21 ways to decorate your coffee table

Coffee tables are ultimately there for practicality – a place to put your drink. BUT they’re also a wonderful styling opportunity and there are so many ways you can incorporate more decor into a room through your coffee table.

The table can make a statement, particularly as it’s probably the focal point in your living room or lounge.

 

I love our DIY coffee table but as you can see, it needs some decor. If yours is simply a place for empty mugs and remote controls, this guide could help you out.

 

How do I decorate my coffee table?

 

1. Trays and bowls

A tray can really help to ‘zone’ your coffee table and keep all the smaller decorative items together. It can really become the base of your table and help to add layers.

A large bowl works just as well as a tray, like this one from Shea at Studio McGee:

 

A tray is also very useful when you want to clear the coffee table quickly. Just had a big parcel arrive and need somewhere to put it quickly? Any items in the tray can be lifted off quickly and with minimal damage.

Bowls are extra handy because you can fill them with things! Potpourri, faux fruit, pinecones, the all-important snacks: the limit does not exist.

 

2. Fresh flowers

You can never go wrong with fresh flowers. They’re the perfect ornament for window sills, mantle places, kitchen tables and your coffee table. Keep them seasonal, choosing tulips and daffodils in spring and sticking to evergreen foliage in winter.

 

3. Candle holders

Candle holders are the ultimate gap filler on a coffee table, because they are narrow but tall, meaning their height can add to the whole look without taking up too much space.

 

4. Tall ornaments

Getting an ideal coffee table style is all about height and layers. A flat coffee table won’t do any compliments, and will look worse than if you left it empty. Kimberly from Swoonworthy has achieved this height perfectly.

 

Note that she has a tray with ornaments on that are at varying heights. She’s also raised the gold birds by putting them on a pile of books. The table looks well balanced and definitely not overcrowded. She’s even got a mug on a coaster in the picture. It’s stylish and you can see the gold, white and pink theme runs through the rest of her living room. This is also key. You need to match the style of the coffee table with the rest of the room, otherwise it’ll look disjointed.

 

5. Plants and foliage

Plants add some fresh greenery to the coffee table, and to the rest of the room. They lighten and brighten, and can also be used to achieve varying heights. You can do this by opting for some small succulents or cacti, or go bold with a tall plant such as an orchid.

Plants are also good for your home, and help to purify the air. In a space such as a living room, which we spend a lot of time in, this is an added bonus.

 

6. Coffee table books

No coffee table would be complete without the mandatory ‘coffee table book’.

When you’re styling your coffee table, reading material is a must. It adds height to the table, something we’ve discussed is very important. It also shows your guests what your interests are, and could be a talking point.

It’s best to add some sort of ornament on top of the books, so they taper off into a pyramid point. Put the biggest books at the bottom and the smallest on top. Then add an ornament for that final bit of height and the tip of the pyramid.

See this example from Lark and Linen.

 

The books are in size order with the largest at the bottom, and then she’s placed a tall and more narrow ornament on top.

 

7. Pile of coasters

A coffee table still needs to be practical. A pile of coasters either placed in the tray, or set in one corner makes it easy to put a cup of tea (read: glass of wine) down in the evenings.

The most important tip is that you need to leave some space. Don’t over clutter the table. You still need a place to put your mugs and TV remotes so the coffee table is still practical for your everyday needs.

 

8. Trinket boxes

Trinket boxes are an excellent addition to any coffee table. They are really handy, as you can keep small things in them that you might need like buttons and batteries, but are also super pretty. Organised AND stylish.

 

9. Interesting objects

If you have any old relics or interesting antiques, your coffee table is absolutely the best place to display them. They’ll act as a conversation starter when you have guests over, and will finish off your living room styling.

So share your horns, magnifying glasses, cigarette cases and more with pride.

 

10. An open book

Books don’t just have to be stacked – instead, they can be open on a particular page. This gives a casual look, as if you’ve just been reading it, but it means you can change the page it’s open on regularly.

   

11. A sculpture

Sculptures can look really beautiful and form a good focal point for your coffee table. Sculptures come in all shapes, sizes and styles too, so you can be sure to find one that you love and display it proudly.

 

12. Lanterns

Lanterns are another flexible home decor item that can be used in various places, both inside and out. An oversized lantern will definitely make a statement, while a small one can be placed on a tray or on top of a pile of books.

 

13. Candles

I am a candle lover and can’t help myself when I see one in a shop. They smell good and most of them come in gorgeous containers too!

Use these candles to make a display on your table. Even if they’ve been used and cleaned, they still add a touch of luxury.

   

14. Leave it empty

Hate decorative clutter and want to focus attention elsewhere in the room? You can of course leave your coffee table totally bare!

 

15. Dried flowers

Some of the images I’ve used above have dried flowers in them, and I love them! The great thing is they never die, always look gorgeous and can be changed out depending on how you feel.

Popular dried flower displays include bunny tails, pampas and pussy willow. Dried hydrangeas can look incredible if you want to make a statement.

 

16. A drinks’ tray

Having drinks on your coffee table as decor can look beautiful. If you have some gorgeous glassware or a crystal decanter, show them off but using them as a centrepiece. I love this idea, especially in a room as man-cave-like as this one:

   

17. Family pictures

Photo frames are a wonderful way to display pictures of your and your family. Add a personal touch to your coffee table decor by showing your pictures in beautiful frames. They’ll make you smile every time you see them.

 

18. Pick a theme

The key with coffee table decor is ensuring that it all ‘goes’ with the style and state of your living room. A busy room may benefit from a simple coffee table, whereas a minimalist room could be complete with a gorgeous display of tall vases.

Stick to a theme by choosing all glass ornaments, or only displaying plants and nothing else.

 

See how the glass vases blend in with the glass table top? And the colour of the flowers perfectly match the cushions behind so the decor merges with its surroundings. So clever!

 

19. Lamps

It’s rare that you see lamps on a coffee table, and I don’t understand why! You can get wireless lamps that run off a battery, so there’s no need to be worried about trailing wires.

   

20. Runners

Add a bit of softness to your coffee table with a runner that matches your current decor. Just make sure to choose a practical colour or pattern for those inevitable drink spillages.

 

21. Mix it up!

Play about with your coffee table decor until you’re happy. You can mix multiple elements I’ve mentioned in this guide, like candles, books and plants, or you can keep it minimal. You can have a completely bare table or fill it with many elements. It’s completely up to you, but it’s important that you try all sorts of things before settling on what feels and looks best.

 

Combine my top deco ideas for styling your coffee table to make a statement of your living room. I’d love to see photos of your coffee tables, so send them over!

All pictures have been sourced and credited.