Due to popular demand, we’re answering our most requested topic today – how to style a coffee table! I already confess. I’m breaking Rule # 11 and will be applying Rule # 7 ASAP.
If you’re new around here, I brought in interior design expert, Melissa Mahoney, to help us elevate our homes while we are all quarantining. She’s simplifying decorating for us common folk, with paint by number steps, that we can all apply immediately.
So today, Melissa is giving us ELEVEN coffee table decor tricks we can apply NOW. She’ll be sharing even more tips on her Instagram Stories so be sure to follow her here!
So let’s dive right in!
How To Style Your Coffee Table – 11 Designer Tips
One // To Start
Clear off your coffee table and wipe it down. A nice clean surface goes a long way. Begin by gathering all your functional items. Like… magazines you like to look through, remotes and coasters (coasters are a must!). The goal is to work your everyday pieces into accessory items. A perfect example is hiding your remotes in a ceramic canister or basket. More on this below.
Two // Determine The Plan
This will help you determine how many and what type of items you need. Here are some good rules of thumb!
- Round Tables should not get more than a grouping or two of books and items.
- Square or Rectangular Tables can be nearly covered with accessories, or do one offset arrangement that holds its own.
- Oval, Oblong and Odd Shaped Tables should be treated as a round table. I find one grouping is typically best.
- Your table does not need to be fully covered. Although it can be if you still have functional surfaces on books, etc. to set a glass or put your feet up.
Three // Avoid Tall Items
Think of your table as a display space for low profile objects. Avoid things that can easily be knocked over – like candlesticks or a high vase. This especially rings true if you have littles. Save your tall things for bookshelves and mantels (which we plan to cover!).
Four // Everything Books
Books are just as important on surfaces as they are on bookshelves. We’ve talked about grounding objects here, and it holds true with your coffee table too! Some key reminders…
- Stack books with the largest on the bottom and smallest on top.
- Keep similar shaped books stacked together. As you stack, all the variations of squares and rectangles will become more clear 👌🏻
- Books on surfaces should fit entirely on the tabletop surface. Save oversized books for larger surfaces, so they don’t overwhelm small tables.
Five // Everything Objects
As mentioned above, keep objects at a lower profile, to avoid them being knocked over.
Great table stylers are large trays or low profile baskets, small trays, beads, coasters, rocks, canisters for housing remotes, etc…
Round out book stacks with objects on top that add small or functional interest, ie: coasters, small tray for candles, tiny catchall for matches, magnifying glass, etc.
Six // What About Nothing On A Coffee Table?
No. You must have something for it to look complete and feel lived in!
Seven // My Simple Formula That Works Every Time
If you prefer minimal or just want to quickly assemble something, here’s my simple formula that works like a charm! Two beefy books {1.5 – 2 inches thick} stacked on top of each other with a small tray or basket on top for remotes.
Eight // Refresh With Seasonal
This is a great way to keep your living room fresh. Replace a robust candle with a citrusy scent for summer. Fresh blooms are always nice – and nice to add for company. Tip: be sure to use a short vase. Swapping out books are another way! Garden and exotic vacation books are lovely for spring or summer. While interior books are cozy for winter.
Nine // How To Arrange
How you arrange your groupings depends on the size and shape of your table. Before I get into that, one thing remains the same for every surface. Make sure there’s space around the perimeter. You don’t want your items to appear like they’re going to fall off.
- Square or Rectangle Table – Divide your surface into imaginary quadrants or a grid. Position each object/grouping within each square. Allow two inches of breathing room in-between. This keeps your table from feeling cluttered – even with lots of objects. For a well organized and refined look, keep your groupings straight {as in the same direction as your table}. Never angle them.
- Round And Odd Shaped Table – As mentioned above, I suggest one or two groupings. Typically you want to center your grouping/s on a round table. But with an oblong or irregular shaped table, I recommend offsetting. When applying two groupings, place them next to each other with space to breath.
Ten // What If I Have A Shelf Underneath?
The bottom shelf is more for visual interest, not function. Here are a few suggestions…
- Never leave the bottom shelf empty – You want something there so it’s not perceived as a forgotten space. One large tray or basket with a stack of books is simple and easy.
- Glass top – if you have a glass table top, don’t put anything too busy underneath. It can feel a bit chaotic. This is where simple stacks of books work wonderfully.
Eleven // But Melissa! I Used All My Good Stuff On My Bookshelves!
I hear you. Nicole asked me the SAME THING. Ha! If you need to pull items from other places, identify places on your bookshelves that are tighter than they need to be. You can pull from your nightstands and other surfaces as well. Just remember to share the love and disperse. Don’t take everything from one spot as that will deplete it. If you still need some ideas, we give several book suggestions and object examples in our previous series.
Melissa, thanks a ZILLION for all your words of wisdom!
Since we’ve been chatting with Melissa for three weeks now {and basically BFF’s} I wanted to share a little more about her expertise and what makes her different from other designers.
One of Melissa’s strengths is project management. She sees and approaches your home as a WHOLE – which saves you mega time and money in the long run.
She thinks through your home’s aesthetic and function from the ground up. Which is why she wanted to share this series of tips. They’re meant to help you start making your house feel more like home with small steps in the right direction.
If you are thinking about starting a larger home project, Melissa is offering a FREE kick-off guide. You’ll get the first steps you should take that will ensure your home projects are less daunting! Not to mention prevent you from making some major mistakes that will cost you time and money long term.
Hope you enjoyed this everyone and don’t forget to DM or email me what our next topic should be!
