A focal point for flowers. A collection spot for coasters. The place for a jigsaw puzzle to come together. A coffee table isn’t just a piece of furniture; when styled intentionally, it can also lend to the feel, tone, and overall vibe of a space. Often considered one of the more foundational elements of a living room, a coffee table is usually prime real estate for practical needs—but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun decorating them too.
Below, we’re looking at some of our favorite ways to style a coffee table. You’ll notice some repeated themes, go-to tricks, and hopefully find the right amount of inspiration to rethink your own blank spaces. So here’s to putting your feet up (we won’t tell if you do!).
Style #1: Story on Display
Remember: A table can often do exactly what a shelf does. If you have something special, prized, or that you want to draw attention to, consider how those items may look displayed on your coffee table instead of up high on a shelf. Maybe it’s a favorite book opened to a certain page—inviting guests to actually flip through, sparking conversation as to why you love it. It could be a keepsake box styled with sentimental items or a unique object that holds a family memory. Gather a few pieces that range in size and play around with how they may look when grouped together.
Why this works (above): In this scene, there is a varying amount of height between the vase, the display case, and the open book so that each section of the table isn’t competing with the other, but naturally creates a place for the eye to land. The black and white photo balances nicely with the neutral-toned leaves and wooden object, while the display case is filled with a curated amount of pieces that feels intentional instead of cluttered.
Style #2: Nature Leads the Way
When in doubt, add stems. Natural elements are a welcome addition to any space and can provide a great place to start when styling a coffee table. After considering any lines of view (if the table is meant to be in front of a television or other seating), adding some flowers or greenery can be an easy way to create a statement that commands the whole room. Stick with one color or variety, especially if in a space that has a lot of decor, to keep the table from feeling too busy.
Why this works (above): While it’s a large display, the clear vase appears to dissolve into the surroundings, so you’re only noticing the leaves instead of a bulky vase as well. Neutral pieces help balance the stems so they remain the focal point and draw the eye upward. The result is an organic sense of freshness versus a tight, squat bouquet.
Style #3: Grounding the Senses
A more practical route to take with coffee table decor is to think about what objects can serve the sense of your space, scaled out to stand alone. For example, having a larger candle, instead of a small accent one, not only adds ambiance and scent, but can be coupled with a bowl of matches (also acting as decor) to be the focal point itself. When the scale is right, sometimes there’s no need to add more.
Why this works (above): There is a similar feel, and height, to all of the elements on this table. The candle, sculptural rock, and decorative bowl all offer circular shapes balanced by the smooth structure of the books for a sleek, grounded feel. Calm mode, activated.
Style #4: Room to Play
Especially if you have a coffee table in a frequent gathering spot, like a den or game room, then you’ll want your coffee table to invite fun as much as it styles your space. Cue: the game itself. While not every game needs to be aesthetically-pleasing, this is permission to think outside the (game) box when choosing something to play. Maybe it’s an antique chess set, vintage Monopoly game, or bowl filled with puzzle pieces you’ll work on a bit at a time. Let it set the tone and make the purposeful pretty, as well.
Why this works (above): The circular Tic Tac Toe pieces mirror the candlestick and have enough negative space around them so you’re drawn in, rather than distracted. Here, the bulkier vase also mimics the tabletop to blend in, making it easier to notice the delicate leaves and white game pieces.
Find more to style your coffee table in our latest collection:
