A coffee table isn’t just a landing spot for your remote or your morning mug — it’s a design opportunity right in the heart of your living space. The right styling can make a room feel curated, inviting, and complete. Whether your style is streamlined and modern or layered and eclectic, these tips will help you create a look that feels effortless yet intentional.
1. Start with a Focal Point
Every coffee table needs a “star” — something that draws the eye and sets the tone for the rest of your styling. My focal point is a glass terrarium I made for our wedding. Not only does it bring height, greenery, and texture to the table, but it also holds sentimental value, making the whole arrangement feel more personal and unique.
2. Balance Height and Visual Weight
When styling, aim for variation in height so the arrangement feels dynamic. On the left side of my table, I have a small brass vessel filled with matches next to a candle — a low, warm combination — balanced by a taller potted plant on the right. This creates an easy flow for the eye to follow while keeping both sides of the table visually interesting.
3. Layer with Books, Trays and Bowls
In my case, I use all three! Books, trays and bowls are the unsung heroes of coffee table styling — they anchor objects, add texture, and give smaller items a stage. On my table, I’ve stacked a couple of favorite design books beneath items, which adds height and makes it feel intentional. A small horn bowl corrals my brass owl magnifying glass, while a polished brass bowl holds my coasters (which no one ever uses!) so they read as one cohesive vignette instead of looking scattered. The gold snake box corrals, remotes, chargers, and all the "stuff" you don't want to display.
4. Bring in Something Organic
Fresh flowers, greenery, or even a small bowl of seasonal fruit can instantly bring your coffee table to life. Organic elements add freshness and contrast beautifully with harder materials like metal, glass, or stone. On my table, I have two plants plus my wedding terrarium — they add height, texture, and a hint of the unexpected.
5. Leave Space to Live
A beautifully styled coffee table should still function for everyday life. Make sure you leave open space for drinks, snacks, or even a laptop if you use your table for work. The best arrangements strike a balance between beauty and practicality. On mine, there’s plenty of room for drinks and food, though I’ll shift a stack of books to the side if we’re entertaining and need more space.
6. Add Personal Touches
The best coffee tables tell a story. Whether it’s a favorite candle from your travels, a small artwork from a local market, or a sentimental object, personal items make the styling feel authentic. My terrarium isn’t just pretty — I made it for our wedding, so it brings a bit of “us” to the space every time I see it. I also have a brass Xanax trinket holder gifted by a close friend, and a brass snake box that’s one of my favorites (I love both gold and snakes — win-win). Even my candle, matchbox, brass vessel for matches, and the matches themselves were carefully chosen — I spent a lot of time picking them out to be both beautiful and functional.
Coffee table styling is all about creating a look that feels collected, not cluttered. Mix heights, textures, and personal touches so the arrangement feels like a natural extension of your home’s style. And remember — styling isn’t static. Swap a vase for a candle in the fall, replace fresh flowers with a sculptural piece in winter, or restyle for a special gathering. I often rotate books and decorative pieces to reflect the season, our mood, or the type of entertaining we’re doing. Small changes keep the table feeling fresh without requiring a full makeover.