8 ways of styling coffee tables

Coffee tables are the centerpiece of any living space. They are almost forgotten when it comes to decorating. Styling a coffee table is an art, it might look simple and easy until you try it yourself. It should have a proportion and balance of products, objects, plants, and books to form a visually appealing vignette.

I have collated my favorite coffee table looks from my Instagram feed, which will inspire you to style your own coffee table setup.

So let's get started!

1. Use a Tray

One of my "go-to" tricks for coffee table styling is to use a large wicker tray. You can have all your accessories grouped together to make a statement. Trays come in different shapes and sizes and they work for any coffee table setup. You can add your quirky DIY's like here I have added burlap to Lindt chocolate tin, botanical illustrations on pebbles and resued an old CD by painting and using it as a tea light coaster to create my own coffee table accessories. I feel they really pull this coffee table setup together.

2. Create Zones

Define zones on the coffee table to have an individual identity for each object. Depending on the size of the table you can create zones on your coffee table, like in the image above there is a candle zone of varying height, a DIY zone in the inbuilt tray of the table, a reading zone, and a sculpture adding calmness to the whole composition. Creating a color zone in this case teal color adds to extra comfort and relaxation.

3. Have varying heights

In the image above you can observe how the varying height of candle stands, a pleated runner in the center with a marble bowl plonk on it, faux red flowers, and of course coffee table books create an interest to the eyes. Having a balanced composition is a key factor while styling a coffee table. The red and the rust theme is adding an extra warm vibe to the composition.

4. Stick to odd numbers

This is a simple one with just 5 elements on the coffee table with some stack of books, belt- to make a statement and a replacement for a runner, miniature garden planter, tealight holder (look at how I have placed the tall tea light holder at the back of the planter, height is important ). They are little out of symmetry but somehow are visually interesting. Go purge your wardrobe and add a leather belt to your coffee table for a classy vibe.

5. Create a focus by color

You can get everything together by simply using one 'focus color'. I have unified the whole coffee table setup by adding breezy blue color and muted it at the same time by my grey cement DIY planters and tealight candle holders. You can add a personalized message too for your visitors.

6. Be Quirky

Here I grouped 3 (remember the odd number trick) coffee tables and it worked perfectly. I am still using this as it is! Adding a runner in a diagonal pattern makes the composition dynamic. I played with varying heights and grouped them together so that all objects are visible. Having greenery in the form of planters at the foot of the table is a great way to have some fresh energy aura around.

7. Use a variety of objects

For this coffee table styling, I used an elephant print stole as a runner, added a variety of faux and real plants, and forage in different vases and used a pickle jar too. I fixed junk earrings on the twin candles and displayed a few neckpieces in the open cream-colored ceramic box. I used jewelry to have quirky elements on the table. I created a cheerful palette by adding pops of colorful cushions. In the end, I added a round mandala rug to make the whole setup complete.

8. It's OK to be simple

There is no rule to load your coffee table with accessories and cover each and every surface of it. You can simply keep a few grouped elements together and finish the look. In the image, the wicker panel as the base of the table eliminated the requirement of a runner. A simple and elegant coffee table with heirlooms gives an old charm effect and is always timeless.

I hope you liked these 8 distinct styling ways of dressing up your coffee tables. I wish to see how you create your coffee tables keeping these few easy tips in your mind.

Until then stay home, stay safe, and keep styling.

XOXO