10 ways to style a coffee table

The coffee table is often the centerpiece of the living room or sitting area, and how you style it can greatly impact the overall aesthetic of your space. A well-styled coffee table can serve as a functional piece of furniture while also adding a touch of personality and style to your home.

Whether you have a small or large coffee table, there are various ways to style it to create a visually appealing and inviting look. In this blog post, we will explore 10 ways to style a coffee table to suit various design preferences and home decor styles.

1. Minimalist chic: Less is more

The first on our list of 10 ways to style a coffee table is minimalist chic. For those who prefer a clean and minimalist aesthetic, keeping the coffee table decor simple and streamlined can be a great option. Start by selecting a few carefully curated pieces that complement the overall color palette and style of your room.

For example, you could choose a sleek and modern vase with a single stem flower or a small potted succulent as a focal point. Place it off-center to create visual interest. Then, add a stack of coffee table books with neutral covers or minimalist designs, which can serve as both decor and reading material.

You can also add a small tray to keep remote controls or coasters organized and add a touch of functionality to your coffee table. Remember, in minimalist styling, less is more, so be mindful not to overcrowd the table with too many items.

2. Eclectic mix: Blend different elements

If you prefer an eclectic and bohemian style, you can mix and match different elements to create a visually interesting coffee table display. Start by selecting a variety of decor items with different textures, colors, and shapes, such as a vintage brass candlestick, a wooden bowl filled with colorful beads or shells, and a stack of colorful books. Add a small plant in a unique pot for a natural touch.

Play with heights and layering to create depth and visual interest. You can also add personal items like a travel souvenir or a piece of art to reflect your personality and add a personal touch to the coffee table styling. Don’t be afraid to be bold and experiment with different elements to create a one-of-a-kind coffee table display.

3. Coastal vibes: Bring the beach indoors

If you love the beach and want to bring coastal vibes into your home, you can style your coffee table with beach-inspired decor. Start with a large piece of coral or a conch shell as a focal point. You can also add a glass jar filled with sand and seashells for a touch of natural beauty. Incorporate a few nautical-themed items such as a rope-wrapped candle holder or a mini sailboat to complete the coastal look.

Use a jute or woven tray as a base to add warmth and texture to the table. You can also use blue and white striped coasters or a tray to add a pop of color and pattern. Finish the look with a stack of books on coastal living or travel to add an element of interest and provide reading material for your guests.

4. Glamorous touch: Add metallic accents

For those who prefer a touch of glamour and elegance in their home decor, incorporating metallic accents on the coffee table can create a sophisticated look. Start with a metallic tray or a mirrored tray as a base for your coffee table styling. Place a decorative metallic box or a crystal-encrusted trinket box on top of the tray to store small items like matches or jewelry.

Add a metallic vase with fresh flowers or a faux floral arrangement for a touch of luxury. You can also incorporate metallic candle holders or a decorative metallic orb for added drama. Choose metallic accents in gold, silver, or rose gold, depending on your personal preference and the color palette of your room.

Be mindful of balancing the metallic accents with other elements to avoid an overly shiny or gaudy look. You can add a stack of books with metallic covers or spines for a cohesive and stylish look. Consider adding a plush and soft faux fur or velvet throw on the coffee table for an added touch of glamour and comfort.

5. Natural elements: Embrace organic beauty

My personal favorite on our list of 10 ways to style a coffee table is with natural elements.

Bringing nature indoors can create a serene and organic vibe in your home. You can style your coffee table with natural elements like wood, plants, and stones. Start with a wooden tray or a slice of a tree trunk as a base for your coffee table styling. Place a potted plant, such as a fern or a succulent, on the tray to add a touch of greenery and freshness.

You can also add a bowl of polished stones or pebbles for a natural and earthy element. Consider adding a wooden or ceramic bowl filled with seasonal fruits or vegetables for a functional and decorative touch. Use natural-colored coasters or placemats to complement the organic theme.

