How I Style Our Coffee Table

interior design

Jun 15

Every coffee table tells a story. For me, I love showcasing beloved objects and books on our coffee table. As its the centerpiece to our living room, I find that the coffee table gets the most attention–so why not dress it up a bit?

Over the years our coffee table has evolved. When we first moved into our apartment I knew I wanted to find a coffee table that I would love for years and years. It took a little while, but we finally found the perfect marble top that we adore. I love that its slightly oversized, which allows for optimum surface styling!

I tend to remix the styling of our coffee table every few months. As like the change of seasons, I like to give our coffee table a little refresh to fit our mood and time. In spring and summer I tend to be a bit sparser with my styling–leaving plenty of room for bouquets of fresh blooms, a few books and perhaps some neutral decor. Transitioning into fall and winter, I usually tend to double down on candles. However no matter the season, I always have a few evergreen pieces that are tried and true.

If you asked me what my “style” is, I’d probably have to lean in a slightly classic, eclectic and hint of glam direction. I tend to gravitate towards refinement with and edge of organic (I think English countryside meets Mediterranean / California fits that bill). So the pieces on our coffee table (and in our home) tend to reflect that mix of styles. I love pieces that feel collected, special and antique. So many objects on our coffee table have been collected throughout the years from different sources around the world.

When I studied Art History in college, we learned the term, kunstkammer - which is German for “cabinet of curiosities”. These were pieces of furniture (usually cabinets) in which collectors would artfully showcase notable objects such as small art pieces, samples of nature, fossils, or even sculptures. I love thinking about our coffee table in this same way–as a place to show some of our near and dear pieces that define our style.

There are no “official” rules to coffee table style in the world of interior design per say. However balance is key. You want your coffee table to feel thoughtfully full while still maintaining its function as a useable surface.

A few key things to think about when styling your coffee table

01.

Start with your larger objects. These can be books, trays or bowls. These larger pieces will help ground your styling–and will serve as the foundation for other objects. I personally prefer starting with a neutral base–so neutral colored books, and lighter natural materials for trays and bowls such as marble, light wood or stone. You can find all my favorite coffee table books in this post!

02.

Layer in some practical pieces. For me, these are coasters, matches, a wick cutter, and even small catch-alls.

03.

Sprinkle in delight. These are objects that simply delight you–loved and coveted pieces that you simply want to showcase. Candles, cut glass vases, candlestick holders, crystals and geodes–these are all pieces on our table that we love.

04.

Always flowers or greenery. Each week, I try to make it a priority to replenish our blooms. For my coffee table, I’ll opt for smaller, lower arrangements that feel organically thrown together. Wild is where my heart lies when it comes to flowers.