Coffee Table Styling: Tips for a Functional and Beautiful Living Room Centrepiece

The coffee table is more than just a place to set down your cup of tea; it’s the heart of your living room, bringing together comfort, style, and practicality. As a focal point in your space, a well-styled coffee table can enhance your decor, reflect your personal taste, and create a more inviting and functional area for you and your guests. From balancing aesthetics with functionality to choosing the right decor items, creating a beautiful coffee table setup doesn’t have to be complicated.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of coffee table styling, from selecting the right pieces to arranging them in a way that suits your space. Whether you’re after a minimalist look or a cosy, layered design, these tips will help you transform your coffee table into a stunning centrepiece that complements your living room’s style.

1. Start with the Right Coffee Table

The first step to styling a coffee table is choosing the right one for your space. Your coffee table should be functional, in harmony with your living room decor, and the right size for your needs.

Choosing the Right Size

Match Your Sofa: As a general rule, the coffee table should be roughly two-thirds the length of your sofa. This creates a balanced look and ensures easy access from all sides.
Consider Height: The height of your coffee table should be in line with the height of your sofa cushions. This makes it comfortable to reach over for a drink, magazine, or remote control.
Shape Matters: If you have a smaller space, a round or oval coffee table can soften the look of the room and create more space for movement. For larger rooms, a rectangular or square table can add structure and fill the space more effectively.

Pick a Style That Complements Your Decor

From rustic wood to sleek glass, coffee tables come in many styles. For a modern look, try a table with a metal frame or a glass top. Wooden tables add warmth and work well with cosy, traditional decor. If you’re after a unique look, consider a reclaimed wood or stone coffee table, which can add character to the space.

Baumhaus Ooki Coffee Table With Four Drawers

2. Create a Balanced Layout

Balance is key to styling a coffee table that’s both beautiful and functional. Too many items can make the table feel cluttered, while too few can make it look unfinished.

Divide the Table into Sections

An easy way to create balance is to imagine your coffee table divided into sections:

For a round table, think of the layout as a triangle or as a set of three points.
For a rectangular or square table, try dividing it into quadrants or halves.

By arranging items within each section, you’ll create a more harmonious look that feels both intentional and pleasing to the eye.

Play with Height and Proportion

When placing items on your coffee table, vary the heights for visual interest:

Tall Items: A small vase of fresh flowers, a plant, or a candle holder adds height and draws the eye upward.
Medium Items: Books or small trays are perfect for filling in space without overwhelming the layout.
Low Items: Bowls, coasters, or decorative trays provide practical storage and add to the overall balance.

3. Add a Stack of Books

Coffee table books are a classic addition that adds both style and substance to your table. Choose books that reflect your interests, hobbies, or travels, and that align with the style of your living room.

How to Arrange Books

Stack of Two or Three: Place two or three books in a stack and top them with a decorative item, like a small plant or a candle, for a tidy yet stylish look.
Spread Out: If you have a larger table, you could place one or two stacks on opposite sides for a symmetrical arrangement.
Use for Height: If you need a bit of height, stack larger books underneath smaller items to elevate them and add depth.

Look for coffee table books with beautiful covers that match your decor colour palette, as they’ll double as a design feature when left out on display.

Baumhaus Mobel Oak Four Drawer Coffee Table

4. Incorporate Trays for Organisation

Trays are a fantastic way to keep your coffee table organised while adding style and texture. They bring all your decor items together and make it easy to clear the table when you need extra space.

Choosing the Right Tray

Size and Shape: Choose a tray that fits well with your table size. Round trays work beautifully on circular tables, while rectangular trays are perfect for larger or square tables.
Material: The material of the tray can set the tone of your coffee table styling. Wood trays add warmth, metal trays provide a modern touch, and mirrored trays offer a glamorous vibe.

How to Style with Trays

Group Small Items: Use the tray to gather small items like candles, coasters, or decorative bowls. This keeps them contained and organised.
Create a Focal Point: A tray in the centre of the table can act as a focal point, with a mix of items arranged inside it to draw attention.
Layer with Books: For added interest, place a small tray on top of a stack of books. This elevates the items in the tray and adds depth to your layout.

