6 Coffee Table Styling Tips For Color, Drama & Interest

Here are six fantastic tips to help you with coffee table styling. The coffee table is one of the most visible focal points in a room. That’s why it’s important to learn how to style a coffee table. It can add color, drama, and interest to your space. Let’s dive in and make your existing coffee table beautiful.

1. Grab a tray

Trays come in so many sizes, shapes, and materials, from metal to wood, plastic, or even natural fibers. They corral many smaller items into one smaller presentation. They are particularly useful on an ottoman so you don’t need to worry about anything falling off. The tray should never cover up the entire table. You want to leave space for more decorative items or for you or your guests to place drinks or kick up your feet.

2. Showcase your book collection

Do you have a few books on fashion, interior design, or books with covers in similar colors? A stack of books on a coffee table grounds the table, creates a focal point, and becomes the foundation for other decorative items. They are also great conversation starters. On those rare occasions when I can sit and put my feet up, those books are right there to open up.

3. Go greenery

Adding greenery to a coffee table instantly livens it up, adds rich color and texture, and makes it feel more organic and inviting. I like to add fresh flowers and real plants to my table but dried or faux flowers are fine.

4. Add candles

Placing candles on a coffee table can generate a sense of warmth and intimacy. Tall tapered candles add drama to a room. Or, use candles to achieve a balanced, symmetrical vignette.

5. Add architectural elements

Often, people put architectural elements on top of a stack of books or cluster them with other architectural pieces.

Your coffee table may already be an architectural element. In that case, you don’t need to do much styling. Or, you can go over the top and style it like crazy. It’s up to you.

6. Weave in a sentimental item

Whether it’s a family heirloom or a picture of a treasured moment, incorporating it adds a special touch. A couple of months after my mother died, I received a gift of a crystal block with her image embedded into it. It is the most important thing on my coffee table.

Bonus tip: Don’t forget about the second tier

A coffee table with a shelf gives you more room to show off your favorite accessories. Usually, it’s left empty. Add more books, bowls, baskets, or architectural elements. Make use of that space.

My table, fully styled

Let me know if this has helped you with ideas on coffee table styling. Let me know in the comments what you put on your coffee table. What is the special item on your table that makes your space special?