How to Style Your Coffee Table: A Guide for Beginners

Happy Monday!

Before we get into it, I just want to take a moment and acknowledge the fact that I’ve been able to get one blog post out a week for the past 5 weeks! I know it’s only 5 blog posts, but for a busy entrepreneur, wife and mom of 17 month old twin boys, it’s kind of a big deal and so I’m celebrating it. Pat, pat on my back! I think it’s important to celebrate even the smallest wins. I wanted to get back into blogging because I love showing up here. It’s fun for me and I’m all about tapping into what makes me happiest! Who knows, maybe I’ll start posting 2 blogs a week… we’ll see. ;) Alright, let’s get into it!

You might be looking at your coffee table and thinking, how do I make mine look as good as the ones I see on Pinterest or in magazines? When styling this area it is important to style it in a way that complements the overall look and feel of the room. But I know, with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to style your coffee table like a pro.

our guide to coffee table styling

Choose the Right Coffee Table

The first step in styling your coffee table is to choose the right table that fits the style of your living room. Consider the size of your room, the height of your sofa, and the overall style you’re going for. If you have a smaller living room, opt for a round or oval coffee table to save space. If you have a larger room, consider a rectangular or square coffee table. The shape of your table is going to dictate how to go about styling it.

Pick a Focal Point

Once you’ve chosen your coffee table, it’s time to pick a focal point. This could be a statement piece like a large vase filled with greenery or a cluster of candle sticks. Your focal point should be the first thing that catches your eye when you look at your coffee table. This is what you will build around.

Add Height

To create visual interest, add height to your coffee table. You can do this by using stackable books, vases, or even a plant. Make sure to vary the heights of the items you add to create a visually pleasing look.

Create a Color Scheme

To create a cohesive look, choose a color scheme for your coffee table. This could be a monochromatic scheme, where you use different shades of one color, or a complementary scheme, where you use colors that sit opposite each other on the color wheel. When choosing your color scheme, consider the colors in your living room to ensure that your coffee table complements the overall look of the room.

Mix and Match Textures and Shapes

To add depth and interest to your coffee table, mix and match textures and shapes. For example, use a smooth vase, and a rough textured vase. A round bowl and a square book. This will create a visually interesting look and add texture and shape to your coffee table.

Create Groupings

Group objects in odd numbers. For example, a stack of books would be one grouping. A vase would be another. Lastly, a decorative bowl.

Don’t Overcrowd

Finally, remember to not overcrowd your coffee table. Leave some negative space around your items so that they can breathe and be appreciated. Too many items can make the coffee table look cluttered and uninviting.