Coffee Table Styling
Styling a coffee table can elevate your space, adding personality and cohesion. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a beautifully styled coffee table that reflects your style and complements your room.
1. Start with a Foundation: The Tray
A tray is not only functional, but anchors your decor and keeps items organized, especially if you have a lot going on. Trays are great collectors in any space to make necessary items look collected and more intentional.
Pick a tray that complements your table’s shape and color (e.g., round trays for round tables).
Choose a material that works with your overall decor, like metal for a modern look, wood for rustic, or glass for a sleek finish.
The remote box: Does your family have to endlessly search for the remote? Keep all your essentials in one place and maintain a clean and organized table with one of our storage boxes. Use this in addition to a tray on your coffee table, or opt for placing it on a side table next to your favorite chair. This is also great for items like glasses, or any other necessities you want to keep close by, easy to find and out of sight.
3. Incorporate Books for Depth
Coffee table books add visual interest and give guests something to browse. Books take you on a visual journey.
Pick books with beautiful covers and colors that suit the palette of your room.
Stacking two or three books is usually the sweet spot—keep it to one pile or spread smaller stacks around.
2. Play with Heights and Layers
To add interest, vary the height of items. Use a mix of tall, medium, and low pieces.
Tall objects could be a slender vase with flowers or a decorative branch.
Stack books for medium height, or use a sculptural object. This can be something meaningful from travels, or something as simple as a favorite root you found on a walk, or in the garden.
For low items, try a small bowl or decorative box that complements the colors of your room.
4. Add a Greenery Element
Natural always makes us happy. A small plant or flowers, brings life to the table.
If you prefer low maintenance, opt for faux plants or succulents.
Pick a small plant that doesn’t block the view but adds a bit of freshness.
5. Include a Personal Element
This could be anything that reflects your personality, like a small souvenir, an antique item, or something handmade.
Clean up your favorite root that you find from your own yard and display to add a sculptural element.
Display it in a way that it stands out but doesn’t overwhelm the other pieces.
Personal items make your table look unique and add a story.
6. Use a Candle or Diffuser for Ambience
Adding a candle or diffuser creates warmth and adds a subtle fragrance.
Candles are also great for mood lighting in the evening.
Use a stylish candle holder if you want to enhance the aesthetic.
7. Keep It Balanced, Not Symmetrical
A coffee table feels best when it’s balanced but not too precise. If you have a tall object on one side, balance it with two smaller pieces on the other.
Move things around until it looks right to your eye—it’s all about a relaxed symmetry.
8. Leave Negative Space
Don’t overcrowd the table; leave some empty space to avoid a cluttered look.
This empty space makes each item stand out and provides room for functional use, like placing a drink.
Quick Tips:
Consider the room’s purpose. If it’s a family room, keep more practical items; if it’s for guests, go more decorative.
Keep it simple remember items look good in groupings of 3 and 5.
Have fun with it and enjoy the process.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you are finding this process stressful or overwhelming email pictures of your space to interiors@alexandralauren.com and our designers would be happy to help you find the perfect items for your coffee table!
