Nothing completes a living room like a beautifully decorated coffee table, yet it is very easy to fall into the trap of excessive decoration or omitting items that are better hidden. When styled well, a coffee table should feel curated and harmonious—not cluttered and cluttered.
To help you create the perfect coffee table display, we’ve teamed up with design professionals to uncover the common mistakes that lead to a cluttered look – and, more importantly, how to avoid them. . Whether your coffee table is spacious and casual or sleek and compact, these simple tips will help you achieve a stylish centerpiece that elevates.
meet the expert
- belly toad White Cliff Studio is the owner, contractor and principal designer.
- Paulina Hospod Aha! is the president of Interiors.
Visible Remote Control
Francesco Carta Photography/Getty Images
Your coffee table should be an extension of your style, not a storage area for everyday items. TV remotes, while essential, fall into this category.
Put your remotes in a nearby table drawer when not in use, or create a decorative object, such as a stylish box, just to store them. To enhance the look, choose a product made from materials like bone, burl or leather.
Not only does a designated spot for your remote keep your coffee table clean, but it also encourages everyone in the house to return the remote after use.
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abundance of books
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Books are a great way to add height and personality to a coffee table, but piling on too many can make your table look more like a crazy study nook than a coffee table. comfortable living space,
Limit yourself to just a handful of books – aha! Paulina Hospod, president of Anteriors, suggests that two to five books are ideal – and always prefer large coffee table book-sized books rather than pocket-sized paperbacks or hard-backed novels.
Hospod says coffee table-sized books not only add better layers and texture than novels, but they also invite engagement, encouraging guests to pick them up and explore their pages. .
“Use one to two books as a base layer on your table and create lower stacks to elevate other decor items like boxes, candle sticks, or vases,” says Hospod. “Using books as risers will give these objects like chairs prominence, making them stand out.”
unbridled collection
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You may consider your collection of mini Eiffel Towers or ceramic pug figurines worthy of your coffee table, but designers warn that they can’t just be placed on a coffee table and called decor.
To keep things from feeling scattered, you need structure, explains Bailey Todd, owner, contractor, and lead designer at White Cliff Studio. A tray is the perfect way to connect those pieces and create a cohesive look.
Todd explains how depending on your collection, you can style it a couple of a lot of books Or place it in the bottom of a glass display case such as a clutch or bell jar.
messy pile of magazines
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If you have more than half a year’s worth of magazines stacked on your coffee table, designers have news for you: It’s time to eliminate that leaning tower of clutter and reclaim your space.
Although magazines may seem more sophisticated than newspapers or catalogs, when they pile up, they can quickly look just as messy. And let’s face it—unless you’re running a beauty salon, chances are no one will ever struggle with those issues again.
To improve the look of your table, replace those back issues with some well-chosen coffee table books on subjects you enjoy. Not only will they add sparkle to your table, but they’ll also give your guests something to browse – if the occasion ever arises.
decoration surcharge
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When you decorate too much, even the most interesting pieces can start competing for attention, and that’s when your look goes from chic to cluttered.
“Simplicity is key,” Hospod emphasizes. “Sometimes, to achieve effortless elegance, all it takes is a single, discreet item that reflects the colors of the surrounding decor, combined with a grounding tray.”
decorations out of proportion
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When it comes to coffee table decor, scale matters. Too many oversized pieces can make your table look cumbersome; Many small objects may appear scattered. The key is to find that sweet spot—pieces that feel intentional and cohesive.
A simple rule of thumb: Choose a large statement piece — like a bold vase or sculpture — and then layer in smaller, more subtle accents like books or decorative boxes. This creates a sense of hierarchy and allows each piece to stand out without dominating the table.
3 Pro Tips for Decorating a Coffee Table
Make the vase your centerpiece
design by White Cliff Studio
Todd recommends finding a vase that means something. Whether it’s a vintage item found in an antique shop or a handmade beauty from an artisan’s small business, you can easily fill it with any floral motifs of your choice.
Select a Statement Table
design by Aha! insider / Photo by Rayon Richards
“When it comes to coffee tables, I’m attracted to pieces that make a bold statement on their own,” Hospod says. “A well-chosen table can anchor a room, eliminating the need for excessive styling.”
Leave it blank (or almost blank)
design by Aha! insider
Todd explains that if you’re not sure what to put on your coffee table, go ahead and leave it empty.
“It’s not necessary to have coffee tables fully decorated all the time. When they’re empty, it leaves room for placing drinks and food or playing games – plus, the clean surface creates a place to rest the eyes. , which can help reduce stress,” says Todd.
