7 Ways to Beautifully Style a Coffee Table
Keep yours curated and simple.
Styling a coffee table can be both exciting and challenging. Although coffee tables are a great way to show off your collection of beloved coffee table books and any statement decor pieces you might have, they come with a relatively small surface area. If you need a little advice on how to get the most out of styling your coffee table, keep reading below for our seven coffee table styling secrets.
Before you take a deep dive into these seven styling secrets, ask yourself... is my current coffee table still right for my home? Maybe you're hoping to update your existing coffee table or you're searching for something completely new. Whatever the case, make sure you read our Complete Coffee Table Buying Guide.
1. Start with a Large Tray
The key to creating an organised and artful coffee table is starting with a good foundation. A large decorative tray will neatly keep everything together. A tray also makes it easy to quickly move everything off the table to make room for takeout or family game night. Choose a tray that's big enough for your decorative objects but not so big that it takes up the whole table (you still want to be able to prop up your feet).
Tip: If you choose a rattan tray for your coffee table tray ideas, stick felt pads to the bottom so it won't scratch the coffee table.
2. Add a Natural Element
Whether you're decorating a tray on a coffee table or simply styling a coffee table, the next step is to add a natural element. Try switching things up frequently by picking up fresh flowers at the local florist. For a more long-term option, choose an orchid or succulent. You can also gather pinecones, sea glass or pieces of driftwood and put them in a vase.
Books are the best coffee table styling secret as they're great for layering. Choose hardcover books with bold cover art. Designers will often display books based on where they live or their favourite holiday destinations. If you have tons of photos taking up space on your phone, get a photo book printed.
Choose something to place on top of books that will anchor them to your coffee table or tray. We love a magnifying glass for making a bold book cover pop. Beads and brass animals are both trending right now. Either object will make styling a coffee table easy while defining your books.
Decorative boxes aren't just for creating a statement – they're also the best way to stay on top of living room organisation. Keep a large decorative box on your coffee table or in the decorative tray to store remotes and chargers. Opt for a small box to store together loose coasters.
Round out your coffee table by including one thing you love. It could be something unique like a betta fish in a pretty vase or something tall like a wood candlestick. Feel free to vary the height while decorating a tray on a coffee table with this final object, but don't choose something so tall that it blocks the TV.
Once you've found all the pieces you need for styling a coffee table, make sure to go back and edit. If your tray or table is too crowded, it will seem off balance. Keep the colour palette tight to create a cohesive vignette. As seasons change, work in something seasonal. Think: a small fir garland for the holidays or white coral for summertime.
Tip: Enjoyed this article? We think you might also like:
- How to Choose the Right Coffee Table Dimensions
- 6 Expert-Approved Ways to Decorate a Glass Coffee Table
- No Space For a Coffee Table? Give These 4 Alternatives a Try
