When Maryann and I decided to select this topic for a Project Design Post I realized I did a very similar post exactly a year ago. You can go here https://cindyhattersleydesign.com/2013/02/anatomy-of-coffee-table.html for some of my inspirational photos.
In my book, a coffee table should be functional ( I have to remind myself), say a bit about who you are, and most of all be balanced and decorative. Be sure to vary heights and textures, and try to repeat some of the colors in the room. This task is one that I always find challenging in my own home; finding the balance between form and function, using too much or too little.
Here are five essentials to consider when decorating your Coffee Table
- Some sort of natural element (fresh flowers, a plant, some other earthy element)
- Candlelight ( to add ambiance and possibly fresh scent to the room )
- Books (arrange them in neat stacks paying attention to the colors of the room)
- Decorative accents (that personalize the space)
- Tray( to organize the above items if needed)
Consider the scale of your table. My table is big and chunky so a bunch of dainty little items would look silly. This table calls out for big!! This is how I began. I laid everything out. Note how everything looks disconnected. The book “piles” needed to be brought closer to the center arrangement.
I am not big on shiny things as you know. Here I added an old piece of coral that I found at my favorite junk shop. I love the earthiness of the coral with the cover of Tom Scheerer’s book.
Take the book jackets off your books. Some of them have great covers now like the Sheerer and Markham Roberts books. They are works of art in themselves.
Books are also a great way to tie in the colors of your room. The Alessandra Branca book is the same color as some of my sofa pillows. I hate the top of my coffee table so I try to hide the top. The baskets add a textural element that complements my woven blinds.
Every vessel need not be filled. Some are more sculptural on their own. This Indian Basket is as pretty on the inside as it is on the outside.
There you have the elements. They become blurred in my case as nearly everything is personal.
Depending on the time of year I often prefer a simpler more practical look for my coffee table. One of my husband’s clients grew these gorgeous cymbidium orchids and gave them to him to bring me for Valentines Day. Lucky him and lucky me! I am not very fond of “florists arrangements” so this was perfect. I think they look gorgeous in this vintage pot.
Here is another view of the same arrangement. Instead of a tray I corralled the elements onto one of my vintage breadboards. The little painting was a birthday gift by my friend Pat Huber www.patriciahuberfineart.com. Once again I varied the heights of my elements, added plenty of texture (I never seem to have a problem with that), added personality with the little painting I adore, and added plenty of things from nature.
For more fabulous ideas on how to style your own coffee table check out what these amazing bloggers came up with. Maryann and I feel so fortunate to have this bevy of talent lined up to aid you in you in designing your perfect coffee table! You won’t want to miss a single one! For more inspiration check out our Pinterest Board here https://www.pinterest.com/chattersley/project-design-how-to-style-your-coffee-table/ or click up on the right corner.
Are you the “load up the coffee table” type, or do you prefer a more minimalist look?
This was a great idea, Cindy. I'm always baffled by my coffee table. I'm more minimalist, but its a large round table that demands SOME kind of decor! I am using the tray/plant/candle combo and its working for me for now…
Cindy, the orchids are beautiful, especially love them in that little vignette in your kitchen.
Thanks Celia!!
Beautiful tables capes, both of them! I love your fireplace as well … just stunning!
Thanks Kim!! I think I have you up and working again!! So sorry!!
You've got such a great room Cindy, love those ethnic pillows and that chunky coffee table too. The styling of your coffee table is the perfect combination of rustic and elegance. Sticking the orchids in the vintage pot makes me smile. Unexpected and so pretty.
Thanks Leslie…you know I love your style as well!!
Love the rustic vibe and natural elements you have used! You have suck a knack for styling! x Sharon
Sharon I consider that a compliment from someone whose style I adore!!
Lissyyalways love seeing your beautiful home!
I have been working on my coffee tables too! Will post soon. I love my iron and marble one in the kitchen. I will be sharing soon. Still looking for a new one in the living room.
xo, lissy
So pretty and I love how you used big pieces and varying heights.
