A well-styled coffee table is like a curated work of art that adds personality and functionality to your living room. It serves as a focal point and a reflection of your style and taste.
Whether you have a rectangular, square, or round coffee table, I’ve got you covered with this complete style guide to elevate your coffee table to the next level.
Coffee Table Essentials
Before we dive into specific styling tips, let’s discuss the essential elements that every coffee table should have to achieve a visually appealing setup.
You don’t need to cram it with all the essentials to achieve a stylish look. Selecting a few key elements can make a big impact. Pick and choose the ones that suit your style and taste.
1. A Captivating Centerpiece:
Every coffee table needs a centerpiece that steals the show. Choose something eye-catching and unique, like a statement vase filled with fresh flowers, an interesting sculpture, or an artful object that sparks conversation. This centerpiece serves as the focal point, setting the tone for the entire table arrangement.
2. Decorative Trays or Bowls:
Incorporating trays or bowls on your coffee table not only adds style but also serves a practical purpose. They create a designated space for smaller objects, keeping them organized and preventing clutter. Opt for decorative trays or bowls that complement your aesthetic, whether it’s sleek and modern or rustic and eclectic.
3. Books for Visual Interest:
Books are not just for reading; they are also fantastic styling elements for your coffee table. Select books with beautiful covers, interesting topics, or ones that reflect your personal interests.
Stack them horizontally or vertically to create varying heights and add visual interest. They can be placed beneath or alongside other decorative objects.
4. Greenery and Natural Elements:
Bringing a touch of nature into your living space is always a good idea. Add a breath of fresh air to your coffee table with a small potted plant, a terrarium, or a vase of fresh flowers. Greenery adds life, color, and a sense of tranquility to the overall arrangement.
5. Stylish Coasters:
Coasters are both practical and decorative elements for your coffee table. Invest in a set of stylish coasters that complement your overall decor theme. They not only protect your table from unsightly marks but also add a touch of sophistication and attention to detail.
6. Candlelight Ambiance:
Candles create a warm and inviting ambiance, making them a perfect addition to your coffee table. Choose scented or unscented candles in elegant holders or opt for stylish candlesticks. Light them up during cozy evenings or special occasions to create a calming and intimate atmosphere.
7. Thoughtful Art Pieces or Framed Photos:
Add a personal touch to your coffee table with thoughtfully chosen art pieces or framed photographs. These can be small prints, postcards, or even miniature paintings. Select pieces that resonate with you and reflect your aesthetic. By incorporating art, you infuse your coffee table with character and create an engaging visual experience.
Now, let’s explore some easy styling tips based on your coffee table shape:
Styling a Rectangular Coffee Table
A rectangular coffee table provides a versatile canvas for showcasing your creativity and adding personality to your living room.
If you’re wondering how to make the most of this shape, here are some tips to help you decorate your rectangular coffee table with style:
Choose the Right Tray
Start by selecting a rectangle tray that complements your coffee table and reflects your personal style. Opt for materials like wood, metal, or even mirrored surfaces, depending on the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Consider the color and finish that will harmonize with the existing décor of your living room.
Utilize the Length
Make the most of the longer surface area by incorporating a statement centerpiece that spans the length of the table. This could be a row of small potted plants, a collection of succulents in various pots, or a series of decorative glass jars with colorful stones or shells.
Layering
Layering is a great technique to add depth and dimension to a rectangular coffee table. Start with a table runner or a decorative cloth as the base layer. Then, stack books or place a decorative tray on top of it. Finally, add smaller objects such as candles, figurines, or a small plant to create layers of interest.
Play with Shapes
To add visual interest and break up the linear form of the table, introduce different shapes and sizes. Mix rectangular and circular objects, such as a rectangular tray with a circular vase or a stack of square books with a round decorative bowl. This interplay of shapes adds a dynamic element to the arrangement.
Functional Elements
Rectangular coffee tables often provide ample space for functional elements. Consider incorporating items that serve a purpose while also adding to the decor. For example, a decorative box can hold remote controls or coasters, while a tray can corral magazines or display a curated collection of items.
Styling a Square Coffee Table
Transforming your square coffee table into a stylish centerpiece is easier than you think. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can elevate its look and make it the focal point of your living room.
Here are few tips to make your square coffee table shine with style and charm.
Choose the Right Tray
Since you have a square coffee table, opt for a tray that complements its dimensions. A square tray can work well and align harmoniously with the table’s shape.
Alternatively, you can also choose a rectangular tray, placing it diagonally across the table for an intriguing visual effect. Ensure that the tray’s size is proportionate to the table, leaving enough space for other decorative elements.
Centerpiece Focal Point
A square coffee table provides a centralized surface, making it ideal for a striking centerpiece. Choose a statement piece like a large vase with fresh flowers, a sculptural art piece, or an eye-catching decorative bowl. This focal point will draw attention and set the tone for the entire table arrangement.
Style with Books
Square tables offer a fantastic opportunity to create a stylish and functional display using books.Arrange a selection of books of varying sizes and colors in a neat stack at the center of the table.
You can create a symmetrical stack or play with different heights for an eclectic look. Top the stack with a small decorative item, like a sculpture or a potted plant, to add visual interest.
Mix Shapes and Textures
To break up the square form and add visual diversity, mix in objects of different shapes and textures. Combine square and round elements, such as a square tray with a circular vase or a round decorative bowl. Incorporating various textures like wood, glass, or metal can further enhance the visual appeal.
Grouping and Clustering
Consider grouping smaller objects together on your square coffee table. This technique allows you to create visually pleasing clusters and arrangements. For example, group a collection of small succulents, candles, or decorative objects in one corner of the table, leaving the rest of the surface more open.
Styling a Round Coffee Table
Finally, let’s explore creative ways to decorate your round coffee table, transforming it into a stylish centerpiece. Here are few tips to add flair and charm to it in just a few simple steps:
Use Round Trays
Use round decorative trays or bowls to organize and corral smaller items on your round coffee table. Place the tray in the center of the table and arrange a collection of smaller decorative items on it. The tray adds structure and makes it easy to move the display if needed. Place books, candles, or smaller decorative objects on the tray to create layers and add depth.
Books and Magazines
Stack a few coffee table books or magazines on one side of the table. Choose titles that reflect your interests or showcase stunning photography. You can also add a small decorative object, like a vintage camera or a magnifying glass, on top of the books to create visual interest.
Vary Heights
Adding objects of varying heights adds visual appeal and depth to your round coffee table. Combine taller items like vases or candleholders with shorter decorative objects to create an interesting visual contrast. This variation in height keeps the arrangement engaging and balanced.
Seasonal Accents
Embrace the changing seasons by updating your coffee table decor accordingly. In the warmer months, you can incorporate fresh flowers, vibrant fruits, or a bowl of seashells. During the colder months, opt for a cozy candle arrangement, pinecones, or a small wreath. Adapting your decor to the seasons keeps your living room feeling fresh and inviting.
Experiment with different combinations of objects, textures, and colors to create a unique and inviting display. Let your coffee table tell a story and be a reflection of your taste, and soon enough, it will transform from drab to fab, becoming the centerpiece of your living room.
You May Also Like:
Leave a Reply