A well-styled coffee table adds visual interest and reflects your design style. However, it can be tricky to balance decor with function.
Vary the heights of decorative objects on your coffee table to create a more eye-catching vignette. For instance, a group of books in odd numbers elevates an ornament or other item on top.
Keep it simple
A few necessary things, like coasters and a tray for drinks, are easy to incorporate into coffee table styling. However, it's the decorative elements that truly elevate and infuse your living room design with personality. Seek for items that are both tactile and visually appealing. These can be as simple as a pretty paperweight or door stopper, or as complex as a glass box filled with a feather collection or succulent garden in a terrarium. The key is to limit the number of these pieces and include objects with a variety of heights so that your decor looks intentionally layered rather than haphazard.
Adding a plant or two to your coffee tables is a quick way to liven up the space and add some greenery. Or opt for a shallow bowl or vase of something natural like river stones, pine cones, or decorative orbs to create a centerpiece that’s easy to refresh as needed. For an unexpected touch, a few framed family photos or souvenirs from special trips can add interest and a personal touch to your living room.
Another great way to keep your coffee table looking clean and intentional is to organize items into small groupings or vignettes. This way, the space doesn’t feel cluttered and you still have plenty of surface space for drinking or eating. Using the rule of three or working with a grid to arrange your coffee table decor works well here. You can even use a clear acrylic tray as a styling base to keep smaller objects corralled and add visual interest to the piece.
Don't hesitate to experiment with different sizes for your coffee table decor. A porcelain bowl, a wooden chain accessory, and a plant blend nicely on this coffee table, and because there’s an emphasis on the vertical, the arrangement doesn’t feel overcrowded.
For a final touch, a few candles on the coffee table create a sense of warmth and welcome. And a box of board games—like chess, scrabble, or Monopoly—is a fun way to encourage conversation and playfulness when guests gather.
Mix it up
When it comes to coffee table styling, symmetry can sometimes be counterproductive, which is why it's crucial to introduce some variation. Not only does this make for a more eye-catching vignette, but it also gives the impression that everything has been carefully considered and curated. Try to mix in odd numbers of items and vary the heights of your accessories. This is a stylistically good rule of thumb for most decor, whether you’re looking to balance a pair of vases or groupings of decorative objects.
Creating the perfect ambiance for your coffee table starts with the necessary things like coasters and space for drinks, but then you can add in more decorative touches to really showcase your style. For a more personal touch, try including something that tells your story—like a decorative box filled with feathers, a collection of seashells from a special trip or even a vase full of dried flowers from your garden.
Another way to give your table a polished look is to add a textural element that ties into your room’s color palette. For example, if your lamp or artwork has a blue hue, bring that color in by adding a decorative object with the same shade, such as a ceramic bowl or woven placemat.
Using decorative trays to contain some of your accessories is both practical and visually appealing. Choose a tray that is at least half the size of your table and fill it with a variety of decor items for a well-rounded, layered look.
In addition to trays, you can also use decorative boxes and bins to hold essentials, like remotes, pens, pencils, and other small items that tend to end up scattered across your living room. Keep in mind, though, that these functional elements should be kept to a minimum so you still have room for day-to-day tasks like placing your drink down and setting down a plate of food.
In a similar vein, consider rotating your coffee table’s accessories on a weekly, monthly, or seasonal basis to change up the look and feel of the space. This is an easy way to refresh the look of your home without spending a lot of money on new decor pieces.
Keep it interesting
A coffee table can be a small reflection of the larger room, so make sure your decorative items tie into the other colors in the space. This will keep the look cohesive and polished. You can achieve this by adding a coordinating throw pillow, a piece of art, or a decorative vase. If you're using trays or boxes to organize items like remote controls and keys, opt for ones that feature a pop of color or are constructed from a durable material to withstand frequent use (and little hands).
If you have a lot of decorative objects on your coffee table, try mixing them up in terms of size and height. Displaying all tall or all short objects can quickly become boring. Varying the heights adds a bit of interest and can help your styling feel intentional.
It’s also a good idea to incorporate texture into your coffee table decor, whether that’s through woven baskets or a moss bowl. This not only looks lovely but can add a tactile element to the table that’s pleasing to the touch and eyes. It’s an easy way to elevate your table and add some dimension.
Another way to keep your coffee table interesting is to rotate seasonal elements. This can be as simple as swapping out a glass container of flowers for one filled with shells in the summer or putting up a faux fruit bowl in the fall. The change will instantly refresh the table and the rest of the living space.
If you have an eye for detail and a knack for curating, consider creating a vignette that showcases your favorite collectibles. A collection of antique silver boxes, busts, or beautiful vases can really elevate the look of your coffee table. You could even create a “tabletop museum” and highlight items that have a story behind them, such as postcards from your travels.
If you lack the skill for styling, maintain simplicity by showcasing a single item on your coffee table. It can be a statement piece, such as an Asian-covered bowl or an old-fashioned Monopoly box. It can also be an heirloom or something that holds special meaning for your family, such as a family heirloom candle.
Don’t overdo it
Styling a coffee table can be an overwhelming process. There are numerous elements to take into account, such as the color scheme and layout of your space, as well as striking a balance between storage, decorative items, and comfort features. However, a few simple rules can help you avoid the pitfalls of an overcrowded or overstyled coffee table.
If you’re working with a coffee table that already has a lot going on, it can be helpful to create a visual focal point with one or two larger decor pieces. This can be a vase, planter, or sculpture that is bold and visually interesting on its own. Then add a few smaller items around it to keep the table from looking crowded and messy.
Also, try not to stick with just one type of material when creating your vignette. Adding in a few pieces of wood, glass, or woven materials will ensure that your coffee table isn’t a monotone display.
Another common rookie mistake is overusing circle-shaped objects in their vignette. This can end up making the scene look dated and flat. To counter this, opt for a few geometric objects or accessories like vases, pencil holders, or storage containers with fun shapes and textures.
Adding in some greenery is an easy way to liven up a coffee table. Whether it’s a voluminous vase filled with bushy branches or a collection of succulents, fresh or faux, plants will instantly infuse your living room with life and color.
You can also go seasonal with your greenery by using clipped flowers or branches that are in season. This is a great option if weekly fresh florals aren’t practical for your home. Think bud branches in the spring, wildflowers in the summer, hydrangeas in the fall, and berry or evergreen branches in the winter.
When it comes to storage, a few shallow bins or baskets can be a stylish and functional addition to your coffee table. You can store things like extra blankets, toys, or stationery on them while still keeping your table clutter-free and aesthetically pleasing. Plus, choosing a style in a bright color or with a contrasting texture can give the piece added interest and help it stand out.
FAQs
1. How tall should a coffee table be?
A coffee table is a key piece that can elevate or detract from your room’s overall aesthetic. It’s essential that it scales properly to your sofa and other furniture pieces.
The ideal height of a coffee table is the same as or slightly lower than the seat height of your sofa cushions. This creates a natural and comfortable experience for seating and allows you to easily reach items on the table without strain.
2. What to Put on a Coffee Table?
When it comes to what to put on a coffee table, simplicity is key. But if you're going for something a bit more decorative, the right pieces can elevate your decor game.
Texture is important, too. Avoid too much of the same finish.
3. How Big Should a Coffee Table Be?
Whether you're setting out a cuppa or propping up your feet, a coffee table is the unsung hero of your living room. It's an opportunity to corral and showcase all the things you love, from candles and ornaments to trays for holding your keys and avo toast.
4. How to Choose a Coffee Table?
The style and size of your coffee table are critical decisions in your living space. Consider how your family will use it and what its purpose will be.
Proper size is essential for comfort and circulation around the room. Typically, two-thirds of the length of your sofa should work well.
5. How to Decorate a Round Coffee Table?
A round coffee table produces a pleasing visual vignette when you follow certain parameters. For example, three book stacks will look balanced from any angle and allow room for mugs and plates to rest on the surface.
As you consider ornaments, think in terms of odd numbers. This deliberate setup will produce balance and a captivating view.
6. How Far Should Coffee Table Be From Couch?
Often serving as the focal point of living rooms, coffee tables balance decor and utility. Selecting a table that complements your sofa while matching your overall interior design theme ensures harmony and a well-coordinated aesthetic.