How to Style Your Coffee Table
7 Ideas for an Elegant Display
9/25/20253 min read
The coffee table is more than just a surface for your drinks; it’s a central stage in your living room. A well-styled coffee table can tie your decor together, add personality, and create a focal point that enhances the entire room. But without a plan, it can easily become a dumping ground for mail, remote controls, and forgotten coasters.
The good news is that styling your coffee table doesn’t require a professional designer. With a few strategic choices and a touch of personal flair, you can transform it into an elegant display that reflects your style and elevates your living space. Let’s explore seven ideas to create a coffee table that wows.
1. The Foundation: A Beautiful Tray
A tray is arguably the most essential tool for coffee table styling. It acts as a frame, corralling items and giving them a sense of purpose.
Why it Matters: It defines your arrangement, keeps items from looking scattered, and makes it easy to clear the table when needed (e.g., for serving snacks).
Styling Tip: Choose a tray that complements your room’s aesthetic – wood for warmth, metal for a modern touch, or mirrored for glamour. Consider its size; it should be proportionate to your coffee table.
Product Idea: A stylish decorative tray can instantly elevate your coffee table’s look.
2. Books: The Cornerstone of Coffee Table Style
Coffee table books are perfect for adding height, color, and personality. They’re both decorative and a conversation starter.
Why it Matters: Large, visually appealing books add substance and interest to your table.
Styling Tip: Layer a few books of varying sizes. Place a larger book on the bottom, then stack a smaller one on top, or arrange them artfully. Choose books related to your interests – art, travel, photography, design, or even cooking.
Product Idea: A curated selection of beautiful coffee table books can set the tone for your entire display.
3. Add Height with Decorative Objects
Varying heights is key to creating visual interest and preventing your arrangement from looking flat.
Why it Matters: Different heights add dimension and draw the eye around your display.
Ideas:
Candles: Group a few candles of different sizes and heights for a cozy and elegant feel. (Choose LED candles for safety and ease).
Small Sculptures or Figurines: Choose pieces that reflect your style.
4. Bring in Nature: Plants and Florals
A touch of greenery or a fresh floral arrangement instantly breathes life into your coffee table and your living room.
Why it Matters: Plants add color, texture, and a natural, calming element.
Styling Tip: Opt for small, manageable plants like succulents, air plants, or small potted herbs. A simple vase with a few stems or a small bouquet also works beautifully.
Product Idea: Beautiful pots for your plants or elegant vases to hold fresh flowers.
5. Functional Touches: Coasters and Remote Holders
While decorative items are essential, don’t forget practical elements. But make them stylish!
Why it Matters: Protects your coffee table from drink rings and keeps remotes organized, preventing clutter.
Styling Tip: Choose coasters that are both functional and decorative, matching your tray or the overall style. A small, attractive holder for remotes can keep them tidy and prevent them from getting lost.
Product Idea: Stylish coasters that complement your decor, and chic remote caddies.
6. Personalize with Photos
Your coffee table is a great place to showcase cherished memories.
Why it Matters: Adds a personal touch and makes your space feel more like yours.
Styling Tip: Use elegant photo frames. Group a couple of frames of varying sizes or choose one statement frame.
Product Idea: Stylish photo frames that complement your decor.
7. The “Rule of Three” (or Five)
This is a common design principle that can help you arrange items on your coffee table.
Why it Matters: Grouping items in odd numbers (three or five) is visually more appealing and dynamic than even numbers.
Styling Tip: Arrange your chosen items (books, candles, a vase, a photo frame) in groups of three or five. Think about varying heights, textures, and materials within each group. For example, a stack of books, a candle, and a small plant create a balanced grouping of three.
By thoughtfully curating the items on your coffee table, you can transform it from a plain surface into a stylish statement piece that enhances your entire living room. It’s a simple way to add polish and personality to your home.