The Ultimate Guide to Styling Your Coffee Table
Your coffee table is the centerpiece of your living room—it’s where you gather with friends and family, enjoy cozy evenings in.
So, in this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about styling your coffee table to perfection. You’ll learn how to turn your coffee table into a chic focal point that reflects your unique taste.
Let’s dive right in!
1. What Decor Goes on a Coffee Table?
It’s clear that you have endless options here! And at the end, it depends on your preferred decor style, whether it’s minimalist decor or maximalist decor.
To give you some ideas, I’m going to give you a couple of ideas that fit every style and can be designed to match your aesthetic!
- Books
Stacking two to three books on your coffee table can enhance the aesthetic of your living room. They can be novels, art books, or travel books; the choice is totally up to you.
You can choose more bold colors if your living room has a more neutral appeal, which adds a pop of color, or you can stick with neutral colors that complement your living room’s aesthetic.
- Trays
Trays make every room feel more organized and chic! Whether you use them for your living room, bathroom, or kitchen, they just look amazing.
And you can place anything on there as decor! The material of the tray also has an impact on the overall coffee table. Choosing a glass or marble tray gives a totally different aesthetic than choosing a rattan or seagrass tray.
- Plants
I love plants! They change the whole atmosphere and are so healthy to have in your home.
And they look beautiful too! Do I need to tell you more?
- Candles
Adding a candle to your coffee table not only looks beautiful, but it also creates a calm atmosphere. I’d recommend choosing scented ones that help you relax and rest.
- Decorative Bowls
Decorative bowls are also a great option! Whether you want to fill them with stones, shells, or potpourri, it’ll look amazing.
And it’s totally affordable and looks beautiful on a coffee table. You have many options when it comes to the bowl and the things you want to fill it with, so just try out different styles until you find the perfect match.
- Art
Consider buying an artwork or creating something yourself that you can put on your coffee table. It gives your living room more personality and can be a focal point that catches the eye of every single person who comes into your living room.
- Coasters
Now with these, you’re not only protecting your coffee table and keeping it clean, but it also makes your coffee table appear stylish. And you’ll definitely achieve that when you’re choosing ones that complement your living room’s aesthetic.
- Seasonal Decor
Instead of having one style of decorating your coffee table, you can adapt to the seasons and change the atmosphere of your living room to fit the seasons.
This brings more diversity to you home and just looks amazing!
There are many decor ideas that you can choose from, and these are just some examples. If you need more ideas, then make sure to check out my list of 35 affordable coffee table decor ideas!
2. How to Style the Bottom Shelf of a Coffee Table?
If you’re thinking about how to style the bottom shelf of your coffee table, then I have a couple of ideas that can give you some inspiration! Styling it correctly can really add extra flair and function to your living room.
- Baskets
Baskets are really great when it comes to decluttering all the things that keep building up on your coffee table.
You can put remote controls, magazines, and even blankets in there. It’s always great to have further storage opportunities because the chance that your living room gets cluttered again decreases.
- Books
If you don’t want to place books on top of your coffee table, then consider placing them under it since it looks just as chic!
If you have the space, you can even place them vertically by adding bookends. Think about choosing unique bookends that complement your overall living room aesthetic.
- Plants
You can also place plants under your coffee table, which radiate more life into your living room. I’d recommend succulents because they are usually small and fit perfectly under your coffee table.
And succulents come in various colors, so if you want to add some color to your living room, I’d definitely go for that!
- Tray
You can add a decorative tray under the table where you can place smaller items like candles, figurines, or small vases. It definitely makes your living room appear more organized and chic.
- Vintage Items
Vintage decor can add more character to your living room! From an old camera to an antique vase, the options are endless. Adding some history can have a great impact on the overall aesthetic of your living room.
3. How Do I Make My Table Look Aesthetic?
Now that we have some ideas on what we can decorate our coffee tables with, we should then consider how to work with all these ideas and create a coffee table aesthetic that just looks like it came from Pinterest.
Understanding Your Space
First of all, it’s important to understand the aesthetic of your living room currently. Think about whether your current coffee table even fits the aesthetic or if it’d be better to invest in a new one.
You should consider the style, color scheme, and overall vibe. It’s really helpful to ask you some questions regarding these topics:
- Style
Is your living room modern, traditional, rustic, or eclectic? And if you are not satisfied with the style, then also think about which style exactly is your preference.
- Color Scheme
What are the dominant colors in your room? Definitely aim to match or complement these colors with your coffee table decor. If you want something different, then also think about what colors you want to have in your living room.
- Functionality
How do you use your living room? This question is really important because if it’s a high-traffic area, you might want more practical and durable items on your coffee table.
If you’re considering changing your coffee table and getting a new one, or if you’re moving into a new home and need one, let me help you with this decision. Here is what you should consider:
- Size
This is important because the table should be proportionate to your seating. Ideally, it should be about two-thirds the length of your sofa and at a comfortable height (around the same height as your sofa cushions).
- Shape
The shape really affects the flow of your living room. Rectangular tables are classic and versatile; round tables are great for small spaces and soften the look; while square tables are modern and can serve large seating areas well.
- Material
The material definitely sets the tone in your living room. Wood is warm and timeless, glass is sleek and modern, metal can be industrial or contemporary, and mixed materials add unique flair. So, there are many options to choose from and many points to consider!
Now that we’ve discussed important considerations and options, it’s time to help you design your coffee table to fit your aesthetic.
Structuring the Layout
Think of your coffee table as having zones. This helps in organizing items and creating a more balanced look.
- Halves
Divide the table into two equal sections. Place one larger item on one half and balance it with a combination of smaller items on the other.
- Thirds
Split the table into three parts. Place a central focal point in the middle and balance it with items on either side.
