You collect some decor that you love. Try different layouts on your coffee table…and it doesn’t look right.
You shift a few things around, try another layout, and still, it just looks off. I’ve been there, done that. Decorating a coffee table can be a difficult and very frustrating endeavor. It seems simple at first, but then grows to be a thorn in your side.
But never fear! I’m going to explain how to style a coffee table with just a few tricks. You’re probably closer to the perfect design than you think.
Add a Tray
The first tip I’m going to give you is to add a tray to your coffee table. The magic of a tray is that of organization. Grouping objects on a tray tricks your eye into seeing one object. So rather than your mind being overwhelmed by all the things on your coffee table, your mind is at peace with the one grouping it sees.
Bring in Scale
Your mind likes balance. Have you ever stepped into a room and been immediately overwhelmed? That may very well be because the room and decor lack scale.
An easy way to add scale to a room is to use a combination of “heavy” and “lightweight” decor. Boxy, large pieces are going to feel heavy (like a large wide candle), while thin or flat decor (such as a thin magazine or coaster) will feel lightweight. Using objects of different heights will also incorporate a balanced scale on your coffee table.
Use Odd Numbers
Humans naturally find interest in odd numbers. We are so used to being surrounded by symmetry with rooms incorporating even numbers of objects. Have you ever seen a room with two couches facing each other? A dining room with 4 or 6 chairs? How often do you see a room with 5 chairs? Likely, not often. So, while these even numbers can put us at ease, they can also make the room feel flat if odd groupings of decor are not also used.
Many interior designers will use groupings of three, but groupings of five or seven are not uncommon. To add interest to your coffee table, I’d aim for groupings of three for a smaller table, or decor groupings of 5 for larger tables.
Create Contrast
Just like odd numbers provide interest for the eye, other types of contrast also create interest. You can do this by using variations of scale as previously mentioned, but you can also use contrasting colors. If your coffee table is white, adding deep colors can create depth and contrast. Greenery can also create a contrast that also adds an air of comfort to the space. (Greenery has been found by psychologists to have a calming effect on the brain. Adding greenery whether real or faux to every room in your house can help make yourself and guests feel at home).
Add Something Unexpected or Personal
A coffee table is the perfect space to show your guests some personality. I like adding something unexpected to every room in my house to add some of my personality into the spaces, but also to be there as a conversation starter with guests. I once had a zebra lamp in my office (before one of my cats knocked it over that is).
To show you how these tips might look in practice, I’m adding a picture of the small coffee table I have in my own living room. It’s a simple arrangement but is very personal. The wooden coasters are ones that I made myself. (Shameless plug to check out the handmade wood coasters I have for sale.) The tray is one that my dad made from maple he bought at an auction. The vase is one that I recycled from Goodwill and painted to look ceramic. (Is another shameless plug okay? Check out my painted, white vases on the Shades of Blush Interiors Shop). And finally, I have three Jane Austen novels because she is one of my favorite authors. Notice that all of these objects are in my home’s color palette. Warm wood tones with pink and white accents.
I hope these tips were helpful and help you on how to style a coffee table! If you’d like to see a few potential decor additions to your coffee table, don’t forget to stop by the Shades of Blush Interiors Shop linked below.