12 Ways To Style a Coffee Table Like a Designer
1/22/20256 min read
Styling your coffee table like a designer isn’t about expensive decor or complicated tricks—it’s about bringing together a few items that reflect your style and keep the space feeling balanced. Choose a mix of books, a tray, a candle, and a plant or flowers to create a simple, pulled-together look on your coffee table. These basics set the stage for a table that looks curated without much effort.
You don’t need a big budget or an eye for interior design to make your living space feel elevated. By sticking to a few styling rules and picking pieces that you actually like, your coffee table will look both stylish and personal. A well-done setup can make your whole room feel more put together, and it's easier than you might think.
Foundations of Coffee Table Styling
Setting up a coffee table like a designer means more than placing a few items in the center. You want the table to work with your living room, fit the furniture around it, and feel balanced in terms of both size and shape.
1. Choosing the Right Coffee Table
Start by picking a coffee table that suits your space. Consider size, material, and color so the table complements your existing furniture. For example, a glass or acrylic table keeps things airy in small living rooms, while wood adds natural warmth.
Measure the dimensions between your sofa and chairs. Leave about 16–18 inches between the sofa and table for easy movement. Pick a table length that’s roughly two-thirds the width of your couch. This keeps things balanced.
Match the style of the coffee table to the mood you're after. Modern spaces often look great with clean lines, while vintage rooms might suit a table with more detail or texture. Ultimately, pick something you love and that you’ll enjoy seeing every day.
2. Balancing Height and Proportion
Getting the height right is crucial for both comfort and style. The best coffee table height is usually the same as, or slightly lower than, the height of your sofa seat—typically, that means 16 to 18 inches tall.
If your table is too high or too low, it can throw off the feel of your whole living room. Items on the table also look better when they’re varied in height. Stack books, add a tray, or include a taller vase for interest.
Pay attention to proportion. Don’t overcrowd the surface; leave room for drinks and remotes. Less clutter lets the elements you do choose stand out and keeps your table functional for daily use.
3. Understanding Different Shapes
Coffee tables come in several shapes—each works differently in a room. Rectangular tables are the most common and suit larger sofas or sectionals. Round or oval tables fit well in smaller spaces or rooms where you need to maximize flow around the furniture.
Square tables work well in symmetrical or compact living rooms. If you have young kids, round tables with no sharp corners are safer.
Before committing to a shape, look at your seating arrangement. A round or oval table softens the angles in a room with lots of square or rectangular furniture. If your space is open or you like to rearrange, choose a table you can move easily.
Curating Decorative Elements
A well-styled coffee table shows personality, order, and warmth. Thoughtful choices in books, trays, coasters, and candles help you achieve a look that feels both inviting and intentional.
4. Selecting Coffee Table Books
Choose books that reflect your interests, hobbies, or favorite destinations. Large-format books with striking covers add a visual centerpiece and fill out the space. Stack two or three books, largest at the bottom and smallest on top, for a balanced look.
Pick topics that spark conversation—art, design, travel, or photography are popular choices. Rotate your selections seasonally to keep things fresh and relevant. Books with beautiful spines or covers double as decor items, so don't be afraid to display titles you genuinely enjoy.
Avoid overcrowding the table; a small curated stack looks more refined than too many books. Pair your stack with a small decorative object, like a vase or a small bowl, for a natural finish.
5. Incorporating Trays and Coasters
A tray groups items together, making your coffee table decor feel organized. Choose one in a material that matches the style of your room—wood for warmth, acrylic for a modern look, or metal for a hint of shine.
Use a tray to hold remotes, a candle, and maybe a small plant or two. This keeps the tabletop from feeling cluttered. Trays make it easy to move things if you need more space.
Add a set of coasters that suits your style. Go for stone, cork, leather, or patterned ceramic. Coasters protect your table from stains and scratches but also act as small design details. Put a couple on the tray, within easy reach for anyone with a drink.
6. Adding Candles for Ambiance
Candles add softness and a welcoming feel. Opt for unscented candles if you entertain often to avoid overpowering smells, or pick a signature scent for a personal touch. Choose varying heights—mixing a taller pillar with a shorter votive or tea light keeps things visually appealing.
