Check out your coffee table, what does it look like? Is it bare and boring. Maybe it’s a catch-all for your children or only holding a couple of coasters and your remote control. If this is the case then you’re missing a decorating opportunity because your coffee table is the star of the conversation area.
Before deciding what to place on it, you first must choose a coffee table style that suits your design style and room’s purpose. It’s important to make sure the table is to scale with the rest of the room and furniture surrounding it. Consider these tips when selecting a coffee table:
- The size of an average coffee table is 48 by 24 inches, while a large one is often 48 inches square.
- It should be the same height as surrounding seating (use 18 inches high).
- Use a lip edge or tray top if you plan on using the surface for food and beverages to avoid spills.
- Get a glass table for formal spaces or if you don’t want the coffee table to be the focus of the room.
- Consider what shape will fit your room square, rectangle, oval or round. Round tables aid circulation around the room.
- Get creative you can use a trunk, colorful ottoman or even a vintage piece.
Now, that you have a better idea what type of coffee table to use in your room, let’s go over a few key pieces to add to it’s surface to add a decorative statement.
Add Personality, Use Something You Love
A coffee table is an area where you can make a statement. Use a personalized item that reflects your style, collections or interest to help guests learn a little more about you and your tastes? Pick out a coffee table book that interests you, maybe use a piece from one of your collections (we like to collect old cameras and display one on our coffee table) or maybe find an item that’s in your favorite color. Whatever it is, this will help define the rest of your coffee table decor.
Repeat Colors
For a more simplistic and sophisticated look, choose objects for your coffee table that will repeat the same color throughout the vignette on display. Limit the color scheme to two to three colors for a simple look that won’t overwhelm and take a cue from the colors around the room to use on the coffee table.
Storage Secrets
Corral ugly items and clutter by hiding it in a storage basket, bin or box. If you have a two-tiered coffee table use storage with a lid on the bottom tier to use for remotes, game controllers, coasters and other daily items that are more functional than fashionable.
You can also add a tray to keep items organized on a coffee table. Check out this video on how to decorate a coffee table to get four crucial tips to use when setting up your coffee table.
Follow the Rule of Three
A design rule that should rarely be broken, the rule of three refers to a design trick that odd numbers of items displayed together will always be more visually pleasing than even numbers. So, choose objects for your coffee table in threes: a stack of books, organic items or varying height vases are a good example of this rule.
Use Texture
Give a living room depth by mixing materials and textures.Play with different textures on the table’s surface. Try mixing metals, smooth and rough items, soft and hard accessories to create a unique look that guests would find irresistible to touch.
Add Some Light
Instantly make the space feel a bit more warm and cozy by adding candles to the coffee table’s surface. Scatter them about in different shapes and sizes or use the rule of three to group candles together. Want to hide the candle use a candle holder or lantern to dress up a boring candle exterior. Go flameless if you have children or pets for a worry-free display.
Have a decorating tip, trick or question on how to style a coffee table? Let me know in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you.
Happy Decorating,