5. Bring in Nature with Greenery

Adding a touch of nature to your coffee table can make the space feel fresher and more vibrant. Plants and flowers are a great way to soften the look of your table and bring a bit of the outdoors in.

Choosing Plants and Flowers

Low Maintenance Plants: Succulents, cacti, and small potted plants are easy to care for and add a lovely pop of green.
Fresh Flowers: A vase of fresh flowers brings colour and elegance to the table. Choose seasonal blooms that complement your room’s colour palette for an added touch of charm.
Dried Flowers: For a longer-lasting alternative, dried flowers are a great choice. They add a rustic look and require no upkeep.

Display Ideas for Greenery

Single Vase: A single vase with a simple arrangement can be enough to bring a touch of nature to the table.
Multiple Small Plants: If you love plants, try a cluster of small pots or planters. Grouping a few small succulents together creates a mini garden effect that’s visually interesting.
Use Planters as Decor: Planters come in a variety of styles and materials, so choose one that matches your decor. From ceramic to woven baskets, a beautiful planter can be a design element on its own.

6. Add Personal Touches

Your coffee table is the perfect place to display items that reflect your personality, style, and interests. Incorporating unique, meaningful items makes the space feel more like home and creates a point of conversation when you have guests.

Examples of Personal Touches

Travel Souvenirs: Display small souvenirs from your travels, such as a decorative box, a miniature sculpture, or a unique find from a local market.
Family Photos: A framed photo adds warmth and character to the table. Choose a frame that complements the overall style of your living room.
Antiques or Collectibles: Vintage or antique pieces, such as small clocks or ceramic dishes, add character and tell a story.

7. Incorporate Lighting with Candles

Candles add both warmth and style to your coffee table. They’re perfect for creating a cosy, inviting atmosphere, especially on chilly UK evenings. There are countless options, from traditional taper candles to modern, scented votives.

Styling with Candles

Grouping Candles: For a classic look, group two or three candles of varying heights. This creates a warm, layered effect, especially on autumn or winter nights.
Lanterns or Candle Holders: A stylish candle holder or lantern can add a bit of flair to the table while containing the candle for added safety.
Scented Candles: Choose a candle with a soft scent to add a subtle fragrance to your space. Lavender, vanilla, or eucalyptus candles create a relaxing ambiance without overpowering the room.

8. Maintain a Functional Space

While a beautifully styled coffee table is a lovely focal point, it’s important to keep the area functional. If you frequently entertain or use the table for snacks or drinks, be sure to leave some open space.

Tips for Keeping It Practical

Use Coasters: Coasters prevent water rings from forming on the table and protect the surface from spills. Choose coasters that match the aesthetic of your decor.
Opt for Lidded Storage: Lidded bowls or small boxes can be used to store small items like remotes, chargers, or keys, keeping the table clutter-free.
Edit Regularly: To maintain a functional space, be willing to edit your decor items as needed. If you notice your coffee table feels cluttered, swap out some items or simplify the layout.

9. Change It Up for the Seasons

Keeping your coffee table decor fresh and relevant to the season can breathe new life into your living room. This is a simple way to update your space without overhauling the entire room.

Seasonal Styling Ideas

Autumn: Incorporate warm tones, like amber glass vases or autumnal flowers, and add a pumpkin or two for a festive touch.
Winter: Try a more neutral palette with white candles, pinecones, and a wintery bouquet, creating a cosy vibe for the colder months.
Spring: Freshen up with light colours, pastel flowers, and airy decor like a small bird’s nest or woven basket.
Summer: Bring in vibrant, tropical flowers or succulents, and swap out heavier decor for light, bright accessories.

Conclusion: Perfecting Your Coffee Table Look

Styling a coffee table is about finding the right balance between beauty and practicality. With these tips, you can create a centrepiece that not only looks fantastic but also serves as a functional part of your living room. Start by choosing the right table, then use items like books, trays, plants, and candles to build a look that suits your space and personal style.

Remember, there’s no single “right” way to style a coffee table. Experiment with different layouts, swap in seasonal items, and make it your own. With a few well-chosen pieces and a bit of creativity, you’ll have a coffee table that’s not only the heart of your living room but also a true reflection of your style.