20 Easy Coffee Table Styling Tricks to Try Now
Whether you're looking for something functional or flashy, these decorating ideas will take your living room to the next level.
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If you've had enough of the blank canvas that's been in your living room for far too long, now's your chance to make a change. Your coffee table set-up deserves to reflect your style, regardless of whether you count yourself as a minimalist, a proud maximalist, or somewhere in between. Browse these tips for styling your coffee table with on-trend ideas that will make your space more Instagram-worthy.
Make it seasonal.
If you love nothing more than changing the throw pillows on your sofa from season to season, adopt the same approach for your coffee table. A simple arrangement of seasonally appropriate flowers, along with complementary candles and coffee table books, are all it takes.
Shop a similar look: vase, $20, anthropologie.com
Go for a woven coffee table.
Add texture and personality to your living room by opting for a handwoven coffee table that offers ample space to show off your accessories.
Shop a similar look: storage trunk, $213, overstock.com
Bring the outdoors in.
Showcase trinkets that remind you of your favorite outdoor hobbies (such as gardening or going to the beach) to bring you a little piece of joy every time you look at them indoors.
Shop a similar look: small watering can, $9, etsy.com
Experiment with vintage.
You can't go wrong with a vintage find, whether it's a unique coffee table or a vase that you snagged at your local flea market.
Shop a similar look: coffee table, $342, target.com
Embrace maximalism.
Craft a coffee table arrangement that's full of conversation starters, ranging from books to a tall bouquet of bold flowers.
Shop a similar look: ceramic cachepot, $74, potterybarn.com
Top stacks with tiny touches.
A table grounded by trays and books can carry little sparkly accents, like gemstones or candles, without the look seeming slight. Plus, candle colors and scents can be easily swapped out with the seasons.
Shop a similar look: candle, $17, wayfair.com
Or go for the bold.
Spark conversation with bigger table dressings — this piece of coral is actually a dolled up fish tank accessory.
Shop a similar look: coral, $50, jossandmain.com
Use a two-tiered table.
Why settle for a table with one shelf, when you can choose an eye-catching design with two? Put your creativity to the test by arranging your favorite pieces of decor on a two-tiered coffee table.
Shop a similar look: coffee table, $125, homedepot.com
Treat yourself to fresh flowers.
Give your room an inviting touch by buying real blooms when you entertain. Even grocery store-bought blossoms can be an elegant flourish.
Shop a similar look: pink roses, $40 and more, bouqs.com
Weave in a fruit bowl.
You won't forget your daily serving of fruit if you place a bowl of it (apples are perfect) right on your coffee table. Plus, it'll add a fun touch to your decor.
Shop a similar look: fruit bowl, $40, williams-sonoma.com
Display collectibles.
If you enjoy collecting items, like brass decorative objects, display your favorites on your coffee table. It's a great way to showcase your design aesthetic and add character to your table arrangement.
Shop a similar look: gold decorative object, $20, anthropologie.com
Incorporate a decorative box.
Yes, trays are great for storing everything from TV remotes to smaller items, but decorative boxes are another tasteful way to conceal things that lack visual appeal.
Shop a similar look: decorative box, $18, jossandmain.com
Try a tray.
Whether you want to display knick knacks or just need a spot for TV remotes, a tray will make whatever you place on the table look neat and polished.
Shop a similar look: tray, $44, williams-sonoma.com
Accessorize wisely.
This bowl serves as a sleek detail when left empty, but can also be filled to celebrate the season. Toss in pinecones for fall or metallic ornaments for the holidays.
Shop a similar look: oval bowl, $40, bedbathandbeyond.com
Try a single statement piece.
Make your favorite piece the room's focal point by displaying it alone in the center of the table. With a pretty planter or interesting sculpture, the effect is understated, not spare.
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Shop a similar look: lantern, $35, westelm.com
Add pops of color.
Here's an easy way to bring new life to your old coffee table: Lay painted wood planks on the bottom of a frame to create a bonus shelf and bring vibrant color to your room.
Shop a similar look: reclaimed wood planks, starting at $46, wayfair.com
Create varying heights.
Because trays and tabletops are horizontal, playing with the height of your accent pieces will add extra interest. Try a tall orchid or tapered candles to mimic this look.
Shop a similar look: potted orchid, $75, thesill.com
Go metallic.
Gold, brass, and silver have a way of instantly elevating any space, but metallics won't overpower your room when they're showcased on just your coffee table.
Shop a similar look: star sculpture, $48, jossandmain.com
Include natural elements.
This Dallas home's table feels bohemian and well-traveled thanks to natural stone pots with living succulents inside.
Shop a similar look: potted succulents, $27, etsy.com
Pile on pretty books.
They're called coffee table books for a reason. Pick ones with bright covers and bold lettering, and vary the height of the stacks for an effortless style that doesn't scream "a designer was here."
Shop a similar look: coffee table books, amazon.com
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.
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