If there was a reference manual listing the top 10 decorating challenges homeowners face, decorating coffee tables would be on the list along with decorating bookcases, selecting area rugs, choosing a paint color and space planning. I’ve talked about it before, but with the new year upon us and many of us making changes to our decor, I thought it would be a good time to revisit the ins and outs of coffee table decor.

Why is decorating your coffee table such a hard task?   Maybe it’s because beyond looking good, the coffee table has to work for other uses as well.  Or, maybe it’s because the coffee table is below our natural sight line and our perspective is thrown off when selecting accessories.  Or, maybe it’s because finding the balance between too much stuff

and too little stuff is a real road block.

 

What ever the obstacles might be when it comes to decorating a coffee table, there are a few rules of thumb I follow that help me to pull together the right look every time.

 

• Keep proportion in mind

Not only do the items on the table need to relate to each other in size and scale, but they also need to relate to what is happening in the rest of the room.

The large flower arrangement is balanced by the tall silver candlesticks. And, all the items on the coffee table as a collection, create a mass that balances the size of the table and the large wall art.  Nothing feels too big and nothing feels too small.

When you have an oversized coffee table, it’s always best to use one or two larger decorative elements for balance.  The blue urn is the perfect centerpiece to balance all the other pieces in the room.

Remember, when creating balance and proportion a group of items can work just as effectively as a single item.  The grouping of glass jars creates balance on the left against the oversized floor lamp on the right.

 

• Create a Wave

It’s never good to have items that are all the same height on your coffee table.  The arrangement will feel static.  Instead create a wave from left to right or front to back using items of varying heights.

Low boxes flow into the taller vase which flows down to the rattan ball and then over the bowl on the books.  Visually the arrangement has interest and keeps the eye moving.

Varying heights left to right and front to back.

 

• Consider the view from angels

Because coffee tables are viewed from all corners of a room, make sure there is something nice to look at on all sides.

 

• Variety is key

What really brings coffee table decor to life are the items you use to decorate.  Keep your decor interesting and give it some personality by using a variety of items.

 The simple addition of gold bracelets adds personality to this coffee table decor.

A variety of boxes in different finishes and patterns keep this table lively.

 

• Add color

Whether through flowers or pottery, a pop of color can serve as the focal point of your coffee table decor. 

 

• Make it personal with books

Books are the easiest way to personalize your coffee table decor.  Decorate with books that showcase your love for design, fashion, art etc.  and let them tell the story of your life.

 

• Leave a little breathing room

I think a coffee table feels more inviting if there is space open to place other things on it like a drink, food or even a game.  Don’t fill every inch of the surface…allow space for everyday activities.

 

• Trays can do wonders

Think of decorative trays as a frame that surrounds and shows off the decor your place on your coffee table.  Trays can tie together unrelated objects and provide structure and impact.

When ottomans are used in place of a coffee table, a tray is always a good idea.  The books, magazines and flower vase on this ottoman would have much more impact and presence if it all sat on a decorative tray.

For an eclectic style, I love the idea of multiple trays!

 

Love this black tray on this black ottoman.  The tray adds interest without taking away from the beauty of the ottoman. 

 

And here are a few other design principles I like to keep in mind when decorating coffee tables… 

I never use picture frames on coffee tables because it’s not pretty from all sides

I almost always place a candle on the coffee table and always in a beautiful container

Flowers and something shiny are my go-to elements for color and pop

I tend to always leave the book jackets on the books when I decorate coffee tables…it adds more visual interest

A decorative box is a necessity to hold remotes, matches and coasters

 I always include a round object on a square coffee table and a square object on a round coffee table to create contrast

 

So you see, decorating coffee tables does not have to be that challenging.  Use what you love, make an impact and above all it must feel good to you.

Happy Decorating!

 

 

If you’d like help creating a home you absolutely love, CONTACT ME about my design services!   

 

all images via pinterest