Shelley
Thanks so much Shelley!
clever you!!
your list of 'do's' is spot on and will become my mantra. thank you again!
debra
y'all make it look so easy. I admit my coffee table is overloaded. I wish I could keep flowers in a vase (for something tall like mary ann suggested) but they're just a taller target for my littles to throw something over. one day I know I can have flowers…just not now. now its all about trays and dough bowls filled with legos and little toys I step on. until the teen years (or beyond) i'll be taking notes from y'all 🙂
I remember those days Nancy!! That particular indian basket in the center has a history. My son shoved my daughter on it when they were about 10 and 7. Life never was and never will be perfect in my home! No grandchildren yet but one crazy dog who moves that heavy table every day while he scratches his back!!
Your coffee table vignettes are gorgeous! Also warm and interesting. Thanks for the styling tips, Cindy. Always a treat to see your home. Cheers
The blue flowers are soooo beautiful. Wow!
Your home is so pretty you could put a bowl of dog poop on the coffee table:) Ha Ha….love your styling with all of the texture and "found" objects!
Sherry Hart you make me smile!!
Love the textures and colors and good tips.
Thanks so much Kim for participating!!
One of the best, love the baskets
Thanks for commenting and introducing me to your wonderful blog!!
Oh Cindy it could y get any better then this…' Love Love the coffee table, and the ethnic pillows are giving me a big nudge to dress up my home with a few. We have this GReAT shOP here call "Santa Fe iron" and it has piles of these pillows authentic in every way, hearty price tag to go along with them, yet well worth the tagged price for the beauty they give back. Perhaps I will lean towards the blacks, creams, grey's, and terra cottas, and blues.
I seriously have to try a few in my home.
Your post is a winner…. The Judges give you straight 10's
Xoxo
Dore
Dore you are such a generous and thoughtful spirit!! Thank you!
Cindy,
I love your style. The rustic details are so much a part of the California lifestyle. I really like this series you and Mary Ann have started. It's like having a reference guide to inspire and excite. Thank you!
Enjoy your weekend.
xo,
Karen
Karen thanks for always being so supportive. I alwats enjoy reading yoour blog!!
So nicely done…I am like you I sometimes struggle with functionality vs. beauty and am always thrilled when I get them both right! You have definitely done that, like all the natural texture you used too. Such fun…thanks so much for including me, I had a blast! Have a great weekend Cindy.
Tina thank you for playing along!
Beautifully appointed! The first composition is probably my favorite for you home, love the varied heights and the interesting objects. Also your formula is spot-on! Great job Cyndi!
Thank you so much Kathy Sue! I so appreciate it!!
Beautiful arrangements! I love it both ways–all the natural elements are stunning. Glad to have now found your blog. 🙂
Thank you so mu h Carrie!!
Hi Cindy and thank you for including me in this fun exercise!
I love how you've styled yours in such a unique way with the breadboard!
So much fun!!!
Terre yours waz so full if personality and so you!!!
Love the idea of the breadboard. I have one of those! Love your pretty home and your coffee table is gorgeous….both ways!
Carla thanks so much for lending your professionalism to our little excercise!! You are the best!!
WOW!!! So pretty!! I like both ways. It's amazing how completely different they look but still have an organic, textured feel.. You make this so fun, Cindy!!!
That first image is stunning! Thanks for including me…this has been a fun series!
Great looks for your coffee table design Cindy! I have also taken the jackets of some of the latest books and they are wonderful to tie in with your decor!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
The Centre Cannot Hold!
Wow, Cindy, that first photo is so stunning! I love piles of books and the basket in the center is perfect! It's so much fun checking out all the inspiration this morning, thank you!!
I love how you use so many different natural elements. Thanks for the ideas! (And for the invite.)
Beautifully styled Cindy and such great tips. I struggle with our living room ottoman/coffee table so I'm loving all of the inspiration from Project Design!
Thank you so much for inviting me to participate! That first image is gorgeous!
The ethnic feel is right up my alley , this is a winner!
Great tips and ideas. I love how you use books and baskets. Stunning. vignettes.
Beautiful, love all the textures and the flowers are gorgeous in both. I need that purple bouquet!