How to Style a Coffee Table: The Ultimate Foolproof Guide
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The first thing I shopped for when my husband and I bought our first home was a coffee table! I had been saving and swooning over that Instagram-perfect coffee table for months leading up to our closing date. With a tight budget, I was determined to splurge a few hundred dollars on this piece (here’s the link), and let me tell you it’s still the best piece of furniture in my house (oops, our house!).
In this blog post, I’m sharing a foolproof, easy method to style ANY coffee table. These foolproof methods make the process super easy, because, let’s be real, with all the interior design jargon like ‘add texture’ or ‘bring in character,’ it can feel overwhelming! But don’t worry, I’ve broken it down to make it a breeze.
How gorgeous is my coffee table?
Let’s dive into the basics. What types of decor should you actually use to get that designer coffee table look? From decorative trays to sculptural objects, the key is selecting the right pieces that balance style and functionality.
Decor Items You Need To Style The Coffee Table
1. Coffee Table Books
Coffee table books are a no-brainer when it comes to styling. Not only do they add a touch of elegance, but they’re also the perfect way to showcase your personality. Into traveling? Add some travel-inspired books! Love surfing? Coastal-themed books will be your go-to. They’re a fantastic conversation starter and look stunning when stacked.
Here are a few tips to get that flawless look:
- Opt for hardcover books (they last longer and look more polished).
- Stick to neutral or muted colors, or simply remove the paper jackets to reveal the sleek hardcovers.
- Mix up the sizes! Variation is key to creating that effortlessly chic look.
My top 3 coffee table picks from Amazon
2. Vases
When it comes to vases, less really is more if you’re aiming for that effortlessly chic vibe. Skip the glittery, golden ones that scream “look at me” and go for pieces that whisper timeless elegance. Here’s how to nail that designer look:
- Go for Ceramic Classics: Stick with vases in earthy, neutral tones. They’re always more stylish, whether you fill them with blooms or let them stand solo.
- Mix and Match Sizes: If you’re displaying more than one vase, vary their sizes. It’s like creating a mini art gallery on your table! Just make sure each piece plays nicely with the others.
These are my top picks from Amazon
3. Decorative Tray
Trays are such a lifesaver when it comes to organizing things like remotes, candle diffuser sticks, or even adding a touch of style with a coffee table book or vase. But let me give you some advice. Please, skip the golden or mirrored trays. I know they can seem luxurious, but trust me, they scream "cheap" and can throw off your whole look.
Instead, go for rattan or woven trays. They add so much texture and visual interest, taking your styling game to a whole new level. The natural materials and warm tones are not only functional but also effortlessly stylish!
Check out this affordable rattan tray from Amazon.
4. Coasters
Let’s not forget one of the most obvious coffee table essentials: coasters! I mean, who likes those annoying water rings, right? Coasters are an absolute must. The trick is to pick a set that’s both beautiful and simple, so they blend seamlessly with the rest of your table decor. You can never go wrong with wooden or marble coasters. They add a touch of elegance while keeping your table looking pristine!
5. Candles, Candle Sticks & Candle Accessories
Is a coffee table ever really complete without a candle? I don’t think so! You’ve got a few options here, and they’re all pretty fabulous. If you love candle jars, place a sleek candle wick trimmer and a snuffer next to it. Not only are they functional, but they also add a stylish, sophisticated touch.
If you’re more of a candle stick person, go for stunning brass or black candle holders. These beauties look great on their own or with candle sticks. Either way, they’re bound to elevate your coffee table game.
6. Decor Objects
The final piece of the coffee table styling puzzle? Decor objects! Think wooden knots, bowls, a chic magnifying glass or even a playful tic-tac-toe game. These little accents, whether placed on a stack of books or tucked into a tray, add so much visual interest and variation. They’re the perfect way to bring personality and polish to your coffee table.
Alrighty, let’s get down to business, coffee table styling! This is why you’re here, right? Now that we’ve covered the basics of what to place on your table, it’s time to dive into the fun part: styling based on the shape of your coffee table. Whether you have a square, rectangular, or round table, each shape calls for its own unique approach. Let’s break it down and talk about how to style each one for maximum impact!
Styling The Coffee Table Based On The Shape
Before you start buying cute vases and coffee table books, it’s important to consider the shape of your coffee table. If you pay attention to how designers style different tables, you’ll notice that their approach varies based on shape. To simplify this, I’ve created a quick guide for you.
For a square table, divide it into four quadrants; for a rectangular table, split it into a 3x3 grid; and for a round table, visualize it as three equal sections. (To make it even easier, you can use two painter's tape of different colors to mark the divisions. Painter’s tape peels right off without damaging your furniture!) Focus on placing items closer to the center of the table. In the illustration, I’ve highlighted this with a green border.
Keep reading to see how to style each of these shapes and achieve that perfect designer look!
Styling a Square Shaped Coffee Table
Once you've mapped out the 4 quadrants (as shown in the image above), either visualize the green border or use painter’s tape to mark it. It won’t damage your furniture, and it’s super easy to remove. This smaller square is your guide for where to place your decor pieces, focusing on one quadrant at a time.
To nail that designer look, try these styling tricks:
Stack 2-3 books in two diagonally opposite quadrants.
Add an eye-catching object on top of one of the book stacks.
Place a vase in one quadrant, and balance it out by adding a bowl, taller stack of books or tray in the opposite one.
Credit: Studio McGee
Styling a Rectangular Shaped Coffee Table
For a rectangular coffee table, the middle row of your 3x3 grid is the prime real estate for styling your decor items. It’s where you can really create that balanced, designer look. Personally, I love placing a vase or a taller decor piece right in the center. This naturally creates a beautiful focal point and gives the table a grounded feel. You can then style around it with smaller items like books, trays, or decorative objects to balance the overall look.
If the vase in the center feels too formal or structured for your style, don’t be afraid to mix it up! Try shifting the vase to one side and placing a stack of books in the middle instead. Or pair it with a tray on one side and a decorative object or candle on the other. The goal is to find a layout that reflects your style while maintaining balance on the table.
Styling a Round Shaped Coffee Table
I know round coffee tables can feel a bit tricky since there aren’t any clear edges to guide you, but don’t worry! If you follow the guide above and split the table into three equal parts, styling becomes a breeze. Each section can house a set of decor pieces, so think in threes!
A winning combination for a round coffee table would be placing a vase in one section, a stack of books with a decorative object on top in another, and finally, a tray with candles or coasters in the third. This creates a balanced, designer-worthy look without feeling cluttered.
Now that you’ve got all the tips and tricks for styling your coffee table like a pro, it’s time to have some fun with it! Remember, coffee table styling is all about creating a beautiful space that reflects your personality. Play around with different arrangements, mix and match textures, and don’t be afraid to switch things up with the seasons. Get creative, and enjoy making your coffee table the star of your living room!
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