How to Style a Coffee Table

coffee table with decorations in living room

Coffee tables are more than just practical surfaces; they are focal points in a living room. They bring the room together, providing a beautiful furniture piece to admire and functional surface to place home accessories. Whether you’re going for a minimalist, industrial or mid-century looking home – a well-styled coffee table with good decorations can really make an impact. Today we’ll explore coffee styling tips and delve into ideas inspired by design movements.

Decorating a Coffee Table

Balance Proportions
Examine the size and shape of your coffee table in relation to your living room. A large coffee table in a small space can overpower the look, while a tiny table in a spacious room might go unnoticed. Aim for a balanced look – not too big and not too small.

Work in Layers
Combine decorative items with different textures, colour and levels. Stack books, add a vase of fresh flowers or a sculptural object, and include smaller accents like candles or coasters.

Follow the Rule of Three
Group items in odd numbers for a natural and pleasing arrangement. This classic design principle avoids the symmetry that can sometimes feel too rigid.

Introduce Natural Elements
Incorporating organic touches like greenery or natural stones adds warmth and a grounding element to your arrangement.

italian designer coffee table

Coffee Tables Based on Design Movements

Bauhaus

Functionality is the religion, Bauhaus-style coffee table focus on practicality. Look for metal or glass accents, and keep the decor minimal with items like a sleek ashtray or a geometric vase.

Mid-Century Modern

Go for warm woods, retro-inspired ceramics, and pops of color. A brass bowl, vintage books, or a funky sculpture can perfectly capture this movement’s charm.

Scandinavian

Highlight simplicity and coziness by combining soft textures with neutral colour tones like white, beige and grey. A white ceramic vase, sculpture , wooden candlesticks, and a plush throw folded nearby work seamlessly for a hygge look. Try to incorporate organic items.

Contemporary

Contemporary coffee tables come in a range of styles, shapes and materials. To generalise, a common theme would include the use of slick glass and metal – this combination gives a bold, new-feel. A feeling like we are now past the classics of 70s chic or mid-century modern.

Minimalist

Minimalist coffee tables are broad. Almost all good looking coffee tables are minimalist, iterations of craftsmanship, materials and originality being the seperating factors.

Coffee Tables in Different Shapes

Round Coffee Table

These offer a softer look, ideal for smaller or cozier spaces. Use a round tray to anchor your items, ensuring nothing feels like it’s spilling off the edges. Keep proportions in check by choosing low-profile decorations.

Square Coffee Tables

Divide the surface into quadrants for an organized appearance. Dedicate one section to books, another to a decorative box, and the others to a mix of vases or candles. The symmetry naturally complements the table’s shape.

Rectangular Coffee Tables

The elongated surface offers room for more elements but requires balance. Place items in threes or fives along the length to prevent overcrowding. For example, a large tray, a tall floral arrangement, or a stack of books (make sure you get some Dali).

Abstract or Irregular Shapes

Coffee tables in abstract shapes are different. For example the FÓRMA 160 has geometric shapes as the base – something that is perhaps unusual to the common coffee table.

Personalising Your Coffee Table

Coffee tables are generally not universal. Some look great in apartments and some don’t. Make sure that the coffee table you buy fits the wider design atmosphere of the living room, incorporate personal touches like a unique memento from your travels, a family album, or an heirloom vase. Layering decorative items across the table will turn it from a bland piece of a furniture to a canvas of self-expression.

Bringing It All Together

A beautifully styled coffee table is both functional and reflective of your design preferences. By focusing on proportions, layers, and thoughtful curation, you can transform this everyday surface into a striking centerpiece. Whether you draw inspiration from iconic design movements or adapt the styling to the table’s shape, the key is to create a setup that feels uniquely yours.