Designers Spill: 12 Essential Coffee Table Styling Tips

Without question, the coffee table is one of the best places to express creativity and make a design statement living room, It’s a bit like lipstick at the end of your makeup routine: a quick final step, but one that makes all the difference. However, finding coffee table decor ideas that are a little outside the box can be stressful for many of us. (Myself included.) But since I wanted to refresh myself, I reached out to some of my favorite interior designers and asked if they’d share their best foolproof ideas for coffee table decor.

roe miller rand Of RM Rand Interiors Says it best: “The coffee table is often the focal point of the space, so we should treat it with respect.”

One common thing in these expert coffee table decor ideas is to fill it with things that feel personal. You, Whether it’s a functional design that can (stylishly) hold remotes and other small items, a stack of coloring books, or fresh flowers – the goal is to make it yours. According to Penelope Bianchi McCormick InteriorsDecorating your home should be like writing your autobiography; Nothing should be fake or fabricated. so be it!

Designers Share 12 Essential Coffee Table Decor Ideas

Read 12 coffee table decor ideas from the following interior designers to create a coffee table that suits your style.,

1. A strong foundation is the key

When styling a coffee table, sarah peddicord Starts from the foundation. A ceramic, leather or textured tray will ground the coffee table and provide a base for layering opportunities on the table. Next, she suggests adding various ceramic vases that can hold flowers, giving the coffee table height. This can also be achieved by adding unique sculptural elements, matchstick holders and other treasured elements, all of which give the table a vibrant look.

2. Appeal to all the senses

Shazlin Cavin Winfrey believe that the best coffee tables look attractive All Of our senses. They are tactile and represent objects that we can touch; They include things that smell wonderful such as candles or scented wax figurines; They have a little pot for your favorite candies, and they’re interesting to look at too. Pro Tip: Look for pieces that serve as conversation starters.

3. Think in odd numbers

This is a general rule of design but Peddicord encourages anyone arranging coffee table decor to consider it at an early stage., Depending on the size of the table, she recommends three or five different elements. It is also important to keep in mind that every part of the table should be the same. Remember that juxtaposition creates tension that engages the eye and is more visually appealing than a one-note table.

4. Display your books and arrange the bindings in different directions

While Cindy Witmer Oelrich agrees with the odd number rule, she makes an exception for square coffee tables. She loves using beautiful books and wants to display them on every corner. Arranging the bindings in different directions, usually on the side facing the nearest seat, with “on top”“The Prettiest Little Object Dart I Can Get My Hands On” makes a perfect setting. Check out some of our favorite coffee table books Here,

5. Divide the table into balanced quadrilaterals

Once you’ve divided your table into quadrants, Roe Miller Rind suggests placing items in each of them to achieve visual balance. They don’t have to match each other, but you’ll want to use things that take up the same amount of space. For example, if you use a stack of books in a quadrant, you’ll want to use a plant or bowl of the same size in its diagonal.

6. Consider your table as your autobiography

This is the decorating philosophy of Penelope Bianchi. His The entryway table is filled with antiques she’s collected during her travels—they’re beautiful and great conversation starters. Similarly, Winfrey suggests using trays and glass boxes to house collections that evoke an emotional response from the owner. He once designed a coffee table for a family, with specimen trays attached to hold items collected on nearby nature walks. Never be afraid to use non-traditional, personal elements.

7. Arrange your decor items by space

Another tried and true one from Rind Coffee table decor ideas include using items that relate to the space. For example, use design or art books in a common area, but use sports or travel books in the men’s library. She also suggests arranging the books at the top, from largest to smallest. Choose favorite accessories like bowls, candlesticks, plants, or succulents for the other quadrants, and finish with smaller accessories placed on top of the books.

8. Use the rule of three

Abbey Fenimore likes to style coffee tables using the rule of three. It involves arranging objects in odd numbers for a visually dynamic aesthetic. It’s perfect for adding interest to a large square coffee table, plus it leaves a little room to put your feet up. Don’t feel like you need to fill every inch of the coffee table.

9. Fresh flowers are your friend

This is the number one thing I hear from designers when it comes to coffee tables. According to Abbey Fenimore, adding fresh flowers is an age-old styling trick (and still her favorite). “They’ll instantly add life and soften the area,” she says. Fresh flowers appeal to all five senses and can be changed with the seasons. loves pedicord too decorative branches To create a foraged look.

10. Use the triangle method

Holly Lydick designs her coffee table in the shape of a triangle. This differs from the rule of three as it applies to height. Start with a tall accessory, such as a box or a plant, and lower height accessories, such as a small tray, and then a final, third level even lower. This helps maintain balance and constantly draws the eye downwards.

11. Try two

If you’re looking for an option with maximum functionality but also want to showcase your style, try a two-tier coffee table. Lidick recommends using one with a glass top. Here you can curate a collection of antique tortoise boxes on a tray or place your favorite books with their beautiful bindings on the open end, while also leaving open space on top.

12. Don’t be afraid to change it up

Rind reminds us that we are not married with a vision. Feel free to add new items during your trip or as the seasons change. When you’re entertaining, reduce items as needed for extra space. Your coffee table can always evolve which makes it a favorite and perfect place to modify. Lydic similarly recommends making sure any group gathering still allows room for entertaining — making room for coffee, wine, appetizers, etc.

Our Favorite Coffee Table Decor

From candles to design books to decorative items – these are some of our favorite things that we always keep on the coffee table. Remember: When making your coffee table aesthetic, less is always more. Be thoughtful and sensible with what you display and consider how different components work together to create the atmosphere you want.