ELEVEN EASY TIPS TO STYLE YOUR COFFEE TABLE LIKE A PRO

ByCindy Hattersley Hours Posted on Hours Updated on
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Want to transform your coffee table from a clutter magnet (mine is completely bare due to the pup) to a creative centerpiece of your living room?  It’s easier than you think. So many of us are daunted by coffee table styling, but with a few simple tricks, you can create a well-styled coffee table that is as decorative as it is functional Forget the design magazines that make it look so impossible. The original version of this post was penned over six years ago. Today I’m sharing  eleven easy tips to style your coffee table like a pro, no matter your budget, skills, or design style. in a brand new post.

Styling a coffee table isn’t a project that needs to be completed in a day, enjoy it. Take time to find pieces that you really love. Shop your home for treasures from your travels, as well as things that have meaning for you. Shop vintage markets, antique shops, and resale stores for personal touches that speak to you. A coffee table is often the center of the living room, so use it to display items that you embrace and enjoy looking at every day.  It should be functional, say a bit about who you are, and be balanced and decorative.

ELEVEN EASY TIPS TO STYLE YOUR COFFEE TABLE LIKE A PRO

Eleven Steps to Style Your Coffee Table Like a Pro

These are my go-to tips for creating a coffee table that authentically reflects your personality and passions and tells your story. Is your coffee table practically begging for a bit of attention!? Think of it like your favorite dress, just waiting for the right accessories.  Whether you’re the type who loves a clean, simple look or you just can’t resist a bit of beautiful clutter, there’s a way to style that table that just feels like you. It’s all about owning your own style.

Start With A Clean Slate

Whatever you have on your table, remove it and start fresh. Clear the entire space and clean your table (and oil it if needed). Take a moment to appreciate its beautifully bare form. Consider the style of your living room and your color palette. There are no general rules.

Consider the Size and Shape

Square and Rectangular tables are easier to style (in my humble opinion). Round and oval tables are a bit trickier but often work better in smaller spaces where the rule of thirds applies ( the design principle that arranging items in groups of three is more visually appealing and balanced rather than grouping items in even numbers)  If your coffee table is square or rectangular, divide the surface area into grids.  A square table could be divided into four grids with something in a pretty vase in the center if you are a maximalist, four grids, or three items of various sizes in the center. A round or oval table is better suited to the rule of threes. Be sure to leave some negative space to rest the eyes.  You don’t want your coffee table to look like a freeway.

Pam from Simple Details Oval Coffee Table Styling

Glass coffee tables can be a challenge or a blessing.  While a glass coffee table offers an airy quality that is perfect for smaller spaces, its very transparency can make it difficult in a larger room. Careful styling is required to anchor it in a space.  Glass is a cold surface, so try not to add too many other cold decorative elements.  Opt for stacks of books or wood or woven items. Pam from Simple Details was a master at styling round and oval coffee tables. She is no longer bloggin but you can find her post here. 

cindy hattersley's sofa and coffee table in her den

Our den coffee table is quite small so the styling options are limited. A simple vase with flowers, a shed cow horn and an african basket suffice for decorative accents.

Functionality First

I have been there and done that with over-the-top coffee table decor ( it is so fun). The older I get the simpler I like my coffee table display. Leave room for snacks and drinks, and  don’t forget practical items like a stack of coasters and storage options for the remote controls.

cindy hattersley's fall coffee table and chairs with kuba cloth pillows

I styled this coffee table in our former fixer upper as an example of layering techniques.  I prefer slightly more minimalist look but know you maximalists out there may appreciate this.  The blue box housed our remotes.

Anchor With a Tray or Vintage Bread Board

A great decorative tray or vintage breadboard can create a foundation and contain items. They can add warmth to a glass table or character to to the overall design.

cindy hattersley design coffee table with breadboard and art

In our Chualar home we once had a square coffee table.  In this iteration I gathered all of my decorative objects, and vintage finds on a round breadboard at the center of the table for a simple but collected overall look.

Iron Coffee table with flowers and tray Cindy Hattersley Design

In the bedroom of our Chualar home a seagrass tray houses a small collection of decor items and vintage treasures.

