"As someone who loves to pour over magazines and coffee table books in search of decorating inspo, I find that designers always seem to create the most effortlessly chic coffee table displays. Nothing is out of place, and there’s a perfect mix of personal and practical items, such as matchbooks from romantic hotel getaways, handmade coasters from the flea market, and the like. In real life, though, it’s all too easy to let a coffee table become a dumping ground for mail, tech accessories, empty seltzer cans, etc. Hey, we’ve all been there! But everyone, designer or not, deserves to have a well-styled coffee table in their home.
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This week, take it upon yourself to clear yours off, throw away any necessary trash, and get zhushing. Styling a sophisticated vignette is way easier than you think, I promise! Below are eight easy coffee table styling tips to make your setup look photo-worthy.
1. Think outside the box
First things first, it may be time to alter your notion of what makes a great coffee table—it doesn’t necessarily have to be a wooden or metal piece! This space proves that a soft, rounded ottoman can also make for an excellent option. Vintage trunks also look super chic when styled as tables.
2. Add a bowl
A bowl or dish is always handy for coffee table styling, and you can select any style of your choosing! What makes bowls so great here? For one, the circular shape is welcome among a mix of rectangular objects including books, trays, and the like—it’s always good to mix things up a bit. Plus, you can fill a bowl with so many different types of trinkets, whether you use it to house your matchbook collection or display favorite seashells you brought home from a beach trip. Or simply place your TV remotes inside to keep them camouflaged a bit—that’s a totally viable choice, too!
3. Display a vessel
Designers are always incorporating ceramic vessels into their vignettes. Whether you purchase a vintage piece or shop for a brand-new one online (Zara Home, Pottery Barn, and HomeGoods are full of stylish picks at great prices), you can’t go wrong. Fill it with clippings from your yard or purchase some faux branches to add height. Find some that look realistic and can be bent as needed to achieve the perfect arrangement. Vessels also add instant texture, making them a winner.
4. Set out some candles
Candles won’t just make your living room smell great; they are also an absolute must for coffee table styling. Bonus points if you select ones in aesthetically pleasing vessels or place them in cloches as seen here. A glass cloche truly adds so much elegance to any setup—it doesn’t matter whether the candle inside only cost $6! And of course, finish off the look with a chic candle snuffer, a wick trimmer, and a pretty holder for matches.
5. Layer, layer, layer
Designers are pros at layering items to achieve a sophisticated, collected look. But don’t be intimidated by this tactic—it isn’t too difficult to emulate. For example, instead of just setting out a stack of books and calling it a day, go the extra mile by placing a trinket on top of the stack, preferably something with a bit of height. Not sure what to use? Head to the flea market or antiques store to source an eye-catching object (such as a magnifying glass, strand of beads, or paperweight) and use that to finish off your stack. It will make all of the difference!
6. Make use of a tray
If your coffee table also doubles as a dining table (hello, small apartment dwellers!), make things easier on yourself by corralling your decor on a tray that you can easily lift up and move as needed. The best-designed coffee tables are also practical and prioritize function—you can’t go about your daily life as if your house is a showroom, after all!
7. Experiment with funky shapes
It’s all too easy to fill a coffee table with only rectangular or circular objects, so don’t forget to mix it up a bit! Bring in a different shape with a fun accent piece. Curvy candle holders, for example, make for great coffee table decor because they add intrigue in the form of an unexpected shape. Whether your style is vintage, boho, modern, or something else entirely, you’re sure to come across a piece that suits your space.
8. Fill the entire space
Whether your coffee table is super expansive or nice and compact, you’ll want to make good use of the space you have. For example, if your table is larger, like the one shown here, you may need to make a few stacks of books and space them out so that they span the length of the table. Arrange your items in the center so that you still have plenty of space to set down drinks, plates, and other day-to-day essentials.
