learn how to effortlessly style your coffee table

Getting that perfectly styled coffee table is one of those things that on the surface seems straightforward, but in practice is often a bit maddening. It’s a process of trial and error, of rearranging and rearranging again until things feel right.

While styling is an art form, I’ve developed a few tried and true guidelines for effortlessly styling coffee tables & shelves.

Read on for my tips to take your coffee table & shelf decor to the next level.

^{This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.}^{You can read my full disclosure here.}

HOW TO STYLE A COFFEE TABLE

HOW TO APPROACH ROUND, SQUARE OR RECTANGULAR COFFEE TABLES

To style a coffee table, picture the table surface in sections. Each section gets it’s own stand-alone decor piece or vignette.

So then, how many sections for each table shape?

ROUND TABLE: Divide the surface into either thirds or quadrants

SQUARE TABLE: Divide the surface into quadrants

RECTANGULAR TABLE: Divide the surface into linear quadrants, decorating within the middle two quadrants only. Within this section you can place items in a line or in a rectangle.

SHOP COFFEE TABLES

How to effortlessly style coffee tables and shelves — *^{4 quadrants – 1 vase, 2 stacks of books, 1 decorative bowl. The beads & brass dish add additional layers and texture.}*

WHAT DECOR ITEMS SHOULD I USE?

Examples of coffee table decor pieces:

vase with greenery or florals
plants
stacked coffee table books
tray to group small decor items
large pottery
decorative bowl
candles
small decorative boxes (great for hiding tv remotes!)

SHOP COFFEE TABLE DECOR

THE DO’S & DON’T OF COFFEE TABLE STYLING

There is no hard and fast rule about what goes together, but I like to think in terms of varying heights and materials.

DON’T:

Don’t use two of the same thing (2 plants, 2 bowls, etc.). The only exception is coffee table books – you can definitely have multiple stacks of those!
Don’t use items that are all the same height
Don’t use items that are all the same material (all wood, all pottery, all glass, etc.)

DO:

Do use a variety of non-matching pieces (vase with dried florals + stacked coffee table books + large candle or decorative object + low decorative bowl)
Consider the material of your coffee table. If your table is wood, skip styling with a wood tray and use another material such as rattan or metal.
Stack decorative objects on top of coffee table books for a layered look
Mix materials – wood, glass, ceramics, woven, books, organic elements

DIY Paper Mache Bowl, coffee table books, coffee table styling, how to style a coffee table, coffee table decor, living room decor, eucalyptus decor, how to decorate living room — *^{A DIY Paper Mache bowl adds texture and visual interest to stacked books.}*

And if you’re in the mood to DIY a bit of decor for your coffee table, you can’t go wrong this paper mâché decorative bowl.

HOW TO STYLE SHELVES

For shelves, think of using books alternating postions on your shelves – say to the left on the top shelf, to the right on the middle shelf, and again to the left on the bottom shelf.

Top each stack with a small decorative accessory, or use 3 books stacked horizontally as a statement all on its own. Fill in the rest with decor pieces – decorative objects, sculpture, plants, candles, etc.

shelf, shelf styling, how to decorate shelves, living room decor, coffee table books, — ^{If you don’t care for the spine colour, turning the book backwards can be a beautiful way to style it.}
^{Design: Magnolia Photo: Jennifer Bloomer/Verbatim Photo A}

SHOP CABINETS & SHELVES

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STYLING COFFEE TABLES AND SHELVES

The same rules as styling coffee tables apply here – use a mix of materials, sizes and heights. However when styling shelves, you do want some repetition. Look at the image above again and you will see that books and brass items are repeated throughout the shelves, with a green plant and dark metal scale added for visual interest. Different sizes and materials = well balanced & interesting!

SHOP SHELF STYLING DECOR

ODD NUMBERS ARE YOUR FRIEND

When styling, group objects in odd numbers – 1, 3 or even 5 to create a vignette. If you are styling a surface and something feels “off,” check to see that you’ve got odd numbered groupings. Chances are you’ve got a group of 2 or 4 that’s throwing off the vibe.

^{Shelf styling for the true bibliophile.
Photo: Room for Tuesday}

ADD IN YOUR PERSONALITY

One huge “DO” is adding in decor pieces that are unique to you, that you’ve collected over time and that speak to your unique hobbies & interests.

While you search for these one of a kind pieces, coffee table books are a fantastic decor piece to start with that you can use them to highlight your personality. Whether your into abstract art, interior design, gardening, travel – you name it – there’s a niche coffee table book that will speak to your specific interests.

SHOP COFFEE TABLE BOOKS

Remember to Pin this post for future reference!