How to Style a Coffee Table

When it comes to home decor, the coffee table is often the centrepiece of the living room. Not only is it a functional piece of furniture, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase your personal style and add a touch of elegance to your space. A well-styled coffee table can tie together your entire room and make a lasting impression on your guests. But where do you begin? 

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps involved in coffee table styling, from choosing the right accessories to creating a cohesive look. Whether your style is modern and minimalist or boho-chic, we’ll help you create a coffee table that reflects your unique taste and personality. So let’s get started and transform your coffee table into a stylish masterpiece! 

Types of Coffee Tables

Coffee tables come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own unique style and functionality. The most common types of coffee tables include rectangular, round, oval, and square shapes.

Rectangular coffee tables

Rectangular coffee tables are a popular choice for their classic look and ability to fit in a variety of spaces. They work well in larger rooms or seating areas with long sofas, and they provide ample surface area for entertaining. However, they may not be the best choice for smaller spaces or rooms with tight corners.

Round coffee tables

Round coffee tables are perfect for creating a cosy and intimate seating area. They work well with chairs and sofas of different shapes and sizes, and they provide a great flow of movement around the table. However, they may not offer as much surface area as other types of coffee tables.

Oval coffee tables offer a unique and elegant look. They work well in larger seating areas and can provide more surface area than round coffee tables. However, they may be more difficult to find and may not fit in smaller spaces.

Square Coffee Tables

Square coffee tables are ideal for larger living rooms and provide ample surface area for entertaining. They work well with sofas and chairs of similar shapes and sizes, and they can create a symmetrical look in a room. However, they may not fit well in smaller spaces or with sofas that have curved shapes.

By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each type of coffee table, you can choose the one that best fits your needs and personal style. In the next section, we’ll share tips for styling each type of coffee table to create a cohesive look in your living room.

Tips for Styling Your Coffee Table

Start with a Blank Canvas

Before you start styling your coffee table, it’s important to start with a blank canvas. This means clearing off any clutter or items that don’t serve a purpose on the table. Not only will this make the styling process easier, but it will also give you a chance to clean the table and start fresh.

To begin, remove everything from the coffee table and assess what you have. Sort through the items and decide what you want to keep on the table and what can be put away or donated. Remember, less is often more when it comes to coffee table styling.

Next, give the table a good cleaning. Wipe down the surface with a damp cloth and any appropriate cleaning solution, taking care not to damage the finish. If you have a glass coffee table, be sure to clean both sides of the glass for a streak-free shine.

Once your coffee table is clean and clutter-free, you’re ready to start styling! 

Choose a Focal Point

Choosing a focal point is a key step in styling your coffee table. A focal point is the item or group of items that draw the eye and sets the tone for the rest of the styling.

When selecting a focal point, consider the style of your room and what you want to showcase on your coffee table. Some popular focal point options include:

Books: A stack of books can add height and texture to your coffee table. Choose books that match the colour scheme of your room or feature interesting covers that add visual interest.

Flowers: A vase of fresh flowers or a potted plant can add a pop of colour and natural beauty to your coffee table. Choose flowers that complement the colour scheme of your room and match the style of your decor.

Decorative Object: A unique decorative object, such as a sculpture, art piece, or vintage trinket, can add personality and charm to your coffee table. Choose an object that reflects your personal style and ties into the overall look of your room.

Once you’ve selected your focal point, build the rest of your styling around it. 

Add Layers and Texture

To create depth and interest on your coffee table, it’s important to add layers and texture. This can be achieved by using a tray or grouping items of different heights and textures.

One way to add layers to your coffee table is by using a tray. A tray can help corral items and create a cohesive look. Choose a tray that complements the style of your room and is large enough to hold your accessories without feeling cluttered.

Another way to add texture and height to your coffee table is by incorporating items of varying heights. For example, you could place a tall candlestick next to a small potted plant or stack a few books on top of each other. This will create visual interest and draw the eye around the table.

You can also add natural elements like plants or wood to bring warmth and texture to your coffee table. A small vase of flowers or a potted plant can add a pop of colour and life, while a wooden bowl or tray can add a rustic touch.

When adding layers and texture to your coffee table, be sure to keep balance in mind. Avoid overcrowding the table and keep items evenly distributed.

Create Balance

Creating balance is an important step in coffee table styling. This means making sure that the styling feels cohesive and doesn’t overwhelm the table.

