How to Style A Coffee Table

So excited to be sharing my five tips for coffee table styling. I know many of you have seen posts and articles about this, but, my tips are simple and quick. You can have a stylish coffee table in minutes by simply using what you already have around the home. Now, summer is coming to an end soon, and if you live in the midwest, like me, that means a lot of time stuck inside your home. That is why I love spending time now styling parts of my home, like tabletops, so I can enjoy it come the long winter months ahead. Coffee table styling has always been one of my most popular topics with clients because it can truly take a living room from drab to fab in minutes. I truly believe that people’s biggest mistake is not having the confidence to “over do it.” Follow these steps to styling your coffee table and I know you will enjoy it.

{The Pink Dream}

How to Style A Coffee Table

Coffee table styling does have many similarities to styling a console table; however, we cannot forget that when you have people come over, you don’t want to rearrange the tabletop so they can place down their drinks (on a coaster of course). So coffee table styling can be a bit more versatile and easier to change out. So, just stick to these tips and enjoy your space all winter long.

1. BOOKS, BOOKS, AND SOME MORE BOOKS

Okay, don’t worry, I know you all know about books. BUT, here is the secret. Hardcover is always best and don’t go crazy trying to color match the spins. Honestly, a more organic feel always works best. If the spin of the book bothers you, turn it around so you see the exposed pages instead. Don’t aim for perfection. Also, think in adding height with your books, so at least 3, or 2 thicker books. AND don’t be scared to add multiple piles of books. I have four piles on my table.

{HGTV}

2. ADD A TRAY

I love adding trays to coffee tables. They can be HUGE and centered in the middle, and then you styling the tray with these tips. When guest come and you need the coffee table for h’ordeuvres or drink, just lift the tray and place elsewhere. Or you can go the opposite route and a simple smaller tray works just as great. Here, I love how 2 ladies and a Chair switch out their trays.

{2 Ladies & A Chair}

3. ORGANIC / NATURAL ELEMENT

If you have followed my other posts, console table styling or nightstand styling, you know by now I always always add a natural / organic element. It can be flowers, an orchid, or even a large tonk shell. Something that comes from nature is always a must.

4. CREATE HEIGHT

Some believe that in order to create height they need to add a tall vase or candlesticks. That is not necessarily true, don’t get me wrong, love candlesticks on a coffee table, but you can create height but adding an element on the stack of hardcover books, or even stacking candles on a tray. You want three levels of height. High, medium, and low, and by placing some items directly on the table while others on books you can create height.

5. ADD THE QUIRKY

This is my favorite part. Adding something unique, something that might mean something to you, or have no meaning whatsoever but is a conversation starter. In the photo above I added my coveted blue balls. lol. I searched high and low for vintage glass grape vine. Finally found it at a flea market, it is always a conversation when someone refers to them as blue balls cause, truthfully, no one needs quiet moments with guests around the coffee table, make them smile, laugh. Below, others added golden hands or even birds.

{Lemon Stripes}