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Do you wonder how professional designers make coffee table decor look so flawless? I did too so I did my research and found 21 tips that interior designers use to style coffee tables. Check them out in this post and I’ll also show you where you can get the best decorations for your table.
Read to the end to find out an easy coffee table decorating hack that works every time.
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Here are some of my favorite ideas:
I’ll cover all of these and more in this post.
Now let’s take a look at the 21 tips for styling your coffee table like an interior designer.
Most designers agree that when styling your coffee table, you need to start with books. The best coffee table books are large and have a beautifully aesthetic. Check out some inspiration below to style your table with books.
IMAGE SOURCE | SAMANTHAANNCO
When styling with books start with your largest books on the bottom and stack smaller ones on top.
IMAGE SOURCE | MCKENNABLEU
When choosing your coffee table books look for books, you’re interested in that also have covers with matching color schemes for a cohesive look.
The perfect book will have an interesting topic that will hopefully spark a conversation with your guests. It’ll also have an aesthetic that matches your style.
Is your style boho, farmhouse or minimal? Then go for a neutral-colored book. If your style is modern, then a book with a black and white cover would look chic.
Check out my favorite books for every style below.
DOWN TO EARTH BOOK | FIND IT HERE
ELEMENTS OF STYLE BOOK | FIND IT HERE
BEAUTIFULLY ORGANIZED BOOK | FIND IT HERE
MINIMALISTA BOOK | FIND IT HERE
LET’S GET LOST | FIND IT HERE
ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST BOOK | FIND IT HERE
IN VOGUE BOOK | FIND IT HERE
To add a little more interest to your table design trying turning books in different directions. This works well whether your table is round, square or rectangular. Check out some inspiration below.
IMAGE SOURCE | NESTLED.IN.WHITEDESIGN
Turning the books two separate directions is an easy way to help add interest to any table display.
IMAGE SOURCE | COTTAGEFURNISHINGS
On a round table changing the directional of the books adds character to your design.
Designers agree that books alone look a little too flat. So be sure to add objects on top of some of them. Try shopping your home for small decor that you have and experiment with it. Check out what I mean below.
IMAGE SOURCE | ANSELANDIVY
A small wooden knot looks modern and adds a layer of interest on this stack of books.
IMAGE SOURCE | NESTELD.IN.WHITEDESIGN
Try draping natural beads on a small bowl or dish for an organic feel.
IMAGE SOURCE | INTERIOR_BY_LU
A couple of matching candles would look chic on a stack of magazines or books.
Below check out some of my top picks for items that would look stylish on top of your stacked books.
WOODEN KNOT | FIND IT HERE
BIRD STATUES | FIND THEM HERE
CERAMIC VASE | FIND IT HERE
ABSTRACT THINKER SCULPTURE | FIND IT HERE
If you have the room for it consider adding a tray to your table decor. Trays are a great way to contain small items and instantly give your table a pulled together look. This helps layer your design and adds texture to your table.
IMAGE SOURCE | MARYS_NEWHOME_INSPO
Look for a tray with texture and that contrasts your table to help add dimension to your coffee table display.
IMAGE SOURCE | ORGANIZING_HOME
Choose a tray with a pattern like this marble one to add an extra layer of interest to your space.
IMAGE SOURCE | NESTLED.IN.WHITEDESIGN
If you’re using your ottoman as a table than a tray will convert this to useable space. It’s now the perfect spot to place a cup of coffee or glass of wine.
Below check out my absolute favorite trays and where you can get them.
TRAY WITH GOLD HANDLES | FIND IT HERE
WOVEN TRAY | FIND IT HERE
PLASTIC MARBLE TRAY | FIND IT HERE
BLACK TRAY | FIND IT HERE
Now that you have the tray it’s time to style it. Choosing interesting object of various heights will add dimension to your display.
Here are some ideas:
Check out some inspiration below.
IMAGE SOURCE | NOOKSTYLEANDHOME
Find interesting objects with character and texture to take your decor up a notch.
