How to Accessorize Your Coffee Table Like a Designer
TL;DR: Elevate your coffee table with a mix of heights, shapes, and materials. Add personal touches, maintain balance, and incorporate natural elements for a designer-worthy look.
Your coffee table is more than just a functional surface — it’s the focal point of your living room. Thoughtfully styling it can elevate your space and reflect your unique personality. Whether you prefer minimalist aesthetics or cozy layers, these coffee table styling tips will help you craft a look that’s effortlessly designer-approved.
1. Play With Height to Add Dimension
Designers always incorporate objects of varying heights to create depth and visual interest. A flat arrangement can feel static, but layers bring life to the composition.
What to Use:
A tall sculptural vase or candlestick
Medium-height object like a decorative bowl or candle
A short tray or stack of books
Tip: Use books as platforms to elevate smaller items and ensure your layout feels balanced, not crowded.
2. Mix Shapes & Materials
A common styling mistake? Using items that are too matchy-matchy. The secret to a designer-worthy table lies in contrast.
Try Mixing:
Organic shapes (e.g., a round stone bowl)
Clean lines (e.g., rectangular trays or books)
Materials like marble, glass, wood, ceramic, and metal
This combination creates a dynamic, collected feel while maintaining harmony in your decor.
3. Infuse Personal Style with Meaningful Accents
Your coffee table is a canvas for your style. Instead of generic pieces, choose decor that tells your story.
Ideas Include:
Coffee table books you actually love
Travel souvenirs or mementos
A small piece of framed art
A decorative box (perfect for hiding remotes or coasters)
Pro tip: Personal doesn’t mean cluttered. Stick to a handful of meaningful items and keep the rest stored away.
4. Keep it Balanced
A common rookie mistake is over-styling. Too many items can make your table feel chaotic.
Follow These Principles:
Group items in odd numbers (3 or 5 work best)
Use negative space to let objects breathe
Anchor your layout with a tray to ground the vignette
This approach keeps your table visually calm, organized, and easy to reset.
5. Add a Natural Element for Warmth
Bringing in a living (or lifelike) element helps soften your arrangement and add a sense of freshness.
Natural Touches to Try:
Fresh flowers in a bud vase
A trailing plant in a ceramic pot
Dried botanicals or pampas grass
Plants and florals work well with all styles and bring warmth to even the most structured designs.
6. Consider Functionality in Smaller Spaces
If you have a small coffee table or live in a compact condo, style with multi-purpose decor in mind.
Smart Styling Tips:
Use lidded boxes for storage
Choose lightweight items that can be moved for entertaining
Avoid overly tall pieces that block sightlines or conversations
Form and function can—and should—coexist beautifully.
7. Refresh Seasonally to Keep It Feeling Fresh
Your coffee table shouldn’t stay static year-round. Small seasonal updates keep things feeling current and lively.
Ideas for Seasonal Swaps:
Fall: Amber glass, candles, moody books
Winter: Pinecones, faux fur, metallics
Spring: Pastels, tulips, fresh linens
Summer: Coral accents, seashells, woven textures
You don’t need to buy all-new decor—just rotate what you already own.
Coffee Table Styling Checklist
| Styling Element | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Varying Heights | Adds movement and visual depth |
| Mixed Materials | Enhances texture and interest |
| Personal Accents | Tells your story |
| Odd-Number Groupings | Creates visual harmony |
| Negative Space | Prevents clutter |
| Natural Elements | Adds warmth and softness |
| Functional Storage | Keeps things organized and neat |
FAQs About Coffee Table Styling
What are the essentials for coffee table styling?
The essentials include a tray, a few books, a personal item (like a candle or memento), and a natural element like flowers or greenery.
How do I style a round coffee table?
Use a central anchor like a bowl or plant, and layer outward with grouped items. Follow a triangle layout to create balance.
What books work best on a coffee table?
Oversized hardcover books on art, travel, or fashion with beautiful covers are ideal for display and conversation.
Can you over-style a coffee table?
Yes. Too many items can look cluttered. Stick to 3–5 objects and leave room for visual breathing space.
What should I avoid when styling a coffee table?
Avoid using only flat or same-sized objects. Steer clear of all functional/no-style pieces. Skip overly fragile items if you have kids or pets.
Should coffee table decor match the room?
It should complement your overall palette and style, but contrast in texture or shape can make it more interesting.
Elevate Your Space with House of Hof
At House of Hof, we specialize in crafting interiors that feel collected, elevated, and uniquely yours. Whether you’re updating a single table or designing an entire home, our team of Toronto-based designers can help bring your vision to life.
Ready to elevate your space? Book a design consultation or contact us at hello@houseofhof.com to get started.