An overhead of a coffee table decorated with coffee table books and home accents, collaged with cut outs of objects

Stylish & Timeless Coffee Table Decor Ideas For Every Style

SOS GUIDES

A coffee table is an essential part of a living space that you and your guests gather around regularly. Coffee table decor — accents, books and objets that decorate the top — plays a central role in animating the space. We’ll help guide you with coffee table decor ideas inspired by beautiful homes that range in style and curate unique objects to adorn (or not adorn) your coffee table.

Overview of Coffee Table Decor

Collage of coffee table accents like dish, candle holder, coffee table book

What to display on a coffee table

A. Dish - large or small bowl, ash tray

B. Tray - square, round or rectangular tray for holding smaller bits

C. Objet - abstract, fruit, or animal-shaped figurine, a box, a shell

D. Floral container - vase, planter

E. Sculptural object - bust, sculpture, candelabra

F. Coffee table books - decorative books (oversized or standard)

G. Candle - scented candle, candle holder with taper candle, incense holder

A. Vintage Lotus Leaf Bowl, Chairish. B. Walnut and Terracotta Trays, Cabana. C. Italian Ceramic Pomegranate, Chairish. D. Speckled Vase, Yellow, Cabana. E. Feminine Figure, McGee & Co. F. Bals, Amazon. G. Flare Glass Candleholder, HAY.

Images from top: Lauren Santo Domingo, @vinterior, Emma Ainscough

How to choose what to display

Coffee table decor allows you to showcase what you treasure most and enjoy looking at. It is important to choose objects that have meaning to you – a book that inspires, an objet you picked up on a trip, a candle with a scent that unlocks a powerful memory. That being said, you don’t want it to feel like a hodgepodge so consider the following:

Objects should be loosely connected stylistically – as in, do they feel like they’re part of the same world?
Limiting the color palette can help bind the objects — and within that vary the tones (darker and lighter shades of a color).
Choose objects of varying heights to move the eye around and create visual interest.

How to style coffee table decor

Styling a coffee table really comes down to your personal preference. You can keeping the coffee table decor spare to maintain a minimalist aesthetic or layer objects for a curated, collected look (and any variation in between). But here are some basic guidelines:

Start with a foundation of bigger object(s) like coffee table books (can be laid out vertically, horizontally or both), trays, large bowls, large vase/vessel — and ideally a mix. Lay them out side by side based on the shape of your table (more on styling a coffee table by shape).
Alternatively group together a couple small/medium sized objects with mix of heights to take the place of a bigger object.
Layer objects of varying shapes and heights on top: dishes, objets, candle holders, bud vases/pots. Take a step back and edit if it feels cluttered or add an object if it’s missing something.

Below you’ll find coffee table design ideas with curated decor to get the look.

A curated guide to creating a one-of-a-kind home: interior inspiration, styling tips, & unique objects

FOLLOW ALONG

A living room with personality centered around a round coffee table adorned with a single giant clamshell filled with lemons and limes

Minimal Coffee Table Decor

If you prefer to keep your surroundings more streamlined, minimalist coffee table decor might be your thing. Forgo a multitude of objects and opt for a coffee table centerpiece like a large bowl or dish, a statement vase, or a sculptural object to create a strong focal point and make a visual impact without adding clutter. You can either leave it empty or fill with something simple and monochromatic to maintain the minimalist feel.

Image: Beata Heuman

A coffee table layered with various objects like tray, candle holder, vase and coffee table books

Layered Coffee Table Decor

Those who err toward the ‘more is more’ aesthetic might prefer an eclectic coffee table layered with objects. Assemble an artful mix of home accents that tells a visual story and reflects you and your tastes. Coffee table books and trays work nicely as a foundation to display dishes, objets, vases, candles and more. Choose from one of the three coffee table design ideas, below, which each capture a different design style.

Image: @aconsideredspace

Modern Organic Coffee Table

Elements of wabi sabi and organic shapes and materials convey a palpable sense of harmony in this coffee table design idea. The palette is neutral with a dash of earthy color, like ochre or celadon, that convey tranquility and calm. Limit to a few decorative objects - less is definitely more here.

Image: @simonepolk

A boho living room centered around a living room covered with a colorful textile and stacked with coffee table books and tray with objects

Eclectic Coffee Table

Layering objects with rich color and texture exudes a boho spirit. This coffee table design idea rests on each of the objects being unique in their own right. Think rustic designs, bold color combinations and ornamental details. This look can handle more elements so feel free to layer.

Image: Deborah Needleman

Traditional Coffee Table

This coffee table design idea layers timeless design elements, like silver or porcelain dishes, elegant trays, and streamlined vases, with stacks of beautiful design and art books, to create a classic look for today. The key is to demonstrate some restraint – pick a few elements that you really love and allow them each to sing.

Image: Kristin Ellen Hockman