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August 5, 2021

11 Fun Ways To Styling Coffee Tables

by Nishtha

Coffee tables play a focal point in our living rooms. Apart from the coffee table styling, the functionality and practicality also prove them a must-have in space. 

So, is it only to place down the cup of coffee and that bowl of evening snack?

 Well, definitely not! 

They are the centerpieces of styling and décor that should convey your personality and lifestyle! 

If you haven’t had the chance to style a coffee table to exhibit an eye-catchy and refined look – wait no further! Let me introduce you to the 11 fun ways of styling coffee tables like a pro!

Fun Ways of Styling Coffee Tables

Add a Stand-out ItemStyling Coffee Tables

Photo by Plum Interiors

One of the best ways to style a coffee table includes adding a focal element like a statement vase with summer-blooming flowers or tan antique sculpture. 

This will undoubtedly create a perfect balance in your living room while providing that sense of focus. 

You can either choose to place it in the corner of your table or simply position it in the center to truly create a trendy backdrop.

Ensure to choose a contrasting material for this statement – generally, reflective metals and subtle ceramic play opulence on the coffee tables!

Create a Grid

Photo by Butler Armsden Architects

Could be square or rectangular-sized coffee tables, just in case if you are not sure where to start – think grids! 

Place your coffee table books, novels, trays, and little knick-knacks at a certain equidistant from one another – within the desired squares.

This is also ideal for modern and contemporary-styled spaces where cluttering is avoided to create a clean and crisp background.

Also, I must tell you that oversized coffee tables are quite a trend – and that is why these sections of grids form a seamless yet balanced appearance.

Play with ScaleStyling Coffee Tables

Photo by Tunde Decor, LLC 

The accessories for the coffee table define its character and charm!

Another flabbergasting way to style a coffee table is by carefully analyzing the size and scale of your décor items to perfectly follow a sense of geometry and balance.

Generally, the taller items like your vases could be kept over the books and can be placed on one of the corners. 

On the other hand, the low-heightened trays should be styled on the other to create dynamism! 

The center spaces should be focal with your most adored pieces – let’s say your favorite indoor plants, accents, novels, spectacles, and decorative vintage pieces.

Welcome Nature

Incorporate indoor plants to feel bright, refreshing, and wholesome! 

Species such as snake plants, rubber plants, spider plants, aloe Vera, and bonsai can leave a positive impact on you while also cleaning the indoor air.

Simply magnanimous, right?

Along with these, think creatively when it comes to plant holders!

Bold hues or intriguing textures, ceramic or glass – make sure to choose materials that look cohesive with the overall backdrop! 

You can either place them as a focus over your coffee table book or by the side to create a stunning statement! 

You can also check out my article on The Best Indoor Plants For Your Home!

Thing Big When Styling Coffee TablesStyling Coffee Tables

Photo by The Pratley Company, LLC

It is time that you take into consideration the entire room! 

So, what interior design style is it? 

What is the color palette? 

Is it a tiny space or a majestic large, double-heightened living room? 

Yes! Of course – all of that matters!

Try to create a balance by picturizing your coffee table with the entire room. 

Don’t overcrowd it – and at the same time, don’t let it stay empty! 

Place the décor items in a way that blends in with the surroundings! 

For instance, this beach-style living room amalgamates the use of a wooden farmhouse coffee table along with a tray that totally complements!

Remember, coffee table styling is much more than just ‘styling’!

Use a Tray

Photo by Vesta Design

A tray serves quite a few purposes – mainly, including both practicality and functionality!

You can style all your smaller as well as larger belongings in one unified platform!

Using a tray for coffee table styling is also one of the most efficient methods – since, it offers the opportunity of removing an entire tray at a time, just in case you want to use it for other entertainment purposes!

Styling Coffee Tables
Photo by Laura Lee Home

Here, colorful porcelain flowers, sea glass beads, a vintage brass lunch pail, and a large planter with orchids anchor a large wooden tray on the leather cocktail ottoman.

