The Coffee Table Styling Formula I Use Every Time

Coffee tables are the hardest surface in the house to style, I think. Too much stuff and it looks cluttered. Too little and it looks bare. I spent a long time overthinking mine until I landed on a formula that I use every single time, for my own home and when helping friends set up theirs.

Once you understand the formula, it takes about five minutes. Here it is.

Start With a Tray

A tray is the anchor. It creates a contained zone that makes everything on top look intentional instead of scattered. I love a lacquer tray, a wooden tray, or a marble tray depending on your aesthetic. I found a beautiful one through Anthropologie on ShopMy that I use constantly. Coffee table trays on Amazon.

Add Height With a Stack of Books

Coffee table books are one of the most effective styling tools there is. Stack two or three, largest on the bottom, and use them as a riser for something on top. Choose books that reflect your interests or aesthetic, travel, art, fashion, food. The spines matter because they will be visible. Coffee table books on Amazon.

Bring in Something Natural

A small plant, a single stem in a bud vase, a dried grass arrangement, or even a branch. Something natural breaks up the flatness of a styled surface and adds life. I keep a small succulent or a simple eucalyptus stem in a vase on mine most of the time. Small plants and succulents on Amazon.

Add One Sculptural Object

This is the piece that gives the table personality. A small candle, a decorative object, a unique bowl, a stone, a little sculpture. It does not need to be expensive, it just needs to have an interesting shape or texture. Anthropologie has amazing options for this. So does your local thrift store honestly.

Leave Breathing Room

This is the step most people skip. Once you have your tray, your books, your plant, and your object, step back and remove one thing. Or move things so there is visual space between them. A styled table should never look packed. The negative space is part of the look.

Seasonal Swaps

The easiest way to keep your living room feeling fresh is to swap out one or two coffee table items with each season. In fall, I add a small pumpkin or a warm candle. In spring, fresh florals. In summer, a shell or a simple green plant. It takes two minutes and changes the whole feel of the room.

Once you have this formula down you will never stress about coffee table styling again. Tell me in the comments what you keep on yours. I am always looking for new ideas.

So glad you are here. Pam

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