftwood found on the bank on a stand in the center of the table.

You can also arrange in a vase decorative knobby branches of a tree or shrub growing in your area, as shown in the photo.

8 coffee table decor ideas and how to style them

@katiehodgesdesign

While the right choice of artwork, sofa and lighting will speak volumes in a living room, the real heart of the space is the coffee table. This is where you and your guests gather to catch up, relax and unwind with drinks (hence the name), and it's a canvas on which you can showcase your personal taste and interest. As such, neatly stacked can greatly improve overall feng shui and aesthetics. Better yet, redecorating your coffee table or simply restyled what you already have is by far the most economical way to breathe new life into your living room. nine0003

So, whether you're looking for inspiration from designer countertops or looking for new pieces, the eight coffee table decor ideas below will point you in the right direction.

Classic formula

@studioashby

This coffee table has everything you need and you won't feel overly loaded or crammed to the brim. There's a storage tray here, coffee tables for visual dimension and easy reading, and floral arrangements to freshen things up. Notice how the pale green tray accentuates the statement chair, while the ceramic vase accentuates the lighter cream accents. nine0003

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Anthropology Small Pleated Porcelain Vase $26

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Choose a ceramic vase that looks both polished and unpretentious. A collection of different shapes and sizes is also a good way to create unity.

Two-tier approach

Elizabeth Roberts

If you have a 2 tier coffee table, consider putting your prettiest yet smallest items on top and then using the middle shelf as a place to store your favorite magazine books. In the living room upstairs, the random arrangement of decorative pieces creates an easy, effortless elegance. Last but not least, consider using your coffee table books to add bright colors like the pink bubble gum above. nine0003

West Elm Large brass symmetry decorative object $50

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A little touch is all it takes to give your coffee table more flair. Choose something tiny, metallic and geometric.

Stick to the basics

Katherine Kwong

Or, if you want to minimize clutter (and maximize space for relaxing with drinks), just stick with a well-chosen coffee table collection without any extra decor. It looks super organized and clean, without deviating from being boring or unfinished. The trick is to place decor items (such as candles and flowers) on other surfaces throughout the room. nine0003

Jamie M. Allen and Sarah Ann McNear Garden Photographer, hardcover $50$33

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A coffee table book with beautiful visuals will double as a work of art.

Color chart inside

color chart @stylezimoblog

We love how every item on the coffee table is kept in a strict grayscale color scheme. Everything from the candlestick to the books and branches looks up-to-date, creating a cohesive style that doesn't detract from the bright objects throughout the space. When in doubt, remember that consistency is underrated, complex, and accessible. nine0003

Georg Jensen Candlestick HK set of 2$69$51

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A chic candlestick will emphasize the mood of the living room and emphasize its style. One and done.

Adult room

Studio DB

We love how playful this living room is. From lush furniture silhouettes to candy-colored throw pillows and fan motifs on the carpet, he manages to feel like an adult, but at the same time draw from a childish whim. One way to achieve this on the same coffee table is to choose colorful books and knick-knacks, and put some games on display. nine0003

Edie ParkerTic Tac Toe Board $2,495 $1,248

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Tic Tac Toe is a fun, interactive way to raise your energy. This is also a work of art.

Balance

Liljencrantz Design

Although this coffee table is not overly symmetrical, it looks balanced. Because the table itself has a square motif, each item is divided into four quadrants for aesthetic purposes. For a similar look, divide the books on the coffee table into two piles, then arrange them in opposite directions for added intrigue. Nest bowls and versatile fixtures are another good coffee table addition when you want to keep clutter to a minimum and add more sizes and greenery is a must. nine0003

Julie Hadley Handmade Wabi Sabi Serving Bowls $150 - $275

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The organic shape of these bowls makes them ideal for placing on a coffee table. Or you can use them during dinner and use them to serve salads and side dishes.

Pure and classic

@annaleena.interiors

We love how this coffee table plays with proportion and scale (and brings beautiful floral arrangements) with just one piece. There is nothing wrong with keeping the coffee table completely empty. Simply place your decor on a console table or bar cart as shown in the living room above. nine0003

Libby GlassTransparent cylindrical vase$3

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You can't go wrong with a tall cylindrical vase, especially when it costs as good as this one.

Shape meets function

@amybartlam

A good tray is one of the most underrated coffee table items of all time, especially if your coffee table is actually an upholstered ottoman.

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