Vary Heights & Sizes

Adding decorative objects in various shapes and at various heights to a coffee table is an easy way to add depth and visual interest, creating an arrangement that feels both intentional and inviting. Smaller items are visually more interesting if they rest on a stack of books.

coffee table with delphiniums and native american baskets

This is the square coffee table in our former home. The basket of flowers is the focal point.  I added a  mix of vintage native american baskets, coral, and coffee table books for a cohesive collected look.

mary ann living room corner

Mary Ann from Classic Casual Home always crafts a beautifully styled coffee table. You can see more of her coffee table decor in her former San Francisco home here.

Texture Matters

You know I love texture. Adding different materials to your coffee table arrangement brings warmth and dimension, making the space feel more inviting.

neutral coffee table decor

When creating a neutral coffee table texture is key. The rustic wood of the bowl, the hide tray and box combined with elements of the sea, all add textural interest.

Incorporate Elements from Nature

Incorporating natural elements like greenery, wood, or stone into your coffee table design adds an organic touch, bringing life to the space while bringing nature in.  A small potted plant, a vase of fresh flowers

Spring coffee table styled with branches and other items from nature

Here is my current coffee table in our former home as seen from above.  I layered a vintage breadboard with items from nature for Spring.

Vintage Adds Character

Adding vintage elements to your coffee table introduces character, history, and a touch of who you are and where you came from.

coffee table with branches and lemons

A Northeasten native american basket holds fresh lemons and a vintage Hungarian canning jar houses spring branches.  The simple rule of three applies here as well with the addition of the tiny candle making four.

Consider Candlelight

Candlelight creates a warm, inviting ambiance that highlights your carefully curated display.

grape leaf arrangement cindy hattersley

Add Something with Meaning

Adding personal items to your coffee table, like a cherished painting, a travel souvenir, or a beloved book, infuses your space with unique character and sentimental value, making it a reflection of your personal style. Small family photos,

neutral family room with spring coffee table decor

When our son and daughter in law redid their family room they were able utilize our former coffee table (found in New England with one leg chopped off). I found the seagrass tray at Home Goods.  The pewter coffee pot was an inheritance from Steve’s parents. I remember that same pot in Steve’s family  home growing up filled with flowers or branches as well.

Edit and Refine

Oh boy, this is the most difficult.  Don’t overdo it. To achieve a polished, cohesive look that feels both personal and stylish edit edit edit. Be sure your coffee table isn’t stacked with so many decorative objects that it no longer functions and has lost its purpose.

Shop Coffee Table Decor

I hope this post eleven easy tips to style your coffee table like a pro will provide some helpful tips and inspiration for you.  You might also enjoy my post 13 Fresh Coffee Table Decor Ideas to Welcome Spring here. Have fun creating a statement piece that’s both beautiful, functional and tells your own story. Please share any trips you  have learned along the way when styling your coffee table.

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39 Comments

  1. Cindy, excellent info and advice here! I would add one idea regarding functionality and practicality. That is, if you are having people over and plan to have them sit around the coffee table, do everyone a favor and re-examine the height of your tall items. Can’t tell you how many dinners I have been to recently where conversation around a coffee table is totally hindered by the inability to even see the people sitting on the other side….huge plants, large and tall floral arrangements and etc. Those are wonderful for day-to day looks, but if entertaining, sit in your chairs/sofa beforehand and take a look at what your guests can see from your seating. I am surprised how often a host/hostess has stopped the conversation, stood up and removed the “tall offender”, and then apologized. Easy to think of this beforehand and have it be a non-issue

    1. Hi Beth
      Good point. We have a 3 sided arrangement in our great room. Since there is no seating on the opposite side of the table a larger arrangement is okay, as we have a very high ceiling. I will say this as well. It is always removeable when you have guests. If it looks aesthetically pleasing on a day to day basis, remove it and replace with appetizers, or games when you have guests. I can’t help it. I can’t ever be completely practical. I am a designer at heart.

  2. Cindy—
    Always love your collected style and bent toward nature! Your objects have “soul” !!
    Funny you mention Pam of Simple Details. She was one of my very favorites! Miss her so much.