IMAGE SOURCE | BUNGALOW_HOME_IDAHO
Vary the heights of your decor for a designer look. For taller items try a vase with stems. Pots work great for medium sized objects and a candle for a small item.
Designers agree that your table decor should incorporate life. Plants add a freshness and a beauty to any space. They instantly liven up your decor.
Check out some examples of table decor with plants below.
IMAGE SOURCE | ANSELANDIVY
A small plant is all you need to add a breath of fresh air to your living room.
IMAGE SOURCE | COTTAGEFURNISHINGS
A beautiful succulent bowl adds life and beauty to an empty table.
I have rounded up my favorite small plants that would look pretty on a table in your living room. Check them out below.
SUCCULENT AND POT | FIND IT HERE
SUCCULENT PLANTER BOWL | FIND IT HERE
SMALL SNAKE PLANT IN PLANTER | FIND IT HERE
An alternative to adding plants to your decor is to add fresh flowers. Choose a beautiful vase that goes with your decor to take your style up a notch. Get some inspiration from the stunning tables with flowers below.
IMAGE SOURCE | NOOKLIFESTYLEANDHOME
Pair a classic flower like white tulips with a show stopping vase to add that wow factor to your table display.
IMAGE SOURCE | FIRE_FINISH_INTERIORS
Designers often use fresh flowers as that finishing touch to liven up a space.
Here’s even another alternative to adding plants or flowers. You can also add some stems or branches either faux or real. Adding stems to a vase will not only add a little nature but also height to your coffee table display.
Get inspired by the beautiful designer tables below that have incorporated stems into their design.
IMAGE SOURCE | HOMEINTERIORS.BYASTRID
These faux cedar birch branches add height, depth and nature to this stylish coffee table design.
IMAGE SOURCE | NESTLED.IN.WHITEDESIGN
Wispy pampas grass adds depth and texture to this display.
I personally love to add fake stems to my decor because they never die! Check out my favorites that you can get on Amazon below.
PAMPAS GRASS | FIND IT HERE
EUCALYPTUS LEAVES | FIND THEM HERE
FAUX LEAVES | FIND THEM HERE
ORANGE LEAVES | FIND THEM HERE
Adding a little extra light to your table is an easy way to create ambience in your living room. You can do this by adding a table lamp or simply a candle or two. Check out some inspiration below.
IMAGE SOURCE | COTTAGEFURNISHINGS
Stack a couple of small candles on your books to add a little glow to your table display.
IMAGE SOURCE | MARYS_NEWHOME_INSPO
A small candle adds balance to this coffee table tray decor.
Below check out my favorite candles that would look pretty and also add a yummy scent to your living room.
LUXURY SCENTED SOY CANDLE | FIND IT HERE
BLACK SCENTED SOY CANDLE | FIND IT HERE
SET OF TWO CANDLE HOLDERS | FIND THEM HERE
If you want to go the route of adding a table lamp for a pretty ambient glow, check out my top picks below.
MODERN METAL LAMP | FIND IT HERE
JUTE ROPE LAMP | FIND IT HERE
CERAMIC TABLE LAMP | FIND IT HERE
To add interest to your design, choose at least one item with height to it. You don’t want it too tall though because you want to be able to see and visit with your guests. A tall vase or a candlestick holder would do the trick.
Check out some examples to add a little height to your decor below.
IMAGE SOURCE | FIRWOOD.FARMHOUSE
One of the easiest ways to add a little height to your coffee table decor is with one or two tall candlesticks in modern holders.
IMAGE SOURCE | NESTLED.IN.WHITEDESIGN
Try a tall vase with pampas grass or a little greenery to instantly add some height to you table.
Check out my favorite finds to add a little height to your coffee table decor.
WHITE MODERN VASE | FIND IT HERE
3 BLACK CANDLE STICK HOLDERS | FIND THEM HERE
WHITE CERAMIC VASE | FIND IT HERE
BLACK DECORATIVE VASE | FIND IT HERE
Now, that you have one tall object choose other objects of varying heights. Interior designers know that objects that are the same height will compete with each other visually. Our eyes want relief from this and prefer items of different heights.
