The Best Ways to Style Your Coffee Table
Looking to style your coffee table but not sure where to start? We get it – it can be tricky to make it look just right. Your coffee table isn’t just for holding drinks; it’s a great way to show off your style and pull the whole room together.
Whether you’re looking to entertain guests, enjoy a quiet evening, or add the finishing touches to your space, coffee table styling makes all the difference. When we are looking at decorating a space, we always say that the key to a beautifully styled coffee table is balance—balancing height, dimension, and texture.
By mixing taller items like vases or sculptures with shorter pieces such as candles or books, you’ll create movement across the table. Try stacking your books so the tallest is front and center, then layer smaller items on top or next to them.
A good rule of thumb is to combine both vertical and horizontal elements, so your table doesn’t feel too crowded or too empty.
Texture is just as important when decorating coffee tables. Mixing different textures adds interest and keeps your display from feeling flat, like a pair of smooth glass vases with a woven tray, or a branching coral with stacked linen books.
Don’t be afraid to mix materials like wood, metal, leather, glass, stone and ceramics. This brings warmth and personality to your table.
But don’t worry, this doesn’t have to be complicated! Here are our favorite ways to decorate a coffee table:
Greenery: Adding greenery to your coffee table is an easy way to breathe life into your living room. Whether it’s a small potted plant, an orchid (our personal favorite), or some succulents, plants naturally bring beauty and freshness to your space.
If you prefer low-maintenance decor, succulents or faux plants can still offer the same fresh aesthetic. For the most authentic-looking faux plants, we love Napa Home and Garden, they're they’re lifelike, easy to care for, and come in a variety of styles plus, they’re always in season!
Stacked Books: Books are more than just reading material—they’re also great decor. A stack of 2-4 books can add height and dimension to your table, and they’re an easy way to personalize the space. Choose a few books with interesting covers that you love or find beautiful—we absolutely love the Assouline and Abrams collection from Nomad Collection!
Trays: Trays are a fantastic addition to your coffee table— they serve both practical and decorative purposes. A tray can house smaller items like candles, remotes, or a bowl of decorative objects in one place, it also creates a defined space for your decor, making the whole display feel organized and intentional.
Vases: A vase can be one of the most versatile decor pieces you can have on your coffee table whether you want it to hold flowers or stand alone as a sculptural piece. Add multiple with different heights or opt for a round, or angular shape—something that suits your table.
Tip: Think about the shape of your coffee table when picking a vase. If your table is round, go for a tall, slim vase to match the curves. For square or rectangular tables, a vase with straighter lines. The right shape will help your table feel balanced and well put together.
Pieces to Swap for the Holidays
One of the best parts about styling your coffee table is how easy it is to swap things out for the holidays like:
Festive Candles: Replace your everyday candles with holiday-scented ones or seasonal colored
Seasonal Greenery or Florals: set the mood for the season whether it’s bright flowers in spring, leafy branches in the fall, or simple white blooms in winter
Holiday-Themed Books: Display a few holiday-themed coffee table books or magazines that highlight festive décor, recipes, or traditions.
Make Your Coffee Table Your Own
Have fun with it, mix things up, and create a coffee table that you love! It’s your space, and you have the freedom to style it in a way that makes you feel at home.