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
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: @vinterior, @hausofdesignla
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 hodge podge; rather the objects should be loosely connected stylistically – as in, do they feel like they’re part of the same world? Choosing objects in the same color palate can help bind them together as well.
How to style coffee table decor
The approach to styling a coffee table can be equally important to creating the setting you wish. Fundamentally there are two ways you can go, with some variation in between: keeping the coffee table decor spare to maintain a minimalist aesthetic or layering objects for an eclectic look. As with most decor, you can change it up at any time according to your whim. Remove objects when you want the space to feel calm and decluttered, or add objects when you want to evoke more warmth. Rotating coffee table decor can keep it feeling fresh and give you a way to see more of what you love.
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
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
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: Kristen Ellen Hockman
STYLING TIPS
Tips for Styling Every Coffee Table Shape
Find out how to style a coffee table based on the shape of your coffee table.
