Tips for Styling a Coffee Table

Styling bookcases and table surfaces are two of my favorite things to do and that often results in constant changes with my personal décor.  My coffee table décor is a great example.  I change the look on a frequent basis, switching out decorative elements, moving books around, adding flowers and re-working the arrangement.  While there are no set rules for decorating a coffee table, there are certain types of items and a few design tips I use that have proven themselves time and time again.

1)  LAYERING is one of the most important elements in achieving a great layout for  your coffee table décor.  Stacking books and using decorative elements that are different heights and widths  are ways you can create layers. In my current coffee table arrangement I’ve layered the gold spike sphere, decorative jar and small silver urn on a tray which gives the smaller items more impact.

2) TRAYS are one of my go to coffee table décor items.  I am constantly collecting them and changing them out from season to season.  The animal print tray above is one of my all-time favorites and was an awesome find at a thrift store for only $7.00!  Using a tray in a contrasting shape from your table shape is another tip I like to use.  A round tray on a square table provides visual contrast.

3)  BOOKS are always a good thing!  I always have books on my coffee table, sometime several stacks at one time.  Use books that reflect your personal interest and stack graduating sizes together to create layers and to use as risers for other objects.

4)  When it comes to the DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES you use on your coffee table the only criteria I have is to use things I love or things that I use.  Candles are a must and I often place them in decorative jars which still allows me to use the candle but adds a decorative look to the table.  I almost always have a decorative box on my coffee table too.  It’s a great place to store the remotes, matches and coasters. A few other things to keep in mind with your coffee table accessories…use a variety of items, incorporate different finishes and texture and add something unique and interesting.  Your coffee table décor should be a reflection of you.

5)  FLOWERS are one of my other go-to coffee table accents.  They add volume, color, texture and visual movement while softening the entire table arrangement.

Like I said, there is not right or wrong way to decorate your coffee table. Spend a little time pulling together the items you want to decorate with and have fun creating an arrangement that speaks to you!

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BOOKS:  Soiree, Vogue Living, Cupcakes and Cashmere, Inspired You, Decorate, Vintage Remix, The Perfectly Imperfect Home

Wood Slice–HomeGoods (similar HERE) // Tray–thrifted (similar HERE) // Magnifying Glass–HomeGoods (similar HERE) //  Z Gallerie Gold Sphere //  Silver Urn–thrifted (similar HERE) // Ceramic Jar–HobbyLobby (similar HERE) // Cloche and Base–Smiths Home // Vintage Spool–(similar HERE) , Sheet Music–my vintage collection

 

Favorite Candles: 

Nouvelle Crepe Myrtle

Archipelago Eucalyptus

Votivo Red Currant