12 Simple Tips for Styling a Coffee Table
The coffee table is generally a focal point in the living room around which people and objects circulate. Yet, many people often find it difficult to get the right mix of a useful surface and decorative display. Here are the key principles when it comes to styling your coffee table that will take it from plain to sophisticated.
Ensure it Fits the Theme of the Room
Before beginning to style your coffee table, think carefully about the theme of the rest of the room. Whether the space is full of bright, vibrant energy or more of a soothing coastal vibe, the objects you place on your coffee table should tap into that energy.
Use Objects of Different Heights
Adding in objects of different heights will create dimension, interest and beauty, taking the eyes on a visual journey up and down the accessories that you have placed. But don’t have them so high that you can’t see over them when seated.
Layer Textures
Explore tactile materials that look and feel different — mixing materials and textures is especially important when designing a neutral space.
Explore Depth of Field
Avoid placing all objects of varying heights in a straight line. Instead, think of the arrangement as a cluster of items, with taller objects at the back of your coffee table and shorter ones in front.
Add Flowers and Plants
A colourful flower arrangement or plant can bring life, softness and a burst of energy to the space, breaking up any potential monotony. While real flowers and plants are wonderful, artificial can work just as well when it comes to creating visual interest.
Opt for Larger Decorative Items
Aim to have just the right number of decorative pieces on your table. As a general rule, larger items look better than lots of small ones. Little trinkets can make the space look messy and disorganized, whereas larger items can create more visual impact without the cluttered feel. If you do have a number of smaller items that you wish to display, they can look best contained in a tray.
Think About All Angles
Remember that your coffee table is a central piece that can be viewed from all directions. It is therefore vital not to just style with the front of your decorative pieces all facing the same way, but rather have them pointing in different directions to create interest from all angles.
Stack Books or Magazines
A carefully placed stack of books or magazines can encourage relaxation and create the perfect conversation starter. Whilst magazines can look great scattered, books are best presented neatly, ensuring that the topics are relevant to the vibe you are aiming to create.
Use a Variety of Shapes
Get creative when it comes to different shapes and how they can be used to complement each other. For example, style a long rectangular coffee table with a round tray to break up straight lines, or use a mix of shapes on a round or square table to add texture and variation. Odd-shaped items like branches and pinecones can be great for adding further depth.
Mix Contrasting Materials
Aim to avoid styling your coffee table with items in the same finish as your tabletop. For example, if you have a marble table, avoid marble pieces and instead top with greenery in a clay vase and decorative wooden items. Whilst contrast in colour is important, contrast in material will have far more of an impact when it comes to adding interest and dimension.
Embrace Negative Space
Don’t overcrowd your coffee table with too many objects, especially in a minimalist living room. Styling with just a small vase of flowers and a vintage candleholder will create a light and airy feel that leaves plenty of negative space and room for drinks, books and other functional items. It is also important to leave an adequate gap between your objects and the edge of the table.
Keep it Functional
A coffee table can be a great place to keep day-to-day items within reach and looking tidy, if styled with practicality in mind. Small storage boxes are ideal for objects like remote controls and keys. Consider placing a stack of attractive coasters for drinks.
Sylvia James has worked as an interior design expert for more than 15 years. She also provides expert interior design tips and advice for HomeHow, and her tips have been published in a range of leading press publications.
Clare Tattersall and www.realtorontowest.com disclaim any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the contents of this article and disclaims all liability in respect to the results of any action taken or not taken in reliance upon information in this article. The opinions of the writer are their own and are in no way influenced by or representative of the opinions of Clare Tattersall or www.realtorontowest.com.
