How To Style Your Coffee Table

By Martha Davies

1 month ago

Tips for nailing coffee table chic


When it comes to enviable living room interiors, it all starts with your coffee table. Of course, the best coffee tables aren’t just functional – they offer the perfect chance to curate an array of fabulous homeware pieces. Struggling to know where to start with yours? Here’s our guide to coffee table styling.

Coffee Table Styling Ideas: How To Style A Coffee Table

If you’re looking to give your living room a revamp, the coffee table is a great place to start. A perfectly styled coffee table has the power to tie your whole living room together, allowing all your favourite books, candles and trinkets to take centre stage. 

So what do you tackle first? From winning colour palettes to the best combination of pieces, interior designer Laura Hammett has pulled together a handy set of tips to help you create a Pinterst-worthy coffee table. 

 

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Measuring Up

According to Laura, the first step in coffee table styling is to consider the size of your table. ‘Start by looking at the proportions you’re working with. Work by dividing up the table into sections and create a set of focal points.’

Choosing Your Colour Palette

Once you’ve thought about proportions, it’s time to focus on colour. ’I often begin with a carefully chosen colour palette, says Laura. ‘These hues set the tone for the entire space.’

Not sure which shades to go for? ‘Lean towards soft neutrals, rich tones or earthy palettes that complement your room’s décor,’ advises Laura. This colour palette will act as a base to draw on when you start to add your homeware pieces.

 

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Arranging Your Items

It’s finally time for the fun part – but what kind of pieces do you need? ‘A general rule I always apply to coffee table styling is to begin with a large tray to ground smaller styling items on a strong base,’ says Laura. 

Of course, no coffee table is complete without books, and these are the next step in the layering process. ‘Curate a selection of volumes with visually striking covers or content that resonates with your interests,’ Laura adds.

When it comes to arranging pieces, she advises placing objects ‘in pairs or groups of threes for visual harmony, and so that no item looks lost or unintentional.’

Playing With Texture

‘Texture is the key to adding depth and interest to your coffee table,’ Laura notes. She suggests introducing different textures using objects like ‘glass paperweights and florals,’ or incorporating ‘functional elegance in the form of decorative boxes to hide remotes or matches.’

Laura also suggests adding objects like ‘brushed brass bookends or rich leather trinket trays, to create a tactile experience’, as well as using stacks of coasters ‘to create a relaxed, “lived-in” coffee table look.’

 

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Adding The Finishing Touches

Another coffee table staple is, of course, candles – and they provide the perfect finishing touch to your coffee table. ‘Top your stack of books with a scented candle or diffuser,’ says Laura. ‘The large, statement-making pieces anchor the display, while smaller items add detail and intricacy.’

Flowers are also an elegant way to tie things together. ‘A bouquet of flowers placed in a stunning handblown glass vase can breathe life into your coffee table arrangement,’ says Laura – and if you don’t fancy buying fresh bouquets, you can always opt for faux florals instead. 

Coffee Table Decor To Shop Now

Ready to bring your dream coffee table to life? Here’s our pick of the best coffee table decor.


Brown leather trinket tray

Laura Hammet Living

Adler Leather Trinket Tray in Smoke, £80

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Clear stone on a brass base

Louise Bradley

Selenite Stone, clear, £825

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White porcelain candle with Jo Malone branding

Jo Malone

Wild Berry & Bramble Townhouse Candle, £100

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Dark brown coasters with bronze trim

Laura Hammett Living

Elemental Coasters in Bronze, set of four, £220

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Daylesford

Nurture by Carole Bamford, £35

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Skye McAlpine bud vase with ridged design

Skye McAlpine Tavola

Luna Bud Vase,  £52

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Bamford

Lily of the Valley Willow Diffuser, £69.50

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Wooden serving tray with olive green base

Clive Christian Furniture

Medium serving tray, £225

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Amber glass bottle with spherical topper

Barker & Stonehouse

Glass bottle, amber, £28

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White fruit bowl with spiral motif and two small handles at the base

Tressé Paris x Café Leandra

Spiral bowl, £405

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