This is why it looks great to have at least one tall, one medium and one small object. Below check out interior designer inspiration to see how to pull this off in your home.
IMAGE SOURCE | SABIRELLA_
If you want to copy the look of this beautifully styled table, then think about your decor in three groups of sizes. A cluster of small items, medium and then at least one tall object will give you that designer look every time.
IMAGE SOURCE | NESTLED.IN.WHITEDESIGN
The all-white color scheme gives this cluster of multi-sized vases a cohesive pulled together feel.
IMAGE SOURCE | MARYS_NEWHOME_INSPO
You can easily copy this designer look with three objects of varying heights.
To get you started check out these pretty sets of three vases in different heights that are available on Amazon.
THREE OFF-WHITE VASES | FIND THEM HERE
THREE MATTE VASES | FIND THEM HERE
Adding elements of nature to your decor will instantly warm up your space. Consider adding pinecones, shells, or a beautiful natural wooden bowl. See what I mean below.
IMAGE SOURCE | ANSELANDIVY
Add nature to your display with a small bowl filled with pinecones, beautiful rocks or natural textured spheres.
IMAGE SOURCE | NOOKLIFESTYLEANDHOME
These gorgeous shell balls are an easy way to add nature to your coffee table display.
If you love these too and are in Australia, you can find them and many other treasures at the Nook Lifestyle and Home Store.
IMAGE SOURCE | COTTAGEFURNISHINGS
An organic piece of driftwood adds character and warmth to this table.
Check out some of my favorite items from nature that look amazing as decorations.
18 PINECONES | FIND THEM HERE
SMALL ROOT WOOD BOWL | FIND IT HERE
SEASHELL BALL | FIND IT HERE
DRIFTWOOD | FIND IT HERE
This is an optional choice but if you have more room on your table consider adding a beautiful bowl. You can fill it with candy, nuts, natural items or seasonal decor to add another layer of depth to your design. Check out a little inspiration below to pull it off in your home.
IMAGE SOURCE | NEXTLEVELDESIGNING
Fill a beautiful wooden bowl with decor that changes every season to add a freshness to your living room table.
IMAGE SOURCE | COTTAGEFURNISHINGS
The bowl itself and what you fill it with are both great opportunities to add natural textures to your decor.
Check out these beautiful bowls that I found that would add a stylish touch to your table.
SMALL TEAK WOOD BOWL | FIND IT HERE
GOLDEN BOWL WITH SCULPTED EDGES | FIND IT HERE
FREE FORM EDGE BOWL | FIND IT HERE
If you have an empty bowl, or free space in your tray consider adding a little filler. To be on trend right now try adding a wooden chain link or a wood bead garland. Check them out below.
IMAGE SOURCE | COTTAGEFURNISHINGS
Black beads help to adorn a natural wooden tray.
IMAGE SOURCE | NOOKLIFESTYLEANDHOME
A filler like a wooden beaded garland organically draped over a tray helps break up a styled table. This will help to give your home that cozy lived in feel that we all love.
IMAGE SOURCE | NESTLED.IN.WHITEDESIGN
This large basket would feel empty without a little decorative filler.
Here are a few options of filler that is on trend right now that you can get on Amazon.
LIGHT WOODEN BEAD DECOR | FIND IT HERE
DARK WOOD BEADS | FIND THEM HERE
LIGHT WOOD CHAIN LINK | FIND IT HERE
DARK CHAINK LINK | FIND IT HERE
Lining up your books and decor in straight rows is a little boring. Stagger books or other large objects to add interest to your table decor. Check out what I’m talking about below.
IMAGE SOURCE | DAGANDESIGN | PHOTOGRAPHER | RYANGARVIN
The objects on this table are staggered instead of placed in even rows which as you can keeps the decor from looking too rigid.
I personally don’t like the look of all the extra remotes on my beautifully styled coffee table. An easy solution for this is to find a beautiful box or a hollow book to hide them. Check out some ideas below.
