Coffee Table Decor Ideas You’ll Love

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Styling your coffee table is a great way to showcase your personal style and elevate your living space effortlessly. From family game nights to casual coffee mornings, the coffee table is often the centerpiece of your living room activities. However, if you have a small space, a coffee table might make the room feel crowded or block the walkway. Instead, you could use side tables, ottomans, or nesting tables. They do the same job but take up less room.

In this blog post, I’m excited to share some creative and simple Coffee Table decor ideas, style a round coffee table, choose the perfect items to place on it, and so much more!

How to Decorate a Coffee Table

Decorating a coffee table can be fun and easy. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Balance Big and Small: Start with one big item, like a vase or a sculpture. Then, add smaller items around it, like candles or decorative boxes.
• Layer Different Heights: Use items of different heights to make it look interesting. For example, stack a few books and place a small plant on top. This helps create a layered look.
• Add Personal Items: Put things that mean something to you, like a photo frame, a special souvenir, or a piece of art.
• Change with the Seasons: Keep your table fresh by changing the decorations with the seasons. Use fresh flowers in spring, pumpkins in fall, and holiday decor in winter. Seasonal items can bring a touch of the current time of year into your home.
• Leave Space for Use: Remember to leave some space for everyday things like a cup of coffee or snacks.

What to Put on a Coffee Table

Choosing what to put on your coffee table can really make a difference in how good it’ll look. Here are some ideas:

• Books: Place a few nice-looking books. Stack them or spread them out. They can be your favorite books or ones that match your color scheme.
• Candles: Candles add warmth. Use different sizes and scents.
• Trays: Trays help keep things organized. They’re great for holding remotes, coasters, and small items. A round tray can add a nice touch to a round table.
• Decorative Items: Unique items like sculptures, figurines, or antique pieces add personality. Think about including decorative objects of different materials for texture and interest.
• Plants and Flowers: Natural elements like fresh flowers or small plants bring life and color to the table.
• Bowls and Boxes: Decorative bowls or boxes can store small items and add texture.

Styling a Round Coffee Table

Round coffee tables are cool and unique. Here’s how to style them:

Style Your Coffee Table With Books

Designing a coffee table with books can be both stylish and functional. Here’s how you can do it:

• Floating Shelf Effect: Install a floating shelf just below the surface of the coffee table. Arrange books on the shelf so they appear to be floating above the table, creating a dynamic and unexpected look.
• Use Plants: Place small potted plants or succulents on top of a stack of books. This adds a natural element and brings a touch of greenery into your living space.
• Book Nook: Create a cozy reading nook by arranging books around the edges of the coffee table to form a makeshift perimeter. Add a small reading lamp and a comfortable chair nearby for the perfect place to read.
• Vintage Vibe: Use old, weathered books with worn covers to give your coffee table a vintage and nostalgic feel. Pair them with antique bookends or other vintage decor pieces for a cohesive look.
• Underneath Storage: Choose a coffee table with a lower shelf or cubbies underneath where you can neatly stack and organize books. This keeps the tabletop clear while still showcasing your book collection.
• Layered Look: Place a transparent or glass tabletop over a layer of books arranged underneath. This creates a subtle yet intriguing depth to your coffee table display.
• Personalized Touch: Display books that have sentimental value or reflect your personal interests and hobbies. Incorporate items like bookmarks, tickets, or notes related to the books for a personalized touch.

These ideas can help you create a coffee table display that not only holds your favorite books but also serves as a unique and personalized focal point in your living room.

How to Make Your Coffee Table Look Expensive

To make your coffee table look expensive, try these additional tips:

• Use a Statement Tray: A stylish tray can organize items and add a touch of elegance. A gold mirrored tray is a chic option.
• Add Unique Coasters: Choose high-quality, unique coasters to protect your table and enhance its look. Try marble coasters.
• Use a Stylish Box: A decorative box can store small items and keep your table tidy. An elegant wooden box is a good choice.
• Decorate with an Hourglass: An hourglass adds a touch of sophistication and interest. A gold sand timer is a great option.
• Use a Decorative Bowl: A beautiful bowl can be a focal point and hold small items, such as a ceramic bowl.
• Add an Elegant Candle Holder: A stylish candle holder adds warmth and style. Try a geometric candle holder.

Styling Coffee Tables with Storage

Coffee tables with storage are not just useful but also fun to decorate. Here are a few types and some ideas on how to style them:

Lift-Top Coffee Tables: These tables have a top that lifts up, providing storage underneath. They are perfect for keeping remotes, magazines, or even work-from-home essentials.

Styling Idea: Keep the top surface clear or minimal. A simple tray with a candle and a small plant can make it look elegant without cluttering the lift-top function.

Drawers and Shelves: Coffee tables with built-in drawers or lower shelves provide extra storage without compromising on style.

Styling Idea: Use the drawers for hidden storage and the shelves for decorative baskets or books. On top, place a stack of books, a decorative object, and a small vase with flowers.

Ottoman Coffee Tables: These are often padded and can serve as extra seating or a footrest, with storage space inside.

Styling Idea: Add a stylish tray on top to hold items like a remote or a cup of coffee. A cozy throw draped over the side can add a touch of warmth and texture.

Nested Tables: These come with smaller tables that fit underneath the main table, providing flexibility and additional storage or surface space when needed.

Styling Idea: Keep the main table’s surface clean and use the nested tables as side tables. This allows you to pull them out when needed and keep the room looking spacious.

Whether you have a small space or a larger family room, these tips can help you create the perfect coffee table setup. Don’t be afraid to mix and match styles or find unique pieces from thrift stores to add to your collection.

Coffee Table Decor: Final Tips

Try using odd numbers of items—a trio of candles or a set of three decorative objects—to create visual interest and balance. A large bowl filled with seasonal accents or natural elements like pinecones can add texture and warmth to the arrangement. For a finishing touch, a big coffee table book can be propped up or laid flat to add height and dimension.

An interior designer might suggest starting with a large tray as a base to anchor your coffee table vignette. This serves as an easy way to organize and display your favorite coffee table decor ideas.

Balance: Try to balance your items. If you have a large item on one side, balance it with a group of smaller items on the other side.

Functionality: Your coffee table should still be functional. Don’t overcrowd it with too many items.

Seasonal Changes: Feel free to change up your decor with the seasons. It keeps things fresh and exciting.

In everyday life, your coffee table is where you relax and chat with friends, so it’s important to style it well. Try different setups to see what you like best and what fits your style. Whether you like it simple or with lots of different things, a nicely styled coffee table can show off what you like and make your living room cozy. Just remember to keep things balanced and choose stuff that makes you happy and fits how you want your room to feel.