Coffee Table Decor Ideas to Amp Up Your Living Room
Give your table a stylish touch.
When it comes to interior design, it's those finishing touches that help tie a room together. Coffee tables in particular, can be styled in a way that creates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, adds a stunning focal point, or simply offers the functionality you need in your living room. So if you are looking for some inspiration to upgrade your space, our list of coffee table decor ideas is here to help you find both simple and easy or dramatic and eye-catching options to personalize your home.
1. Choose a Coaster Set
If you regularly entertain in your living room and are in search of coffee table decor that is both practical and aesthetic, go for a coaster set with a holder. Not only will you be able to protect the table surface (wood in particular), but you have a fun range of options to choose from, allowing you to pick the design that best suits your aesthetic. Try something with a sculptural quality for a fun talking point, or a stacked design to add different heights to help give more visual interest and balance to your scheme.
Tip!
If you are looking for more in-depth advice on decorating, read Decorating a Coffee Table: How to Style Your Coffee Table.
2. Play With Shapes
Use the shape of your table to get a modern feeling. Something in glass and gold with strong geometric lines will work especially well with the juxtaposition of more rounded and softer pieces. Try soft pastel candle holders, a rounded bowl, and accessories in colors to complement your palette – particularly those of the throw pillows and chairs. Remember the rule of three (try to keep groups in trios or odd numbers) for the most eye-pleasing effect.
Tip!
A stack of books is the perfect way to help elevate your decorations for some variation.
3. Use Repetition
Should you have a favorite set of objects you want to display – particularly if they feature a similar motif and/or colors – place them together for a stylish vignette. A beautifully patterned blue and white vintage-feel vase and ginger jar collection in varying sizes and shapes, makes for great coffee table decor in a more formal living room. And if you find it getting a little crowded, you can extend some of the pieces to the side table to continue the theme.
For a more minimalist aesthetic, try to make the coffee table the primary focus of your decorating. The wooden base and black faux-marble top of this table offers a bold combination of natural materials that does not require too much additional styling. A simple glass vase filled with some fresh greenery and a plain white candle for added light, are all you need to match up to this mid-century modern option.
To decorate like a pro, go with a round or square tray to help corral all your items. Whether you use yours to store tv remotes or show off for seasonal pieces like summer flowers and fall wreaths, you'll be able to play with all your different coffee table decor ideas as you refresh the arrangement when the mood strikes.
A good way to keep television knick knacks and other personal effects out of sight, is by adding a decorative box or two to your table. Choose a few different sizes and designs for aesthetic variety or stack them to bring elevation to your arrangement. You can also place your box in the center of a tray for extra effect.
Looking for a touch of plant life for your coffee table decor ideas? While there are plenty of faux-floral options to do the trick, a terrarium is the way to go if you prefer living greenery. These small self-contained gardens allow you to select low-effort flora that require little to no watering, but still bring a pop of the outdoors into your space.
Tip!
Learn more about terrariums and decorating with What Is a Terrarium?, How to Make a Terrarium in 5 Easy Steps, and Make Your Own Terrarium.
8. Don't Forget a Candle Holder
When it comes to coffee table decor, candles are a versatile staple that can be styled to your preference. Lanterns will give a more farmhouse aesthetic, or try to lean more into the more dramatic with a large candelabra. Individual votives and candle sticks can be arranged across the table while tea lights can be lit to create a moody atmosphere. Don't forget a scented oil diffuser for a touch of aromatherapy!
A living room with limited floor space will benefit from a dual-purpose piece like an ottoman. Select one that features a shelf beneath the cushion so you can rest your feet on top and keep your goods below. You also get closed storage ottomans that allow you to hide away throws blankets and pillows, board games, and anything else you aren't using at the moment, keeping the room clutter-free at all times.
For a highly decorative element, try a tabletop globe. There are plenty of unique designs available, all of which will add a touch of class to your tabletop setting. It will be especially effective if your coffee table is used more for display, allowing you to experiment with scale as this chunky item gives you something unique to work around.
Be sure to include contrasting textures in your coffee table decor ideas. Woven baskets won't just make quick cleanup of any messes, but will also help bring in a visual variety that will keep the surface from getting too monotonous. They also provide a great way to prevent cluttering your table too much, allowing you instead, to change out items and play with looks until you find the one you are satisfied with.
With these coffee table decor ideas, you won't have to purchase new furniture to change up the aesthetic of your living room. Just a few core pieces will give you a fresh new look you are sure to love.
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