A coffee table is one of the central decor assets of your living room. It gives you a place to set your morning cup and provides your guests with a space to put their refreshments so they can relax to the fullest extent.

Even if you don’t use your coffee table frequently, it can still be an asset to your home decor. Coffee tables offer the ideal blank slate to showcase your personal taste and can bring an entire room together when decorated correctly.

Even just a few well-chosen decor items can transform your table into the focal point of the room. Let’s dive in and see how fun styling coffee tables can be.

How To Style a Coffee Table

Take Minimalist Approach

A cluttered coffee table with stacks of loose paper, magazines, coasters and glasses can be overwhelming to the eye. Plus, it can turn a comfortable room into a stressful space.

Minimalism can be your best friend when decorating a coffee table. Choose a few simple accessories to give your table character and let the negative space do some of the talking.

Decorate With Practicality in Mind

The coffee table has its name for a reason – it’s the place to set your cup every morning while catching up on the news before you start the day. While the look and style of your coffee table are important, making sure it’s decorated with practicality in mind is essential. No matter the accessories and style pieces, your coffee table should still offer enough room to be fully functional.

Invest in a Coffee Table Tray

Having a big family and decorating the coffee table doesn’t always go hand in hand. Whether your young children love to play on the coffee table or your adult children like to eat dinner in front of the TV while visiting, a coffee table tray can be very valuable.

This offers an opportunity for versatility and functionality; if you need more space on the coffee table and want to move the decorations, just relocate the tray for the time being.

Think About Size and Scale

If you want to make your coffee table the focal point of your family entertainment space, like the living room or family room, prioritize scale and proportions. Make sure to decorate with accessories and items that won’t exceed a third of the height of the table.

Create a Uniform Look

Decorating the coffee table can be uniform in theme; decorate with the style, textures and accessories already used throughout the room to complete the look. Clara Ewart, head of design at a London-based interior design studio, shared the importance of decorating with the rest of the room.

“Coffee tables work most effectively when they coordinate with the room scheme so they do not appear too dominant within the space,” she told Homes and Gardens. “We often choose coffee tables with more neutral tones made from natural materials such as marble and timber. Coffee tables need to be durable and provide space for more decorative elements such as books, trays and objects.”

Maintain Balance

Ensure you maintain a balance as you select new items for your table. For example, if you have a small living room, keep your coffee table decor in proportion without overbearing the space. You can also create balance through visual interest. If your living room features bold lines, try styling a coffee table with soft curves to harmonize. To choose colors for your styling items, take inspiration from your cushions, the ottoman or art pieces within your living room.

Form a Grid

When you’re working with a square coffee table, figuring out placement can be half the battle. You can overcome this by using masking tape to square off sections, then place items in each square to create an even composition. Think of it as though you’re arranging a nicely framed photograph.

Don’t Be Afraid To Have Fun

No matter how you want to style your coffee table, always remember to have fun. The coffee table is the perfect canvas to show off your personality, so take advantage of it!

Coffee Table Design Ideas

Looking for fresh items for your coffee table styling? Here are a few ideas you can add:

• A woven tray to put your coffee on.
• Fresh or faux greenery to add a natural element.
• Fresh or faux flowers for a wonderful scent.
• Taller decor pieces like a cloche, vase, lantern or vessel.
• Pretty coffee table books to use as a riser or decorative accent.
• Your favorite candle or battery-operated candle.
• A seasonal object during special celebrations.
• Accent pieces such as trinkets or decorative boxes.
• A stunning bowl of your favorite candy, great for a round coffee table.

Remember, a decorative item can be practical, too. A clear plastic tray or wooden tray can look stunning and provide a place to put your coffee mug in the morning. Styling beautiful coasters as a decoration can be both functional and pretty — and protect your coffee table from water rings.

Call a Personal Decorator for Assistance

Even with the coffee table styling tips above, you might still find yourself struggling to complete the look you’re trying to achieve. If you have a particular theme in mind but can’t quite figure out how to execute it, get in touch with a personal decorator from Decorating Den Interiors. One of our experienced personal design consultants will come to your home for a free consultation to get a feel for your style and living space.

From there, your decorator can provide suggestions and an anticipated timeline to give you a better idea of what your coffee table will look like and when it can be completed. No matter what type of look you’re going for, our design consultants can provide professional recommendations and help you turn your coffee table dreams into a reality.

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