There are several areas in my home where I am constantly tweaking and changing the decor and one of those is my coffee table.  I love changing the look by rearranging the accessories, switching up the items or adding flowers.

If you search coffee table decor on Pinterest you’ll find hundreds of different ways you can decorate your coffee table and trying to recreate those looks can be challenging. To make decorating a little easier, I’m outlining SIX of the most common (and easiest) ways to style a coffee table using items that you probably already own.

 SIX WAYS TO STYLE YOUR COFFEE TABLE 

♦ Decorate The Corners ♦

If you like a fully decorated coffee table but still want things to look neat and tidy, take the approach of decorating the 4 corners of your table. Place books and decorate objects on each corner ensuring that the arrangement feels balanced on all sides.  For a round coffee table, imagine the table split into four quadrants and place decorate objects in each quadrant.

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♦ Contain The Decor ♦

Trays are one of the most popular decorate accessories to use on a coffee table.  They add a visual layer to the table which keeping decor contained.  Place a variety of items on the tray for interest and create visual dimension by using items that are different shapes, sizes and heights.

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 ♦ Keep It Simple ♦

For those of you that like a more minimal look for your coffee table decor, just keep it simple.  A single object, a single stack of books or a vase of flowers is all it takes to add a decorative statement that will enhance your table.  If you’re only placing one item on the table make sure the scale is in balance with the table–you don’t want your accessory to feel to small or too large.  And if you’re decorating with two objects, make sure they feel balanced with each other.

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 ♦ Make it Eclectic ♦

An eclectic accessory mix is my favorite approach to decorating a coffee table.  My go-to ingredients are books, candles, bowls or boxes, flowers and one or two odd objects.   With an eclectic mix, place items in straight lines (versus at an angle) and let the accessories add the flare.  And don’t forget to decorate the lower level of the table if yours has one.

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 ♦ Fill It Up ♦

Some decor styles call for a coffee table arrangement that is full and robust.  You can really have fun with your decor if you like this style but keep balance in mind and repeat colors in two or three different ways to give the arrangement an underlying theme (i.e.: blue container, blue book title and blue brush handle).

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In the arrangement below, a majority of the table surface is covered but the arrangement has order and balance, and there’s a blue and brown color theme that ties everything together.

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♦ Create a Focal Point ♦

Another popular approach to decorating a coffee table is to create a strong focal point with the decor.  A large vase of flowers is the focus of the table below and oversized books balance it all.  Just a few items can make a dynamic statement.

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Steps to styling a coffee table:

♦  Clear the table off

♦  Determine which of the six design approaches you want for your table

♦  Sort through your accessories and pull only those items that will create the look you want

♦  Place your largest item (or tray) first and then work around that with the rest of your accessories

♦  Stand back, analyze and adjust until you get the look and feel you want

Happy decorating!