How To Style A Coffee Table

Your coffee table is a dynamic piece. Often demoted to a footrest or a place to set a bowl of popcorn, you typically forget its potential to make your living room stylish.

Styling your coffee table is easy—it’s a great Saturday morning project. In this blog post, we are going to show you how to style your coffee table so it is guest-ready at all times while still functioning as a place for "all the things."

Start with a Clean Slate

Remove everything from your coffee table and wipe down the surface and legs with a damp cloth. If your table is glass-topped, be sure to polish it so it sparkles. This blank canvas may provide inspiration.

Choose your Aesthetic

Do you want to convey vintage warmth, modern vibes, or something else? Pick your aesthetic and stick to it. Don't select any elements that stray from this look—now and as time goes on.

Select your Elements

Do your coffee table’s existing elements fit the aesthetic you have chosen? If so, great. If not, part with what doesn’t work anymore and replace it with something that does. The best stylized tables include a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, so be sure to choose at least one item from each of the following categories:

  • Books or magazines

  • Candles

  • Plants or flowers

  • Organizer tray

  • Metallic decor,  i.e., technology

  • Coasters

Organize and Style your Table

Divide your table into three or four quadrants. In one, place the tray and fill it with metallic pieces, such as the TV remote, cordless phone charger, etc. This is an easy way for you to keep the necessities of life nearby and orderly.

In the second quadrant, place your books or magazines (not both) in a neat stack. I love to place candles on top of the books andtheseare my all-time favorite. In the third, place any floral bouquet or potted greenery you have selected. In the fourth, if you have allotted that much space, make room for a coffee cup by adding decorative coasters to protect your table.

Enjoy!

With very little effort, you have transformed your coffee table into a functional design element that complements the entire room. All you have to do moving forward is guard against unnecessary elements making their way onto the table, resulting in unsightly clutter. 

I know you can do this yourself—but if you have any questions for me about this process or any design issue, I am always here for you.

See you soon!

Julie

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Transformed by Design

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Inspiring Emotion With Color