How To Decorate A Coffee Table

Does your living room seem a little bare? Or perhaps you're just bored with your current coffee table decor. Either way, you've come to the right place.

Your coffee table is often the focus of your living space, which means that you're going to want to decorate it to match the rest of the room. However, knowing where to start or how to arrange a coffee table for more visual appeal can be tricky.

There's no need to panic, though. We've compiled everything you need to know about coffee table decorating. This guide will teach you all the tips and tricks of transforming your coffee table from a 'plain Jane' into an eye-catching masterpiece!

Understanding Your Space

Before you start decorating your coffee table, it's important to assess your space and identify your personal style. Whether it leans towards minimalism, maximalism, modern aesthetics, or the eclectic and charming mix-and-match approach, your chosen style will dictate the overall theme and mood of your coffee table decor.

Additionally, you'll need to consider the shape of your coffee table to style it properly.

For instance:

  • A round coffee table is great for creating a central focal point and typically looks best with a single item like a sculpture, a large bowl, or a couple of simple plants.

  • A square coffee table can be divided into sections for you to place your decorative objects. Each section can also have different decor, such as books, plants, or curated collections of things that you love!

While we're on the subject, make sure your coffee table still meets the usual functional needs. For example, it should have space for everyday essentials like coasters to protect surfaces or trays to organize your items.

Not only will this keep your coffee table clutter-free, but it will also enhance the usability of your home. Of course, this is fantastic when you have a smaller living space or a living/dining room combo.

5 Essential Decor Elements

Although you can decorate your table any way you'd like, there are some classic decor items that always look great. You can use these coffee table decor ideas to help add visual interest or just as inspiration for your coffee table display.

1. Books and magazines

Coffee table books and magazines can have a dual function:

  • Stacks of books can add height and structure to your table, making them perfect for creating visual appeal and a more curated look.

  • Open books add a more dynamic feel to your table by inviting guests to browse through the pages.

What we really love about having a good coffee table book (or two!) is that it can also allow you to unplug and reduce your screen time - especially from your TV.

2. Trays and bowls

Decorative objects like trays and bowls can add some much-needed storage space to the top of coffee tables - and they look great, too! A well-chosen tray of the right size can store small objects like remote controls, coasters, and anything else you may not want lying around (but that you still want easy access to).

You can get bowls of different sizes, colors, textures, and shapes to really make things interesting. Plus, you can throw your keys or smaller accessories into the bowl.

3. Candles

Candles can add some height and dimension to your coffee table arrangement. They also add some cozy ambiance when lit - especially in the evenings or during intimate gatherings with friends and family.

If you have other decor on your table, place your candles strategically to balance out the overall composition. Whether it's tapered candles in holders or jars of candles, you can choose some with colorful or aesthetically pleasing packaging to add a little pizazz to the room.

4. Plants

If you love plants, greenery, or fresh flowers, you can use these natural elements to decorate your space. In fact, they can instantly breathe life into your living room and offer a pop of color (depending on the type of greenery you get). This is particularly true if you have wooden furniture!

Alternatively, if you prefer something low-maintenance, you can invest in high-quality faux plants. They can still provide the same visual impact and you can choose them to suit the existing decor and furniture in your living space.

5. Personal or hobby items

Part of decorating your coffee table is making it your own! So why not add some personal touches or hobby items as decor?

If you love hosting game nights with your friends, then you could potentially make a really interesting display of your board games in the center or in a specific section of your table.

Not only is this a great way to showcase your personality, but it's also a perfect way to add some whimsy to your home. Alternatively, you could choose a multi-functional coffee table, which doubles as a board game table and a standard coffee table.

Step-By-Step Guide To Coffee Table Styling

Now that you have some coffee table decor ideas, it's time to start styling and arranging your table. And it couldn't be more simple! You can do it in a few easy steps:

  1. Clear the table: Start with a ' blank canvas' to create the perfect table arrangement. Before you add anything, make sure to clear away clutter, clean it well, and remove your old decor. This is also really helpful for allowing you to visualize your ideal table.

  2. Choose a focal point: Next, pick a piece of decor to take center stage on your table. This is great for giving you an idea of how to arrange the rest of your decor, since this piece should tie everything together. Usually, this item will be slightly bigger or have more visual appeal than the rest, so pick something you absolutely love!

  3. Add layers and height: Creating some visual interest and depth is really important for making your coffee table look sleek and stylish regardless of what you're decorating with. And don't be afraid to get creative! For example, using stacked books as a pedestal for smaller items can add a lot of structure to your table while making it look more appealing.

  4. Incorporate personal items: Don't forget to add some personal touches to your table. Things like souvenirs from vacations or family photos look incredible when placed correctly, and will instantly make your living room feel more homey. This also makes your space seem more warm and inviting.

  5. Leave room for functionality: Try not to overcrowd or over-decorate your table. Otherwise, your coffee table may seem cluttered and disorganized, which can affect the ambiance of the entire room. You can even incorporate decor that doubles as functional pieces like built in storage trays or bowls.

  6. Edit and refine your arrangement: You can restack, restyle, and rearrange your table as much as you'd like until it suits your preferences. Remember that while there are some style elements that others may like, it doesn't necessarily mean that they're going to work for your preferences, or aesthetic, or match the rest of the room.

FAQs

What should I put in the middle of my coffee table?

The middle of your coffee table usually takes center stage as the focal point, anchoring the rest of the decor and tying the entire coffee table arrangement together. Some ideas you can use include:

  • Trays

  • Decorative boxes

  • Bowls

  • Sculptural objects

  • Plants

How do you make a coffee table look expensive?

To give your coffee table a more luxurious appearance, consider choosing high-quality items made from durable materials like wood, metal, or glass. Additionally, you can include statement pieces made by local artists or that have a unique or artsy vibe to them.

Remember: Less is more. The less clutter you have on your table, the more expensive it will look.

Final Thoughts

Ready to make these coffee table decor ideas a reality? Well, with the tips and tricks we've taught you, you're going to be able to create the coffee table of your dreams in no time at all.

Whether you want something more minimalistic or love the 'cluttered yet organized' vibe for a more lived-in look in your space, just remember to incorporate your own personal style into the mix!