One way to achieve balance is by using the rule of threes. This means grouping items in threes for a visually pleasing look. For example, you could group a candle, a vase of flowers, and a decorative object together. This creates a balanced and intentional grouping.

Another way to ensure the balance is by considering the size and shape of your coffee table. For example, a large rectangular coffee table may need more accessories to fill the space, while a small round coffee table may feel cluttered with too many items.

When selecting accessories, think about the overall look you want to achieve and choose items that complement each other in colour, texture, and style. For example, if you have a modern coffee table, choose sleek and minimalist accessories. If your coffee table is more traditional, choose classic and elegant accessories.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to edit and adjust as you go. Step back and look at your coffee table styling from different angles to make sure it feels balanced and cohesive.

Consider the Surrounding Space

When styling your acacia wood coffee table, it’s important to consider the surrounding space to ensure that the styling complements the overall design scheme, colour palette, and style of the room.

One way to achieve this is by choosing accessories that match the colour scheme of the room. For example, if your room has a neutral colour palette, choose accessories in shades of white, grey, or beige. If your room has bold pops of colour, choose accessories that complement those colours.

Additionally, consider the style of your room and choose accessories that reflect that style. If you have a bohemian-inspired space, choose natural and organic accessories like a woven tray or a vase of wildflowers. If your space is more modern and minimalist, choose sleek and sculptural accessories.

Another way to ensure that your coffee table styling complements the surrounding space is by considering the scale of the accessories. If your room is large with high ceilings, you may want to choose larger accessories that fill the space. If your room is smaller, choose smaller accessories that don’t overwhelm the space.

Add Personal Touches

Adding personal touches to your coffee table styling is a great way to infuse your personality and style into the space.

One way to incorporate personal items is by adding family photos to the styling. You can display them in a frame or use them as a bookend. This not only adds a personal touch but also creates a conversation starter for guests.

Another way to add personal touches is by incorporating sentimental objects. For example, you could display a treasured souvenir from a favourite trip or a piece of art that has sentimental value.

You can also add personal touches through books and magazines. Choose ones that reflect your interests and hobbies, whether that’s cooking, travel, or fashion.

Remember that the key to adding personal touches is to choose items that are meaningful to you and that you love. These items will not only make your chipboard coffee table styling unique but also make the space feel more like home.

Additional Tips and Tricks

In addition to the previous steps, there are additional tips and tricks you can use to take your coffee table styling to the next level.

One idea is to incorporate seasonal decor. For example, during the fall, you can add a vase of colourful leaves or a pumpkin-shaped dish. During the winter, you can add a holiday-themed centrepiece. This not only adds visual interest but also helps keep your decor fresh and up-to-date.

Another way to add functionality to your coffee table is by incorporating trays or baskets. These can be used to corral items like remote controls, coasters, or magazines. This helps keep the table organized and tidy while still looking stylish.

When it comes to using books in coffee table styling, try stacking them in different ways to create visual interest. You can also use them as a base for other items like decorative objects or a vase. Additionally, consider using books that have beautiful covers or interesting titles to add to the overall aesthetic.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your bamboo coffee table styling. Try mixing and matching different accessories, textures, and colours until you find a combination that feels just right. 

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and functional coffee table display.

FAQs

How often should I change up my coffee table display?

There’s no set timeline for how often you should switch up your coffee table display. Some people like to update their display seasonally, while others prefer to make changes on a whim. Ultimately, it’s up to you and how often you feel inspired to make a change.

How many items should I include in my coffee table display?

There’s no right or wrong answer to this question. Some people prefer a minimalist look with only a few carefully chosen items, while others like a more layered and eclectic display. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the size of your coffee table.

Do I need to stick to a particular colour scheme when styling my coffee table?

Not necessarily. While having a cohesive colour scheme can create a more polished look, it’s not a hard and fast rule. Experiment with different colors and textures to find a combination that works for you.

Conclusion: 

In conclusion, coffee table styling is a fun and creative way to add personality and style to your living space. To recap, the key steps involved in coffee table styling include starting with a blank canvas, choosing a focal point, adding layers and texture, creating balance, considering the surrounding space, and adding personal touches.

Remember to experiment and have fun with your wooden coffee table styling. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to decorating your coffee table, so don’t be afraid to try new things and mix and match different items until you find a combination that feels just right.

Finally, always consider your personal style and preferences when styling your coffee table. The ultimate goal is to create a display that not only looks beautiful but also reflects your unique personality and taste. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create a coffee table display that you love and that will impress your guests.