Try adding a stack of books on nature, gardening, or mindfulness to complete the natural look.

6. Vintage charm: Add retro flair

If you have a love for vintage or retro aesthetics, you can incorporate nostalgic elements into your coffee table styling. Start with a vintage or retro-inspired tray as a base for your coffee table display. Place a retro radio or a vintage camera as a focal point to add a nostalgic touch.

You can also add a stack of vintage books or magazines with colorful spines or covers for a pop of retro flair. Consider adding a retro-inspired table lamp or a unique vintage figurine for added charm. Use vintage-inspired coasters or placemats to complete the retro look.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match different vintage items to create a unique and eclectic coffee table display that reflects your love for all things retro.

7. Seasonal delights: Change with the seasons

Another fun way to style your coffee table is by changing the decor with the seasons. You can update your coffee table styling to reflect the changing seasons, festivities, or holidays throughout the year. For example, during the fall season, you can add a rustic wooden tray with a pumpkin or a vase of dried flowers, along with some cozy blankets or plaid coasters.

During the winter season, you can add a tray with a bowl of pinecones, a stack of holiday-themed books, and some twinkling fairy lights for a festive touch. In the spring season, you can add a vase of fresh flowers, a tray of colorful Easter eggs, or a stack of books on gardening or floral arrangements. And during the summer season, you can add a tray with a bowl of fresh fruits, a tropical-themed centerpiece, and some beach-themed coasters.

Changing the coffee table decor with the seasons can add a refreshing and festive vibe to your living space and keep your coffee table styling updated and interesting.

8. Personalized display: Reflect your hobbies or interests

Your coffee table can also be a great opportunity to showcase your hobbies, interests, or personal collections. Passionate about photography? You can display some of your favorite framed photos on the coffee table. Music enthusiast? Place your favorite vinyl records or musical instruments as decor.

Personalizing your coffee table display with items that reflect your hobbies or interests can add a touch of personality and make your coffee table truly unique and meaningful.

9. Family memories: Display sentimental items

Your coffee table can also be a perfect place to display sentimental items that hold special memories for you and your family. It could be a framed family photo, a cherished heirloom, or a souvenir from a memorable trip. Displaying these items on your coffee table can create a warm and nostalgic ambiance in your living space.

Consider using a shadow box or a display case to showcase these sentimental items, and arrange them in a visually pleasing way. You can also add a small tray or a decorative box to hold special keepsakes like letters, tickets, or small trinkets that hold sentimental value.

Incorporating these sentimental items into your coffee table styling can add a personal touch and make your coffee table a meaningful focal point in your room.

10. Minimalist elegance: Keep it simple and sleek

The last on our list of 10 ways to style a coffee table is minimalist elegance. If you prefer a clean and minimalist aesthetic, you can opt for a simple and sleek coffee table styling. Keep the decor minimal and focus on the beauty of clean lines and minimalist design.

Choose a sleek and modern coffee table with a simple design as a base for your styling. Keep the surface clutter-free and choose only a few carefully curated items to display. For example, you can place a single decorative object, such as a sculptural vase or a piece of art, as a focal point. Add a stack of minimalistic books or magazines with monochromatic covers for a sleek and refined look.

You can also use a single tray or a simple bowl to hold small essentials like coasters or remotes. Remember that in minimalist styling, less is more, so be intentional with your choices and keep the overall look clean and uncluttered.

Conclusion: 10 ways to style a coffee table

In conclusion, styling your coffee table is an opportunity to express your creativity and reflect your personal style. Whether you prefer a classic, boho, modern, glamorous, natural, vintage, seasonal, personalized, family-oriented, or minimalist look, there are numerous ways to style your coffee table to enhance the overall aesthetic of your room.

Consider the size and shape of your coffee table, the surrounding decor, and your personal preferences when selecting items for your coffee table display. Keep in mind the principles of balance, scale, and cohesion to create a visually pleasing arrangement.

P.S. Want to learn how to build your own farmhouse-style coffee table? Check out our blog!