Styling Your Coffee Table: 5 Must-Haves

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A beautifully styled coffee table ties a room together and anchors the space. Regardless of your personal style, there are some items that every coffee table can have. I want to share a handful of decor finds and accessories that serve as a “base” to my coffee table decor. Coffee tables are typically the center of the room—quite literally—and should be a reflection of your style. If you’re wanting to refresh your coffee table or you’re wondering where to start, this blog post is for you. Follow along as I share all the styling tips and some of my favorite staple pieces.

01. Decorative Trays

Consider this the main-stage for the rest of the decor you will put on your coffee table. Your tray will serve as a catchall, but that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked. Choose a tray that makes a statement but also reflects your unique style.

I chose an acrylic tray for the coffee table in my living room. It is modern, sturdy (big plus is you have little ones), and leaves the space looking open and clean. Because my table is solid wood, I wanted to break up the “solids” and avoid too many bulky items which is why I chose a see-through tray. When picking out a decorative tray keep in mind the overall aesthetic you would like to establish and choose a tray that will compliment your table itself and also be a statement all its own.

02. Coffee Table Books

Oh, coffee table books. how I love them. They’re eye-catching and so very practical when styling a table. Whether you actually read your decorative books or not, coffee table books are essential to a space. They add color and pattern, and can also be used to incorporate much needed height. Most of the time when you feel like something is missing from a display, there’s a good chance you simply need items of various heights. Various heights catch the eye as opposed to everything being on an even playing field.

Select a few books that compliment one another color wise or if you’re feeling wild, choose books that have mixed matched patterns. Try picking out different sized books so you can stack them in a way that creates dimension. Coffee table books are a fun way to add some character to a room while also elevating your space.

03. Natural Elements

Green thumb or not, natural elements can always be incorporated in some way, shape or fashion. A potted plant, a vase full of fresh flowers or moody branches from your yard, a decorative bowl with real or faux stems or even moss balls….the list goes on and on. In my opinion, greenery always completes a space. It adds life and color to a room. Not only are natural elements beautiful, but they can also be a solution if you’re stuck on how to add height to a table. Fill a vase with your favorite seasonal blooms to serve as your highest point of reference. One natural element I love is this Dried Grapewood Branch from pottery barn. It wont fit in a tray, but is a beautiful centerpiece for just about any table, console or shelf.

04. Decorative Boxes

Stylish and practical. You can place a box on top on a stack of books to add height, or simply place your decorative box directly in a tray. Boxes are fun additions that can help hide items like remotes, cords, pens and all the little things that you don’t want scattered about.

05. Accessories

This is where the real fun comes in and where your personality can truly shine. Add knick knacks and sculptural elements to add visual interest. Incorporate mementos from travels, frames with your favorites pictures, wooden beads and chain links to add a sense of movement and maybe even your favorite candle. The possibilities are endless here.

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Designer Tips

Arrange pieces in odd numbers for an organic and effortless look.

Height, height, height. Adding various levels catches the eye. Avoid having your decor all on the same level. Stack books, add vases, layer in structural elements to keep your arrangement from looking flat.
Texture. Play with different textures. Considers incorporating wooden pieces, metals, fabrics, terra-cotta, etc.
Don’t overthink it. You want your space to be a snapshot of who you are. Use pieces you truly like and objects that represent to and your family. Choose books that are pretty, but also contain something you’re interested in. If you like to travel, consider choosing books that reflect that. Are you one who prefers something a little more moody than bright flowers? Cut some whimsy branches from your backyard for a vase instead. make this space “you”.