    1. I would love to know what Pam is up to. She was the Craig’s list queen, and so creative,

  3. Thank you for this post Cindy. Since we moved from warm, sunny Southern California to northern Idaho, I haven’t been able to get my glass-topped coffee table right. I was using the same mirrored tray, a few books with light bindings, and glass objects I used on it in our old home, and I just wasn’t happy with it. When you noted that glass is a “cold surface” and should be decorated with “warmer” objects such as wood or woven items, I thought “Aha!!! That’s it.” I quickly swapped out the mirrored tray for a woven one, traded the glass objects for some vintage Chinese calligraphy brushes, and changed the books to ones with darker bindings. Problem solved 🙂

  4. What a great start to Tuesday! I just dusted off the coffee table and rearranged some items. This table was purchased years ago and I told the junk shop owner if he could carry it into my living room and it worked I would buy it; there was a small shop across the street. He closed his place and brought it to me. Yes! Soon I had it ‘shabbied’ in black and it was even better. Your suggestions are so helpful. I do incorporate books in my decorating and they are regularly picked up and looked at. Thank you! Dianne

  5. I am soooooo over winter that I have already been thinking of changing out both my country kitchen dining table and family room coffee table with spring decor. I decided to look at my decor items to see what I can reuse in a different manner. I’m going to start right now!

    1. I had to laugh while enjoying your tables-scapes. Our beautiful and exuberant golden retriever “Pete” in two moves took out a favorite large antique pot with his tail…it scared him and he turned around quickly and took out my favorite blue and white lamp !! Since then, no favorite things on low tables !!
      We also have a cat” George “that chews any plant or flower in site…the only place I can have flowers is in the bathroom with the door shut. I love nice “things” but for now the cat and dog rule the roost ! 😁

      1. Hi Peg

        Yes anything low is a challenge. We haven’t had anything on our coffee table (only when we have company) since we have had Scouty!

  8. Cindy,
    Love this. I enjoyed seeing all of the variations, but like you, I find I’m longing for simplicity. Love the basket of lemons and the tree branches are the best. I wish we had a fruit tree I could rob some from.
    xo,
    Karen

    1. We loved having you Kim. You so know your brand and personal style. I so respect that!

        1. Hi Sheri

          I am not sure if we are getting more practical, or lazier? Maybe a little of both!!

  9. Cindy I love all versions of this table. You have the best eye for mixing things. I have a tree full of lemons and I am going out now to copy your idea! I already have a few in the kitchen in wooden bowls, but a basket full is even better. We are so lucky in California ! Citrus season makes winter bearable. Thanks again for including me in this challenge. I enjoyed getting to know the others and am now following their blogs! Have a great weekend! Hoping the sun lasts a while. Kim

  11. Well well…..looks like we both pulled it off…..at the last minute…..haha. Love the glass jar with the branches! I often see pretty branches in my neighborhood and want to go back after dark and break some off but now that everyone has cameras I didn’t feel like it would be worth it….haha. Nothing like being shamed like that! I need to find out where they have lemons with pretty leaves on them around here because I love that!

    1. I still forage..I may end up in jail one day. i will mail you a box when you need them! Thanks so much Sherry for participating you always give me so many good ideas!

  12. Cindy, your coffee table styling makes me swoon! After seeing all the wonderful ideas in this latest edition of “Styling A Perfect Coffee Table” I just promised myself to change up mine. I live the branches in bloom but my husband would complain that he couldn’t see what was on the other side…but that not a good enough reason not to do it!
    Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and your decorating talents.

    1. Ha! husbands!! The good thing about branches are you can see through them, but your husband is right. If I were having guests I would probably remove them!

    1. Hi Joanna!
      One is a naturally shed deer antler and the other is a naturally shed cowhorn! Aren’t they great?!!

  14. ALL SO PRETTY and CLEAN!
    MY coffee table in the KITCHEN is full of silver bud vases and pictures in Frames………..
    I do LOVE LOOKING AT IT HOWEVER, and it makes me GRAB a FLOWERING SOMETHING from the GARDEN to put in one or THREE of the VASES!
    MY problem is the BOOKS I COLLECT………….I need shelving to go up and around as the BOOKS are stacked EVERYWHERE…………Do you tend to pass on your older Decorating books?I find that HARD TO DO as I love to curl up with them and take a SNEAKY PEEK over time!
    XX

    1. I do pass on my old decorating books but not nearly as soon as I should! I keep the timeless ones!

  17. Cindy,
    I love your formula! It’s thoughtful making it authentic. I love all the textures and warm tones in the first photo! Looks like it could be on Diane Keaton’s coffee table. Then I always love California citrus! Are those from trees on your property?
    xo
    annie

    1. Yes we have four lemon trees, and a healthy crop this year! Thanks for the kind comments. LOVED your coffee tables!

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