“HOW DO I DECORATE MY COFFEE TABLE?”

My goal with this blog is to solve your design dilemmas one Cheat Sheet at a time. This week I am answering the common question “How do I decorate my coffee table?” by sharing my three fool-proof styling formulas regardless of your coffee table size.

FUNCTION FIRST.

Y’all know I put function at the forefront of my designs, and coffee table decor is no different. Before you begin decorating, always think about how you actually use your coffee table rather than how you should decorate your coffee table.

For example, suppose you use your coffee table as a surface for working, eating, folding laundry, etc. In that case, you'll want to minimize your decor approach to maximize your coffee table’s surface area. If you use your coffee table for feet propping and remote storage, you have options depending on your style preference.

TERMINOLOGY.

My coffee table styling formulas have two main components: a stack and coordinating objects. Below is a brief terminology breakdown, so we’re all on the same page.

STACK | A stack of 3 or more books, sometimes with a small object on top, sometimes without.

for minimal styles:

SIMPLE STACK | A stack of 1 to 2 books with a small object placed on top.

COORDINATING OBJECTS | 2-3 objects that vary in height yet coordinate in some fashion.

examples: Vase, decorative storage, candle, bowl/vessel, decorative object, etc.

COFFEE TABLE STYLING CHEAT SHEET

3 COFFEE TABLE STYLING FORMULAS

Formula #1 | Minimalist Coffee Table Styling

Choose 1: Simple Stack OR Coordinating Objects

Positioning: Cluster
- Since the decor is minimal, the positioning of your items can be center or off-center, depending on the intended function of your table and style preference.

Formula #2 | Balanced Coffee Table Styling

Pair Together: Simple Stack + Coordinating Objects

Positioning: Triangle
- Round and Square Coffee Tables
  - DO: Center your decor as if there was an imaginary triangle on top of your table. Place the two tallest objects first and layer your simple stack in front.
  - DON’T: Place your objects in a straight line, especially in height order.
- Oval and Rectangle Coffee Tables
  - DO: Stagger your decor along the length of the table with your largest items on the outer two sides and your smaller item in between.
  - DON’T: Place your objects in a straight line, especially in height order.

Formula #3 | Maximalist Coffee Table Styling

Use Multiple: Stacks + Coordinating Objects

Positioning: Pattern
- Use a pattern like the ones in the above graphic to keep your coffee table looking styled instead of messy.

SHOP COFFEE TABLE DECOR

I’ve curated a list of coffee table decor to get your sourcing off to a strong start (as well as a full shop of curated products sorted by category).

If you’d like additional help with product sourcing, schedule a quick design chat to share the details, and I’ll help you find your perfect piece!

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something I’ve suggested, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Shop All Coffee Table Decor

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