IMAGE SOURCE | COTTAGEFURNISHINGS
These boxes would add natural texture to your table and also help hide those remotes, win win.
Check out beautiful boxes and hollow books that would look stylish on your table and also hide your remotes.
SET OF TWO HOLLOW BOOKS FOR REMOTE STORAGE | FIND THEM HERE
SET OF TWO RATTAN STORAGE BOXES | FIND THEM HERE
STRIPED DECORATIVE BOX | FIND IT HERE
DECORATIVE WOODEN BOX | FIND IT HERE
When choosing your books or decor items for your living room table consider the color scheme of your living room. For a neutral room find books and decor that are natural colors. If you have bright pink throw pillows add a bright pink coffee table book.
Check out some inspiration below.
IMAGE SOURCE | LUMIKELLO_
If you have color in your living room, then add colorful books and accessories to your table for a cohesive feel throughout your room.
I believe that every home should reflect the people that live there. Decorating your home is a chance to add a glimpse of your personality.
You can do this by choosing books about your interests, adding a unique souvenir from your last trip, or a beautiful shell from your beach visit. See what I mean below.
IMAGE SOURCE | CALYPSOINTHECOUNTRY
If you love the beach, then star fish and seashells would be a beautiful way to add the beach feel to your home.
IMAGE SOURCE | FIREFINISH_INTERIORS
Adding souvenirs, you’ve collected from travel destinations or small sculptures that you love are a great way to add your personality to your space.
If you have one large item, put another large item on the other side of your table to balance out the proportions. This may apply to a large tray, lamp, book, or a bowl. I’ll show you a couple of examples below.
IMAGE SOURCE | WHITSTABLEVIEW.INTERIORS
In this illustration the large bowls offset each other visually as do the large books and the vases. If one of the large items was missing the decor would feel a little off.
IMAGE SOURCE | COTTAGEFURNISHINGS
Here’s another example of large bowls offsetting each other to give this coffee table balance. You do not need to use the same object just shoot for object that are similar sizes to pull off this designer trick.
Another tried and true designer tip is to clump items in small groupings. If you’re not sure how to do this start with a set of three small items. Groups of three always work in design.
Get inspired by the ideas below.
IMAGE SOURCE | HOME.THIRTYFOUR
Here’s a beautiful example of small clusters of three times that gives this coffee table that designer feel.
An easy way to keep your table decor looking fresh is to make small changes for the season. At fall time add little white pumpkins or add porcelain trees in the Winter. Check out some inspiration below.
IMAGE SOURCE | ANSELANDIVY
A couple of white pumpkins and a fall candle help bring the fall vibes to this living space.
IMAGE SOURCE | YOSSIE876
Switch a couple of pumpkins out for white trees during the winter to keep the decor fresh.
Now that I’ve shown you the basic steps to decorate your table let’s take a look at some more specific decorating ideas depending on the type of table you have or the style of your home.
An easy way to decorate a round table is in groups of three. You don’t have to have exactly three items but three groups with varying height works every time. Check out what I mean below.
IMAGE SOURCE | FIREFINISH_INTERIORS PHOTOGRAPHER | DANCUTRONAPHOTO
For example here there are three distinct sections of decor. They work together to give balance to the round table.
IMAGE SOURCE | MARYS_NEWHOME_INSPO
Another technique that works great on a round table is to center your decor in the middle of the table and shape it in a circular design.
Large rectangular tables are fun to style because you have a lot of space to work with and more design possibilities. I’ll show you a couple ideas below to either go simple with your decor or to go for a detailed layered look.
IMAGE SOURCE | FIREFINISH_INTERIORS
This table decor mimics the shape of the table itself with the edges left upon to place beverages. To copy this style visualize a smaller rectangle on your table and place decorative items in that space.
IMAGE SOURCE | COTTAGEFURNISHINGS
Another simple idea for styling a large rectangular table is to add a round tray with three items of varying height to the center.
