Your coffee table is more than just a place to set down your morning cuppa —it's a focal point of your living room and an opportunity to showcase your personality and style. Uh oh! Is panic setting in? Don't worry there are some simple tips you can use that will help you style your table perfectly.
Solid foundations: Before you begin styling your coffee table, look at the table itself. You want a coffee table that complements the overall aesthetic of your living room and provides ample surface space for styling. Consider the size, shape, and material of your coffee table, keeping in mind the proportions of your space and the other furniture in the room. And you don't need to limit yourself to a table as an ottoman or footstool can work brilliantly too with a tray (and is multifunctional which is always a winner in my book!).
So to get started then gather all the smaller decorative items you think might work in the room (so this will be anything that has a colour palette that works with your existing room). And you will want a selection of tall, mid and lower height items. So think about vases, plants, books, decorative objects, bowls etc. It's often easier to gather it all together first so you can play around with options to see what works best for you.
By adding a tray to a coffee table you have a way of gathering all the items together (and for moving them easily if you need to all put your feet up at once), if you have a larger scale coffee table you might prefer to space the items out a little more. If you are looking at adding a tray then look to contrast the materials between the tray and the coffee table.
Personal Library: Books are a timeless and versatile accessory for styling your coffee table. Select a few coffee table books that reflect your interests and hobbies, whether it's art, fashion, travel, or interior design. Stack books in varying heights to create visual interest and use them as a base for other decorative objects. And when you eventually do sit down for your cup of tea you can take a breather from your phone and browse a book instead. Mental health goals and all.
Bring in Nature: Bring the outdoors in by incorporating greenery into your coffee table accessories. That can be small potted plants or a decorative vase with fresh flowers (or dried work beautifully too). Choose low-maintenance plants such as succulents or air plants that thrive indoors and add a touch of freshness to your space. They are great for adding a bit of colour and texture.
Add your Accessories: There are so many options when it comes to decorative objects but don't over think it. Just keep looking at mixing and matching textures, shapes, and finishes to create visual contrast and go for items that you love.
Personal mementos can add a personal touch and are a great talking point too. Whether it's a cherished family photo, a sentimental souvenir from your travels, or a handmade trinket from a loved one, incorporating personal items into your coffee table décor adds warmth and authenticity to your space.
Texture is key to creating visual interest and depth in your coffee table styling. So you need to look at mixing and matching different textures such as wood, metal, glass, and ceramics to add dimension to your arrangement.
So you have your items, now how to style them. The simplest method is to use the rule of 3. This means adding something from your selection that is vertical, horizontal and sculptural. Combine items in groups of threes–preferably with a tall item, a shorter, more sculptural item, and a horizontal item and this can be on a tray or directly on the coffee table. Then if you try putting one object in front of another and the third a little off to the side to create more depth it will give your table a natural look.
Also consider the scale of the room and the coffee table. If you have a large room and table/ottoman then you will need objects that reflect this (or otherwise they will end up feeling lost in the space) so go for oversized vases with branches, bowls and candlesticks. In a smaller space then reduce your heights and widths of accessories to feel suited to the space you have.
When styling your coffee table, your aiming for a balanced and cohesive arrangement that is visually appealing from all angles. Avoid overcrowding your coffee table with too many decorative objects, and leave plenty of negative space to allow each item to shine. So take your collected items and experiment with different layouts and arrangements until you find a composition that feels balanced and harmonious.
So whether you prefer a minimalist aesthetic or a cosy eclectic vibe, there's endless possibilities for creating your very own coffee table display to sit back and enjoy with that cup of tea.
So if you're ready to give it a go then watch my quick practical guide here and get styling!
And as always, if you'd just rather some support in getting those finishes and styling bits together, then call me! I'd love to help!
Sources: Barij Designs, Feathered Oak, Hello Love Style, Home by Alley, Homzie Designs, Jane at Home, Laura Hammett, Like TK, Martelo and Mo, NgLp Designs, Old Barn Company, Pinterest unknown, Pop Sugar, Pure Salt interiors, Ruggable, Saffron and Poe. Shop LTK, Sostrene Grene, Studio McGee, The Trove, The Inspired Hive.