Styling a coffee table is an opportunity to display some of your favorite objects, family heirlooms and to show off your personality.
Even with the realities of your day to day, it’s possible to style your coffee table and maintain its functionality. If you live with young children, it is inevitable they will rearrange and play with every object within an arm’s reach. Since TV remotes typically live on the coffee table it’s crucial the table remains a multipurpose piece of furniture.
In finding the balance between stylish and safe, here are a few of my tried and true tips to decorate your coffee table.
Ground the table with greenery
Place fresh flowers or a plant to infuse life into your space. Consider the amount of light the room gets as well as the amount of maintenance they require. If you have fur babies, make sure whatever you pick won’t be a problem for them too.
Utilize a tray
Break up the surface of the table and contain the objects you have by using a tray. I suggest it be no larger than half the size of your tabletop. This makes it easy if you have to clear the table for cleaning or you decide to have a TV dinner one night.
Add Books
Oversized, beautiful books on architecture/interiors, flowers or photography are my go-to’s. Change them out seasonally and flip through them to feel inspired.
Layer decorative and unexpected objects
Display an antique collectible item or travel souvenir. For me, it’s a rule of thumb to include vintage or antique items in every room. These objects always have an interesting story behind them that is enjoyable to share. Whether it’s an heirloom that was passed down from a great grandparent or a piece that incites memories from a past trip, it’s fun to take a walk down memory lane through the object.
I also believe that by surrounding young children with precious or semi-precious items, you can teach them the value of items at a young age.
Style your coffee table by playing with scale and including a variety of height and texture. Make sure to have fun swapping out seasonal objects throughout the year as well.
The coffee table is the center of your living room, ensure it continues to serve the purpose of your everyday reality and use these tips to style it like a pro.
Post images by Julia D’Agostino
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Inspiration is a woman
Very useful post. This is something that could really make my day, even if you can see games almost that whole day in my table…..????
Lindsey Harrison
I get it, the table has to serve multiple purposes!
Mckayla
Not going to lie, but our coffee table is the bane of my existence in our house. It’s the playtable/snack table/foot rest/ and more of our home and no matter how I try and decorate it, it gets messed up! Although I won’t be trying again any time soon, I’ll definitely take these styling tips into consideration when I do!
Lindsey Harrison
Ours is a multi purpose table as well. Sometimes I keep out a vintage box that stores remotes and my daughters little toys. Having a tray helps because you can slide it off and onto the floor quickly when you need the surface space.
Molly
My coffee table doesn’t look like this at all! Thanks for a great post and good inspiration!
Crystal Garman
Great ideas for refreshing a room! I love the idea of an unexpected item on the coffee table!
Selma
Thanks for the inspiration. Your post will help me to style my coffee table
Robyn Jones
What a fun post! I appreciate the step by step directions provided here and look forward to trying them one day.
Kasia
You gave me some cool ideas on how to style a coffee table. I need to incorporate a few of them on my coffee table now. Thank you.
Antonia
Such lovely ideas. Styling a coffee table isn’t as easy as it seems.
Antonia || Sweet Passions