Place candles on a tray, a coaster, or a heat-resistant dish. This not only protects the table, but also collects any drips or wax. For safety, keep flames clear of books or dried flowers.
Consider candle holders made of glass, metal, or ceramic to match your coffee table decor. Even when not lit, candles bring texture and subtle style to the arrangement.
Bringing Life with Plants and Accessories
Small touches like plants and decorative accessories give your coffee table personality. Carefully chosen greenery, color, and texture can transform a plain surface into a stylish focal point.
7. Showcasing Succulents and Orchids
Succulents are the perfect pick for low-maintenance style. Place a grouping of tiny succulents in geometric pots or shallow trays for a modern look. You can mix different varieties for a mix of greens and textures.
Orchids add elegance with their graceful blooms. A single orchid in a sleek, minimalist planter makes a big statement without much clutter. They thrive in bright, indirect light—just remember to water sparingly.
Try mixing tall orchids and low succulents on opposite sides of the table for contrast. Use a small tray or stack of books as a base to keep the plants grouped and tidy.
8. Arranging Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers add color and a sense of freshness to any coffee table. Choose seasonal blooms in a simple vase, or try a compact bouquet with mixed stems to keep things casual.
Stick to one or two colors for a modern, cohesive style. For variety, use multiple vases in different shapes and heights—for example, a large vase with main blooms next to a tiny bud vase with a single stem.
To make flowers last longer, cut stems at an angle and change the water every couple of days. Place vases off-center or layer them with books or trays so the arrangement feels intentional, not fussy.
9. Mixing Textures and Decorative Accessories
Layering accessories like trays, books, and ceramics helps break up the surface and adds interest. A woven basket, marble coasters, or a stack of hardcover books are easy ways to mix textures.
Balance shiny, smooth items (like glass or metal) with textured ones (like wood or stone). Lay a decorative object, such as a small sculpture or candle, near your plants or flowers for an extra pop.
Keep the arrangement dynamic by varying heights and shapes. Don't overcrowd—leave some empty space for a clean, relaxed look. Use the table below for quick accessory pairing ideas:
Plants Accessories Textures Succulents Trays, small candles Matte ceramic, wood Orchids Sculptural objects Glass, metals Fresh flowers Stacked books Linen, marble
Styling Tips for a Designer Look
A designer-inspired coffee table starts with intentional choices that add personality and balance. Use simple tricks to enhance visual interest and make your living room space feel both stylish and inviting.
10. Creating a Visual Focal Point
Every well-styled coffee table centers around a visual focal point. This could be a sculptural vase, a unique bowl, or a stack of art books with an eye-catching cover.
Tips for establishing a focal point:
Start with one substantial object or grouping in the center or off-center.
Use items with height or strong colors to instantly draw the eye.
Keep the scale in mind—don’t overcrowd, but don't let your table look bare.
Arranging smaller decor items around your focal piece helps unify the coffee table styling. The key is aiming for balance while still letting the standout item shine.
11. Layering for Visual Interest
Layering is essential for adding visual interest and depth. Begin by stacking books or magazines as a base.
Mix different materials like metal trays, ceramic coasters, or glass objects. Use contrasting textures, such as a woven basket next to a smooth candle, to keep the arrangement dynamic.
Lists can help organize layers:
Bottom layer: Books, trays, or boxes
Middle layer: Decorative items like beads, sculptures, or candles
Top layer: Personal touches (fresh flowers, small plants)
Try varying the height of your objects for a lively look. Group items in odd numbers—like threes or fives—for a natural, effortless vibe.
12. Adapting Style to Your Living Room
Match your coffee table styling to the overall living room theme for a pulled-together look. If your space is modern, use minimalist accessories like a monochrome vase or geometric tray.
For a boho or eclectic space, opt for mix-and-match pieces like a vintage book stack, patterned bowl, or colorful sculpture. Match metals or woods from your coffee table to nearby furniture to keep the decor cohesive.
Think about your living room’s color palette. Choose decor in neutral tones, or add one or two accent colors from your rug or wall art to tie the space together. Always leave some empty space so the table doesn’t feel crowded or overdone.
