We Answer Wednesday - How do I style my coffee table?

“I am an avid design magazine reader. I always try to mimic what I see in photos, but something I always struggle to get right is my coffee table. I love the look in magazines but I can’t seem to get it right at home. What’s the trick to styling a coffee table?”

Great Question! This is always a tricky one because while we of course want to have a beautiful table, we also use coffee tables in a functional way. So where is the balance?

Depending on what kind of coffee table you have, the options truly are endless….

 

Using trays is a great option! Especially for ottomans. Since an ottoman is a fabric or leather surface, having a tray on top is a great functional additional, but also a great décor piece! Depending on the size of the tray, using beautiful hardcover books is a great décor item. Adding some greenery also adds a bit of colour to the display. If you have the space and it doesn’t look cluttered, add a beautiful candle or a bunch of candles. 

 

Trays don’t necessarily have to only be used on an ottoman either. Using one on a solid surface is a great place to neatly have your decorative pieces together, while still leaving space for drinks etc. for your guests and family.

If your coffee table has a bottom shelf, don’t forget to add some decorative pieces down there. Hardcover books, magazines, and decorative accessories are great on the bottom shelf. 

 

Adding vases with flowers is a classic option for a coffee table. Having beautiful fresh flowers not only look good – but smell nice too! Using a colourful vase is a great addition to the space.

 

Depending on the size of your coffee table, try adding a few lanterns. They give the table some height while also having an interesting piece as an accessory.

Incorporating interesting objects are a great way to add visual interest to the space, as well as giving you and your guests a conversation starter! Bowls, vases, candles, abstract objects and even picture frames are welcome additions to a coffee table.

Now, the trick is to have items that are to scale with your furniture. If you are going to incorporate oversize pieces, make sure you don’t have too much stuff in addition to them. Having a cluttered tabletop isn’t going to achieve the ‘designer look’ you’re aiming for. It’s all about the right balance.