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August 4, 2011 by Lindsay

A Well Styled Coffee Table

I am always in love with a well styled coffee table. As an interior designer, a well put together surface or space makes my heart flutter.

A coffee table is the center of most living/ family rooms, yet it often forgotten about or is cluttered with magazines, papers, remotes, or mail. Because the coffee table makes up the centerpiece of the space, why not dress it up to reflect your style and interior décor?

Coffee tables can have numerous functions, which can make it difficult to style. Accessorizing on the coffee table can be tricky to figure out. What to put on the table and how to arrange it can be especially quite the task!

Adding flowers, succulents, fruit, or even herbs can provide such a beautiful and colorful focal point to the space.  Choose one large arrangement or multiple, smaller potted arrangements to showcase organic elements.

An alternative to flowers is to add a large candle in a glass hurricane to bring comfort and a calming to the room.

One of the best principles in interior design is layering. By including a tray on your coffee table, it adds another layer of intrigue. Trays are also great to make the scale of the surface smaller so your coffee table doesn’t seem like a sea of glass or wood. Accessorize the tray with small elements like votive candles, coasters and a small flower pot or bowl. Trays are especially great on a soft surface coffee table or upholstered ottoman.

A Well Styled Coffee Table

Creating visual texture to a coffee table is similar to arranging a fireplace mantel or bookshelf. Use books & stack them, small sculptural elements, flowers, bowls and candle sticks that will provide varying heights and add texture to the table.

Adding items that speak to your personality will bring character and interest to your space. To finish off your coffee table, add in elements that symbolize you, your personality and things that inspire you.  This piece will dominate the table surface and create an eye catching display. Add some travel keepsakes, pictures, old record sleeves, a collection of vintage votives or even a tin with old milk glass bottles to your coffee table for a fun & whimsical approach.

Add some books.  A single stack of books is beautiful in itself and can be a great conversation starter.  Limit the stack to 4 or 5 books.  Make multiple stacks if you’ve got a larger table. For a fun pop of color, add books with unique designs, patterns or hues!

{Image sources: House Beautiful & Pinterest}

 

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Comments

  1. Katie says

    August 5, 2011 at 8:24 am

    We don’t currently have coffee table because we have two puppies, but when we did we used it to display the most recent photographs of our family. A Snapfish album or regular photobook was always a highlight for guests to flip through. Then we add a couple “Coffee table books” that show what we’re currently interested in. It’s fun to switch it up.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 6, 2011 at 5:56 am

      Katie,
      I love it… ‘pet safe’… I usually have to remove all of my decor when my 6 nieces and nephews come over!! I love the idea of photo books… our wedding photo book is on our table too!! It is fun to have close because I look through it all the time now!

      Reply
  2. Sarah says

    August 6, 2011 at 5:51 am

    Love this post. I never really know how to layer things on my coffee table to look nice and neat… and designer-ish! Thanks Lindsay!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 6, 2011 at 6:14 am

      Sarah~ I am so glad I could help ya! Layering is tricky, but if you will stick to these basics and you will create a beautiful coffee tablescape!

      Reply

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About Me

Hi, I am Lindsay Milner, the designer, fashionista, blogger & mommy behind A Design Story! I am a happy wife & momma that loves all things stylish! I love blogging, interior design, shopping, having fun on the beach, making our house a home, hanging out with family, drinking coffee & running around after our kiddos.

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