- Quarters
For larger tables, divide into four sections, creating small vignettes in each quarter.
Focal Point Creation
Every coffee table looks much better with a focal point. This could be any single standout piece of decor that draws the eye. For example, choosing a vase with fresh flowers as your focal point adds height, color, and a natural element to your living room.
You can also choose a unique and eye-catching sculpture that adds an artistic touch, or you can make the already-mentioned decorative tray with small decor items your focal point, which looks organized and chic.
Mixing Textures and Materials
We’ve already mentioned many decor examples, but I would like to remind you that adding different textures and materials makes your living room more interesting. These are just some examples of many.
- Contrast
Pair smooth with rough, shiny with matte, and natural with synthetic. For example, a metal tray with a ceramic vase or a wooden box with a glass candle holder.
- Variety
Use a variety of materials like wood, glass, metal, ceramic, and fabric to create a more rich and layered look.
Maintaining Balance
Besides all these points, it’s also important to not forget to maintain balance and ensure that everything is evenly distributed. It just looks more pleasing!
- Height
Vary the height of items to create a dynamic look. Use tall items like vases or candlesticks and balance them with lower items like books or trays.
- Distribution
Spread items evenly across the table. Avoid clustering everything in one spot, which can look cluttered and unbalanced!
Now that we’ve discussed some important aspects of decorating your coffee table, let’s look at some aesthetic inspirations from different styles to give you some visuals!
Elegant and Simple
Eclectic and Fun
Natural and Cozy
How to Position Coffee Table in Living Room?
We have already discussed specifics about coffee table decor, but what’s also important is how and where it takes up space in your living room. Certain ways of positioning can drastically improve the aesthetic of your living room and make it more stylish. So here’s a simple and easy guide to help you position your coffee table the right way:
- Layout
Consider the layout of your furniture!
If your seating area, like sofas and chairs, forms a U or L shape, the coffee table should go in the center of this arrangement. It will act as a focal point and make the living room feel cohesive.
For more open or flexible seating arrangements, place the coffee table so it’s easily accessible from the main seating pieces but still allows for movement around the room.
- Spacing
Spacing is key to a comfortable and functional living room.
Leave about 16-18 inches of space between the coffee table and the seating around it. This distance is close enough for you to reach drinks or snacks, but far enough to stretch your legs comfortably.
Also, ensure there’s enough room for people to walk around the table without bumping into it. Generally, 24-30 inches of clearance is ideal for pathways!
- Proportions
Proportions really matter when choosing a coffee table. The coffee table should be roughly two-thirds the length of your sofa.
This balance prevents the table from looking too small or overwhelming the space. In terms of height, definitely aim for the table to be about the same height as the cushions on your sofa or slightly lower. This makes it easy to grab items from the table while sitting.
- Shape
The shape of the coffee table also plays a role. Rectangular tables are great for standard or longer sofas because they provide ample surface area.
Square tables work well in larger rooms or with sectional sofas, since they offer plenty of space on top.
Round or oval tables are ideal for smaller spaces or rooms with children, as they have no sharp corners and allow for smoother traffic flow.
- Style and Balance
When it comes to style and balance, you should choose a coffee table that complements your existing furniture.
If you have a lot of rectangular shapes, a round coffee table can add contrast and soften the look. So, match or contrast materials with your existing decor.
A glass table can add a modern touch, while wood can bring warmth and a rustic feel.
This small guide should help you get a grasp on how to arrange your coffee table in your living room. Just try different arrangements until you find the one that’s perfect for you. You can always go back when you feel like it’s not looking like you want it to.
How Do I Keep My Coffee Table Clutter-Free?
Decorating and arranging your coffee table is easy and fun to do. But what usually becomes the problem is that clutter quickly builds up on our coffee tables. This can be for various reasons, like too much work, having children who like to play in the living room, or just not feeling like cleaning up. It’s no secret that keeping your coffee table clutter-free requires a combination of organization, discipline, and thoughtful design.
So, here are some tips that should help you maintain your beautifully decorated and arranged coffee table as organized as it is.
- Edit Regularly
Regularly assess the items on your coffee table and edit or remove anything that doesn’t serve a purpose or contribute to the overall aesthetic. I know that this can be difficult since we don’t really have much time to focus on a single furniture piece, but once a week should be totally enough.
Be ruthless in decluttering unnecessary items, and only keep the essentials on display to maintain a clean and streamlined look.
- Limit Amount of Decor
Avoid overcrowding your coffee table with too many decorative objects or accessories, as this can quickly lead to clutter and visual overload.
Just choose a few key pieces that add personality and style to the space, and arrange them strategically!
- Multifunctional Furniture
You can also consider choosing multifunctional furniture pieces such as coffee tables with built-in storage, drawers, or shelves to maximize space and minimize clutter.
These pieces offer valuable storage solutions while also serving as stylish and functional elements in your living room decor. You will definitely have to invest less time in cleaning and decluttering your coffee table when everything already has its own storage place.
Conclusion
I hope that this guide gave you some ideas and directions to head to when it comes to decorating and arranging your coffee table.
Decorating your coffee table can be a fun and creative way to add style to your living room. Whether you prefer a minimalist look or a more eclectic style, there are endless possibilities to explore.
Remember, the key to a well-styled coffee table is balance and personal touch. Choose items that you love and that reflect your personality.
Most importantly, have fun with it! Decorating your coffee table is a chance to express yourself and make your living space feel more inviting and cozy. Enjoy the process, and take pride in creating a beautiful focal point that you and your guests will love!
If this article helped you with your coffee table, then I recommend you even go a step further and get some ideas on how to create the perfect reading environment to enhance your experience!
