Coffee Table Styling Ideas: How to Decorate a Coffee Table?
Posted by Luxo Living on 12/11/2024
For many people, knowing how to decorate a coffee table is not a skill that comes naturally to them. If you’ve ever wondered why your table ends up looking like a hot mess rather than the beautifully styled pieces in glossy interior design magazines, we’re here to help. With our coffee table styling ideas, we’ll have you feeling more confident than ever when it comes to decorating this must-have piece of furniture.
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1. Use Varying Heights
Having all objects at the same height is visually boring and appears curated. Instead, objects on your coffee table should have differing heights. This will take the eye on a visual journey up and down the objects on the table, creating a sense of balance. Just ensure that objects aren’t so high that you can’t see over them when seated on the couch.
2. Use Larger Items Over ‘Trinkets’
You must have just the right number of pieces on your table – not too many or too few. As a general rule, larger items look better than a lot of little trinkets. Lots of small items can actually make the space feel messy and jumbled, while a few larger items will give you the visual impact you desire without the clutter. This is definitely a scenario in which less is more.
3. Use a Tray
If you have a larger coffee table, a tray is a great way to contain and showcase a number of smaller objects. You can, for example, display a range of items on a tray (such as coasters, candles, or even games) with plenty of space left over for you to pop a book stack or a vase of flowers. Just ensure that the tray isn’t made from the same material as your tabletop and you’re good to go.
4. Use Books to Your Advantage
Books are actually a great way to elevate an object – stack three books with an oddly shaped ornament on the top and you’ve created a stunning centrepiece. Just ensure that the books are thick and that they’re in keeping with the theme of the space. You don’t want a cookbook, for example; stick to titles that are inviting for visitors to flick through.
5. Use the Underside
Depending on the style of your coffee table, there might be room to decorate underneath it. This could include a small piece of functional furniture, like an ottoman or a pouffe. Or it could include a series of small storage baskets to hold clutter items, like remote controls. If your table has a shelf underneath, this is a great place to store books.
6. Use Oddly Shaped Objects
Many people make the mistake of only using circular-shaped objects in their decorating, which leaves the space looking boring and flat. Instead, use objects in a variety of different shapes – in particular fluid shapes that don’t have clean lines. Think things like coral, branches, and abstract sculptures. This will make a big difference to the overall look and feel.
7. Use Empty Space
Scale is a key to the success of your coffee table arrangement. You want to fill it up with objects, but you also want to leave room for day-to-day activities (like putting a glass down). Ensure that you leave adequate space between the objects and the edge of the table. Also, consider that you don’t want plant leaves dangling into your drink or onto your food.
Tips for Specific Coffee Table Shapes
While the above rules apply to tables of all shapes and sizes, there are some specific tips to keep in mind based on the shape of your table.
Round Tables
All objects should sit in a cluster in the centre of the table and the rule of three is perfect. A plant or vase of flowers is the ideal foundation (tallest) piece, followed by a candle, and then a stack of books. While it’s generally recommended that you avoid a tray on a round tabletop, if you have to use one ensure that it’s also round.
Square Tables
When it comes to square coffee tables, it’s recommended that you break it up into a few ‘sections’ (three works well). The sections should form a rough triangular shape on the tabletop. One section could be a tray with a cluster of items on it (like flowers, a candle, and a stack of coasters). Use a large object with a random shape for another section, and a stack of books for the last.
Rectangle Tables
Similarly to square tables, it’s a good idea to break rectangular ones up into three sections – but avoid spacing them evenly along the length (as this has a very staged appearance). Instead, create one large section a little off-centre with a collection of smaller objects (like a book stack or a tray) to either side. Some objects can be placed closer to the edge with others further back.
Oval Tables
You have two options when it comes to oval coffee tables. Firstly, you could follow the round table philosophy and have three objects of differing heights clustered in the middle. Secondly, you could approach the styling in a more formal way with one major section in the middle (like a plant) and then two smaller sections of similar heights on either side (like a book stack).
Decorate Your Coffee Table Like a Pro
By following these universal rules, you’ll know exactly how to decorate a coffee table to suit your home and family. Ensure that your home always looks put together and welcoming, even when unexpected visitors arrive, with our coffee table styling ideas. You’ll be blown away by what you can achieve – don’t be afraid to try a few different ideas out until you settle on the arrangement that suits your needs best.
