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. 

 

We Answer Wednesday - Coffee table Conundrum

"I've been looking for a coffee table but I can't find one I like.  Any suggestions?"

There are many coffee table options on the market ranging from glass, metal, wood and more but if you aren't finding anything you like maybe it's time to try something unexpected.  Instead of a coffee table, boost your room's style and function with a clever alternative....

An Upholstered Bench - it provides a comfortable spot to put up your feet after a long day and can be used as extra seating when entertaining.  And when you a need a flat serving surface - add a sturdy tray!  This is a great option especially if you are living in a smaller space.  Plus benches come in a variety of sizes so you can opt for something narrower for a small space or an over sized option for a larger living room



A Trunk - trunks come in a variety of materials ranging from metal, wicker and wood and if you cruise the vintage stores you may be in luck and find a cool distressed trunk with some real character.  You can achieve a multitude of styles depending on the finish you choose.  Wicker gives a more relaxed country feel, metal can give you an industrial element and a wood trunk depending on the style could give a clean contemporary or global accent look.  But a trunk gives a great surface space for serving or just displaying great books or decor pieces but also provides storage for extra blankets, DVD's, board games or even serving pieces that don't fit in the kitchen



Garden Stools - A pair of stools or even small ottomans are easy to move around in a small space.  Set two side-by-side, then separate them to use as an extra perch when you are in a pinch.  Garden stools add a touch of femininity to a space as they usually have a floral inspired cut outs and the have a roundness about them.  They also come in range of colours so you can really express your style!

The Coffee table - not just for coffee anymore

The Coffee table has really come a LONG way! There are so many options to suit price points, lifestyle and your personal style. There is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing a coffee table but be sure to take a look at all of the selection out there, you'll be very surprised!

Here are some options out there:

Glass - the glass coffee table is great for small spaces, as it becomes invisible yet still useful. Glass coffee tables do not have to have sharp edges either, check out Structube (http://www.structube.com/) their "visio" tables (coffee, end and nesting tables) are gorgeous, reasonably priced and have a sleek smooth line.

Upholstered - the ottoman/coffee table works with most styles and it is great for families but can also work in an urban loft. This option has so many choices because you are dealing with fabrics, but personally I feel leather is best. Leather is super easy to clean and always looks great! Another great feature about ottoman/coffee tables is that they are multi purpose - extra seating when hosting a party or additional storage if you purchased one that opens.

EQ3 is a great store for ottoman/coffee tables (http://www.eq3.com/). In my home, we have the Morten ottoman in a Merlot coloured leather and it looks great and is so practical but EQ3 has a wide range of sizes and style for your ottomans and not to mention a wide variety o fabric choices too.

Wood - This tends to be a more traditional route, however, you can still find some wood options that have a modern vibe. This options tends to work a bit better in a more formal living space (one where people do not have a tendency to put their feet on your furniture). Depending on the colour of stain you choose can also change the look of your room - dark mahogany is dramatic and formal, dark espresso more modern and light honey or natural is more casual. This option can also have a lot of practical features such as storage shelves for books or magazines which keeps the main surface clear and ready for display or drinks!

The coffee table is often placed in the centre of your living space so feel free to use it for some small displays. Just don't clutter it with all of your stuff - especially if company is coming over. A bowl or fruit, photography books or even a sculpture add a feel of who you are to the space.