A coffee table is central in a living room and, as such, is a great opportunity to demonstrate how both form and function can work together in a space.
While the internet offers a plethora of coffee table inspiration, it can be difficult to narrow down which aesthetic suits your taste. As a professional interior design firm in Orlando that not only helps clients create inviting living spaces but also offers staging for realtors, we offer a few tips to style a coffee table.
Coffee Table Styling Tips
Our professional interior designers suggest a few things to keep in mind when you choose how to style a coffee table for the living room. The two most important factors to consider are the coffee table decor as well as how these items are arranged.
Coffee Table Themes & Objects
Stick to the Classics
There’s a reason certain types of items are commonly found on coffee tables – they’re timeless! You can never go wrong with a lovely flower arrangement, leather-bound books, or even a magnifying glass, among other objects.
Personality
Let your coffee table reflect who you are and the things you care about. Whether you include details about your passions, lifestyle, or even memories, it can still maintain its functionality as long as everything is arranged in a way that makes sense.
Regardless of the personal items you choose to include, don’t overdo the coffee table styling. After a certain point, your coffee table could end up looking more cluttered than styled. If your interests are many and varied, consider rotating items on your coffee table to keep it fresh.
Seasonal Theme
Celebrate the seasons by styling a coffee table accordingly. While florals for spring might not be groundbreaking, they’re beautiful accents to any room; however, if you’re not into florals, consider a spring color palette or spring holidays such as Easter or St. Patrick’s Day for coffee table inspiration.
During the summer, a beachy theme featuring shells and seagrass is a tranquil way to style a coffee table. Autumn is ripe with rich colors you can use, not to mention holidays such as Halloween and Thanksgiving. During the winter season, jewel tones such as sapphire or emerald as well as cool neutrals like gray and white could look wonderful as well.
The different seasons can be conveyed with the right color palette and appropriate textures; thus, color and material selection are key elements when you’re styling a coffee table.
Coffee Table Arrangement
Quartered Grid
Perhaps the simplest way to achieve balance on your coffee table is to divide it into quadrants with a central focus. A sculpture, a medium plant, or a stack of books could all work as the dominant feature in the center.
The smaller objects in each of the other quadrants don’t necessarily need to be identical but should hold equal weight visually to maintain the balance. This arrangement is best suited for large or oversized tables.
Triple Threat
Alternatively, follow the rule of thirds, which works particularly well for longer coffee tables. You can stack books on either side and feature a tall floral or candle arrangement in the center for a symmetrical look. Another option is to feature a stack of books on one side, a tray in the middle with a few coasters, and a small sculpture on the other side. The key here is the appropriate balance and proportions.
One-Sided Design
If you are working on a large coffee table, you have the option to just decorate one side of the table. This will give you more space to set the table properly for coffee sessions with friends or family.
Create Highs and Lows
Decor of varying heights creates a more eye-catching display, so pair a taller floral arrangement with a shorter stack of coffee table books about some of your interests.
Contrasting Colors
Contrasting colors draw the eye. If the coffee table itself is a statement piece, consider neutral or muted items to style it. On the other hand, a more neutral, simple coffee table would be perfect to display a bold art piece or other vibrant, colorful objects and mementos that can turn into a conversation piece.
Styling a Coffee Table with a Professional Interior Designer
Our interior designers in Orlando will help you style a coffee table to make your living room come together. Whether you’re embarking on a home renovation or new construction, our professionals can transform any space and help you put the finishing touches to really make a house a home. To learn more about the interior design services we offer, contact our team today!