COFFEE TABLE STYLING CHEAT SHEET + 12 Coffee Table Favorites by Price!

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“HOW DO I DECORATE MY COFFEE TABLE?”

My goal with this blog is to solve your design dilemmas one Cheat Sheet at a time. This week I am answering the common question “How do I decorate my coffee table?” by sharing my three fool-proof styling formulas regardless of your coffee table size.

FUNCTION FIRST.

Y’all know I put function at the forefront of my designs, and coffee table decor is no different. Before you begin decorating, always think about how you actually use your coffee table rather than how you should decorate your coffee table.

For example, suppose you use your coffee table as a surface for working, eating, folding laundry, etc. In that case, you'll want to minimize your decor approach to maximize your coffee table’s surface area. If you use your coffee table for feet propping and remote storage, you have options depending on your style preference.

TERMINOLOGY.

My coffee table styling formulas have two main components: a stack and coordinating objects. Below is a brief terminology breakdown, so we’re all on the same page. 

@westelm

STACK | A stack of 3 or more books, sometimes with a small object on top, sometimes without.

for minimal styles:

SIMPLE STACK | A stack of 1 to 2 books with a small object placed on top.

@battenhome

COORDINATING OBJECTS | 2-3 objects that vary in height yet coordinate in some fashion.

examples: Vase, decorative storage, candle, bowl/vessel, decorative object, etc.

COFFEE TABLE STYLING CHEAT SHEET

3 COFFEE TABLE STYLING FORMULAS

Formula #1 | Minimalist Coffee Table Styling

Choose 1: Simple Stack OR Coordinating Objects

• Positioning: Cluster

  • Since the decor is minimal, the positioning of your items can be center or off-center, depending on the intended function of your table and style preference.

Formula #2 | Balanced Coffee Table Styling

Pair Together: Simple Stack + Coordinating Objects 

• Positioning: Triangle 

  • Round and Square Coffee Tables

    • DO: Center your decor as if there was an imaginary triangle on top of your table. Place the two tallest objects first and layer your simple stack in front. 

    • DON’T: Place your objects in a straight line, especially in height order.

  • Oval and Rectangle Coffee Tables

    • DO: Stagger your decor along the length of the table with your largest items on the outer two sides and your smaller item in between. 

    • DON’T: Place your objects in a straight line, especially in height order.

Formula #3 | Maximalist Coffee Table Styling

Use Multiple: Stacks + Coordinating Objects

• Positioning: Pattern

  • Use a pattern like the ones in the above graphic to keep your coffee table looking styled instead of messy.

COFFEE TABLE STYLING FAVORITES

I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.

PRODUCTS LISTED LEFT TO RIGHT BY ROW

House of Joy by Gestalten | Bibliostyle - How We Live at Home with Books | Harry Styles and the Clothes He Wears | Collective Wisdom | Nisan Skull | Wyat Candelabra | Gold Picture Frame | Capri Blue Volcano Matte Black Candle | Mario Sitting Vase | Aguilar Vase | Avian Vase | Grace Florals Terracotta Vase | Delilah Vase | Black Round Wood Tray | Wood Hand Carved Tray |

COFFEE TABLE FAVORITES - by price!

PRODUCTS LISTED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT BY ROW

Thetford Coffee Table | Rose Park Round Wood Coffee Table | River Heights Square Wooden Coffee Table | 32” Arbon Coffee Table | Sintra Nesting Coffee Table | Anton Coffee Table | Neon Blue Acrylic Coffee Table | Mixed Reclaimed Wood Round Coffee Table | Leonel Coffee Table | Trendyl Coffee Table | Joined Base Rectangle Coffee Table | Clouded Square Coffee Table

COFFEE TABLE SPACING DESIGN TIP

COFFEE TABLE HEIGHT + WIDTH DESIGN TIP

ELEVATE YOUR SPACE

My Cheat Sheets are meant to help you elevate your space with confidence, but if you’re someone who wants personalized help in creating your dream home, I invite you to CLICK HERE to view my virtual design services.