18 Beautiful Ways to Decorate a Coffee Table, According to Designers

Start With Coffee Table Books

When decorating this furnishing, start by selecting a few coffee table books and then choose additional complementary décor. "Think of it as the anchor that grounds your design. Coffee table books are not only visually appealing but also functional, offering guests something to peruse," says Jenon Bailie, merchandising and design director for Room & Board.

Use an Odd Number of Items

You want your coffee table to look styled, but not overly staged. "From our perspective, an odd number of items feels more balanced because it introduces an element of unpredictability and asymmetry. Conversely, even numbers tend to create a sense of symmetry, which can sometimes make a space feel overly formal or rigid," says Bailie.

Leave Space

Leave some space to show off the natural grain of wood, glimmer of granite, or whatever the material of your table is. "The coffee table itself acts as the foundation of the design, and leaving some room allows us to appreciate the table’s natural features and prevents the décor from overwhelming the space," says Bailie.

Add Some Whimsy

Add character and playfulness to your coffee table design by choosing a few whimsical pieces. "Think of unexpected textures and unconventional objects to create levels of interest and personality to your living space," says Jimmy DeLaurentis, a furniture and interior designer. "Style with playful details such as a bold sculpture or luxury board game, oversized apothecary jars filled with your favorite snacks, curated books, and lush florals to create a whimsical moment and inviting environment for you and your guests to enjoy."

Match Coffee Table Décor to the Rest of the Room

Choose coffee table books that complement the room's color palette to tie the entire space together. In this living room, designed by Rudy Saunders of Dorothy Draper & Co., a stack of books in various shades of blue pairs perfectly with the rest of the room's color scheme.

Try Some Trays

A beautiful tray is more than a catch-all for remotes and coffee cups—it can also serve as a thoughtful design choice. "This helps to give some order overall and will add interest," says Saunders. "I have an acrylic tray that I keep all of my needlepoint supplies in for what I am currently working on."

You can employ this same idea with a candle and its decorative lighter, matchbooks, or striker. But, be careful not to overdo it. "Too many [things] in not-a-large-enough space is going to read as cluttered. Think of one statement piece that will really add interest while not overwhelming the table," says Saunders.

Take Inspiration From Travel

Style your coffee table with collections from your travels. "I am always collecting when traveling and looking to bring something home. Usually this item will live on my coffee table as a focal point for a while (at least until the next treasure arrives)," says Saunders. "Again, this is a great way to keep things interesting in your home and spark memories from your travels."

Vary Scale

Experimenting with scale can have a lot of impact on a coffee table. "My best advice for styling your coffee table is to find a couple of items that you love and vary the scale of these pieces in size and height for balance," says Ami McKay, creator of PURE Design. This may be with a selection of coffee table books, flowers, plants, souvenirs from meaningful life moments, or photographs.

Use Decorative Boxes

Items like decorative boxes can pull double-duty as décor and storage. "Useful pieces like decorative boxes can store items to keep close at hand, like television remotes," says Jamie Young, founder of Jamie Young Co.

Add Depth With Bowls

Decorative bowls are not just for the kitchen table. "You can mix and match different textures to add depth and tactile appeal while combining items like a wooden bowl, metallic vases, and marble boxes for a tactile and visually interesting composition," says Young. Large decorative bowls are great for corralling any objects that don’t have a home, like newspapers and magazines.

Go For Layering

Layer your coffee table décor for depth and visual interest. "Stack attractive books and place a fun decorative accessory—think marble chain links or a candle—on top," says Liz Toombs, certified interior decorator with PDR Interiors in Lexington, Kentucky.

Create Zones

Try creating zones on the table. "You may have one section that is for function, such as a basket to hold remotes and coasters. Then another area for beauty where you place a silk floral arrangement," says Toombs. "If your table is large enough, you can have a third section to display a stack of books." Be sure to leave some breathing room on your coffee table so that you and your guests can place a drink or cell phone on it.

Let the Table Do the Talking

If you want a dramatic but simple look, choose a coffee table that looks beautiful on its own, says Libby Palmieri, principal of House of L Designs. Then it’s about finding a few objects that enhance the mood and add some height, texture, or warmth to the table.

Add Flowers

Fresh flowers or plants will add color and texture to your coffee table. If yours doesn't get enough sunlight for a real plant, a nice fake one can have just as much impact. "I have a paper geranium on my coffee table that adds some visible life to a space and also serves as an art piece," says Saunders.

Stick to a Color Scheme

Choose décor that complements the color of your coffee table for a cohesive look. In this space, a black book and dark grey vase perfectly complement the black table.

Add a Table Runner

Place a stylish table runner on your coffee table. "It will add a warm and homey aesthetic to your living room," says Christina Giaquinto, professional organizer and Brand Ambassador of Modular Closets. Make sure to choose one that is machine washable in case there are any spills.

Coasters Are Key

We may think of coasters as nothing more than a way to protect our furniture from spills, but they can have a lot of personality. "Choose unique and aesthetically pleasing ones that show off your personality. You can find quirky and stylish coasters at farmers markets, local gift shops, and on Etsy," says Giaquinto.

Add Candles

Create a soft glow around your coffee table with taper or pillar candles. The ones in this living room have a vintage-inspired look that enhances the entire room's charm.