Furthermore, a tray is also used to exhibit a sense of geometry and symmetry on your coffee tables while tying all the nitty gritty together!

(you can also use it for the grid styling systems)!

Choose a Pair of ‘Three’

Photo by Beth Dotolo, ASID, RID, NCIDQ

Especially for long, rectangular coffee tables, one of the best ways to decorate and style is to choose a pair of ‘three’!

When in confusion, divide your coffee table into three equal parts and let each section enjoy its own beauty!

Remember, balance is an important consideration when styling coffee tables!

And trust me – ‘three’ could be your lucky number!

So, you can very creatively add a pile of your favorite books on either of the corners followed by a large flower vase or an antique statement piece in the center!

Note that the middle item has to be a focus whereas the side novel stacks should be a pure balance in order.

Style ‘Top’ and ‘Bottom’

Styling Coffee Tables
Photo by Park and Oak Design

Time for some double fun!

Remember, a two-tier coffee table always requires double attention – and that is why here is a little guide for what to put on a coffee table.

So, make sure that you don’t duplicate the plan – and rather have fun with those proportions and scale!

Try to keep the lower tier in decorative items that have lower heights – for instance, your novels and coffee table books.

Simultaneously, style your upper coffee table tier with some eye-catchy statement.

And that could again be your books, decorative boxes, bowls, and urns, flower vases, and even some fancy glasses.

Make sure to maintain a sense of composition and balance keeping in mind both these tiers and don’t overcrowd any!

Display Your Style When Styling Coffee Tables

Photo by Interior Concepts, Inc.

Your coffee table doesn’t have to necessarily flaunt off the books and bowls all the time!

Rather, why not think outside the box and place your favorite pieces of antiques and collectibles that truly speak your authentic style!

If you are a big fan of traveling and constantly find collecting those valuable souvenirs – try to show them off to your guests here!

And all this while, make sure that you are aligning with your overall interior design style!

For instance, this Mediterranean-style living room displays a wooden piece of coffee table with some antique bowls, urns, and boxes!

Mix Metals Like a ProStyling Coffee Tables

Photo by – Houzz

Whether you have an Eclectic style or a Scandinavian – mixing metals has always been quite interesting!

And what better way to do it if not on your coffee tables, right?

You can mix and match the golden tints with those of brass and nickel to create another eye-catchy backdrop!

Furthermore, here you can even incorporate the finish of adjacent artworks, metal legs of your furniture, and decorative trays to create a cohesive, overall experience!

Lastly, you can add a tinge of ceramic and glass to subdue the high reflectivity of your metals!

Go Basic When Styling Coffee Tables

Photo by Gretchen Hansen

In case you are a minimalist and don’t want that coffee table all cluttered and crammed up – you can simply choose to go basic!

Just keep your essentials and maybe a potted plant to add that visual interest in your space!

Trust me, simplicity will never go out of style – and in a coffee table like this, you have ample space to store the TV remote, reading glasses, coasters, and also can relax your feet on!

Maybe a simple corner coffee table tray accessory would play the game too!

Summing it Up – Styling Coffee Tables

Styling coffee tables is like an art! You can play absolutely unique, practical, and functional – all at the same time!

Remember, this is the focal point that immediately gets attention and that is why you must pay attention to each and every detail!

And the best part is – you can always alter it seasonally (whether it is the summers, winters, autumns, or the spring)

Let your coffee table décor speak it all!

So, are you excited to style your coffee table this upcoming season? Well, do let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

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E-Design Home Decor Home Decor Content Writing Online Interior Design

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  1. 17 Chic Kid-Friendly Coffee Table Ideas - NISH Online Interior Design says:
    May 28, 2022 at 11:55 am

    […] all the decor items that you picked for coffee table styling are no longer in use and are rather shattered into bits and […]

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