First of all, a coffee table is never too small to decorate. But you may have to scale down your design, so your table doesn’t look too cluttered. Check out a little inspiration below.
IMAGE SOURCE | NESTLED.IN.WHITEDESIGN
Here’s a little inspiration of how to style a small table and still leave room to set your morning coffee.
If your table is modern, then you’ll want some modern décor pieces to accentuate it. Think monochromatic colors and clean lines. Get some inspiration below.
IMAGE SOURCE | FIREFINISH_INTERIORS
Books and modern pottery are the perfect accent for this round white table.
Glass tables have a modern look to them. When left undecorated they may come off as a little too cold. If you want to warm up your living room then add wooden accents, plants or fresh flowers to your glass table.
Steal the style ideas below if you have a glass table.
IMAGE SOURCE | INTERIOR_BY_LU
Wooden textures and a little bit of greenery warm up this table display.
IMAGE SOURCE | WHITSTABLEVIEW.INTERIORS
Adding a vase of fresh flowers is an easy way to brighten up your glass table decor.
If you love boho style, then you should definitely consider this when styling your living room table. Some ideas are to add a neutral vase with pampas grass, adding a wicker tray or a boho style bowl. Steal the style of these beautiful boho tables below.
IMAGE SOURCE | HOME.THIRTYFOUR
If boho is your style add natural textures like wicker, a neutral vase and pampas grass.
IMAGE SOURCE | NOOKLIFESTYLEANDHOME
A unique boho style vase with stems is the focal point of this tray.
I love boho style and if you do too then, check out my favorite boho decor items for your table below.
BOHO VASE | FIND IT HERE
PAMPAS GRASS AND VASE | FIND IT HERE
BOHO WICKER COASTERS | FIND THEM HERE
PAMPAS GRASS (VASE NOT INCLUDED) | FIND IT HERE
If you have farmhouse style throughout your house, then why not add this style to your living room table decor as well? To do this add natural elements like plants, weathered wood, or metals. Get a little inspiration to pull off the look below.
IMAGE SOURCE | SAMANTHAANNCO
I’m getting all the farmhouse vibes from this beautiful wooden coffee table.
Check out my top picks to style your farmhouse living room.
TWO FAUX PLANTS | FIND THEM HERE
SET OF TWO FARMHOUSE LANTERNS | FIND THEM HERE
ROUND FARMHOUSE TRAY | FIND IT HERE
If you’re style is minimal then congrats your table decor will be easy. Consider adding a tray with one small item like a candle or a pot or even one interesting vase. Check out some inspiration below.
IMAGE SOURCE | SAMANTHAANNCO
A beautiful tray with a candle is all you need for your minimal decorating style.
IMAGE SOURCE | MARYS_NEWHOME_INSPO
If your coffee table is a showstopper like this one, then you can easily get away with a minimal display.
If your coffee table is a work of art itself, then consider simple decorations. One large vase with flowers or stems would look amazing or a stack of books with a small item on top.
IMAGE SOURCE | FIREFINISH_INTERIORS | PHOTOGRAPHER | DANCUTRONAPHOTO
When the table is the star of the show then sometimes less is more when it comes to your decor choices.
If you want a simple idea to decorate your coffee table, then listen to this easy hack. Think of a triangle when arranging your decor. Adding one tall, one medium and one small item to a round tray and arranging your items in a triangle formation works every time.
See some examples of this easy triangle decorating hack below.
IMAGE SOURCE | HOME.THIRTYFOUR
A small woven tray with a collection of boho items in a triangle formation gives a designer look.
IMAGE SOURCE | NOOKLIFESTYLEANDHOME
Add a book or two under your three items to elevate them.
Now you have 21 designer tips to style your coffee table like a pro. Plus, I showed you where to get the latest coffee table decor and decorating ideas for all of the different styles. Hope you got inspired to try something new to pull of that interior designer look.
A big thanks to all the talented designers that helped contribute to this post. Please click on the link under the pictures to follow them on Instagram.
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