Decorating a coffee table is an art. Fortunately, for you, we share the smartest ways and guidelines to master coffee table styling.
The coffee table has been a main staple of the living room since the 1930s. It’s an essential piece that offers both style and function in the home. It provides a place to set down your drink, store accessories, and display home decor. Yet, many homeowners are unsure the right way to style their coffee table to suit their home. The key is to feature complementing design elements while boosting its organization.
Read on to learn 5 creative tips for decorating a coffee table for any style living room.
1. Select a Theme
Choosing a theme for your coffee table decor is a great place to start. This isn’t a strict rule, but it helps for all items to relate somehow. This creates simplicity, allowing the pieces to work together in an artistic display. The theme could be neutral colors or organic accents. It’s best to follow the style of your living room design. This makes it easy to design a coffee table display that stays consistent with your home.
Popular coffee table pieces include magazines, small decor objects, and candles. Tiny bowls or boxes and florals are other key elements. Books are one of the most popular decor items in American living rooms and display well on the coffee table. A statement piece is another important staple of coffee table styling. Choose something that ties everything together while creating a subtle focal point. It also offers a nice conversation piece within a social setting of the home.
2. Follow the Rule of Symmetry
Using the rule of symmetry is a simple tip for how to style a coffee table. It helps with placement and keeps both sides of the table balanced. This is more appealing to the eye and creates a nice aesthetic. To do this, choose items that are about the same eye-level height. They should be similar in size as well, as not to overwhelm the space. Complimenting colors also work to provide a better sense of balance.
You can also play around with varying heights to a bit more depth to your display. Yet, note that height is an important factor in coffee table styling. Items shouldn’t be too tall to block your view across the table. Choose a central piece to anchor it all together. This can be flower vase, small sculpture, or your selected statement piece. It helps to walk around the coffee table after it has gotten styled. This 360-view will show you if anything sticks out or looks hidden from view.
3. Consider the Size and Style of Your Table
Living room table decor should work to complement the style of your living room and the design of the table. This will help to avoid overcrowding the space or overwhelming a table design. When decorating a coffee table, it’s important to focus on the design, size, and layout of your table. Some coffee tables feature more detailed bases or special materials. These design characteristics can get used as inspiration for your display items.
Your display should also work well with the size of surface space that you have. Even with the display, there should still be enough space for the table to be functional. This way there is plenty of room to set down a drink. Be sure to pay attention to the size of the items you plan to use. They shouldn’t be too large to pull focus. Nor should they be too small to go unnoticed in the space. It’s important for floral arrangements to also follow this technique. You’ll want to use a small flower vase or succulent for a smaller-sized table. Coffee tables with built-in shelving allow you to style both upper and lower levels. The top tier should still draw the most attention. Then use a more subtle display on the bottom tier.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Add Color and Texture
Color and texture should be a part of your coffee table styling process. It’s easy to add a pop of color with book titles, candles, and flowers. Coffee table displays work to complement the entire design of the room. When selecting a color palette, it helps to think about the other elements in the living room.
Consider colors that get used on the sofa, throws, rug, and walls. You also want to consider color and material when using an ottoman as a coffee table. Using lots of colors elsewhere in the room may even call for a more monotone coffee table display. Have fun with different textures, shapes, and materials when designing your coffee table. This helps to add contrast to the tablespace and enhance the style of your living room.
5. Boost Organization with a Tray
A decorative tray is a great tool for learning how to decorate a coffee table. It works to keep everything in one neat confined space. Ottomans that serve as a coffee table will likely always need a tray for display. Trays help to add in contrast and different textures to your table design. As they come in a variety of shapes, materials, and sizes.
A tray will keep you limited to the number of items you can place on your coffee table. This makes it easier to control any table clutter. It features a stylish way to keep electronics, like the remote control, from view. Using a tray also makes it easier to clear your coffee table. This keeps things simple when using the table as a spot for placing food items when entertaining.
Colors, textures, and materials come together to create the perfect coffee table display. These tips for decorating a coffee table will help to enhance style and function in your living room. Remember to play around with height, size, and symmetry to get the right look for your home. Looking for more design tips and inspiration? Check out the interior design section of our blog for more helpful home decor topics.