6 Simple Tips for Styling the Chic Coffee Table of Your Dreams

An easy step-by-step guide that will take your living room from ‘good’ to ‘great’.

Although it’s arguably the heart of the living room, styling an elegant coffee table can present something of a challenge. Between attempting to recreate the dreamy ‘je ne sais quoi’ of those flooding our Instagram feeds and striking the balance between prettiness and practicality, figuring out how to take a coffee table from ‘good’ to ‘great’ can feel like a tricky space to navigate – but it doesn’t have to be.

According to Tracey Craig, founder and creative director of boutique property styling and design studio Bungalow Home, the secret to stepping your coffee tablescape up several notches is to focus on its core components.

“Taking your coffee table from good to ‘next level-wow’ is pretty easy to do – simply by paying attention to how you place items, the texture, scale and height of those items, and how they all work together to create a seamless look that complements the overall scheme of your room,” she tells Bed Threads Journal.

Looking to elevate your living room’s centrepiece? Keep reading for Craig’s simple step-by-step guide to curating the coffee table of your dreams.

1. Consider the materials

If there was to be one cardinal ‘rule’ for curating a beautiful coffee table, Craig emphasises, it would be to choose items that complement each other while featuring varying materials to add contrasting interest.

“For example, you can pair smooth ceramics with timber elements, beautifully covered books and a strand of beads,” she says.

“Take a walk through your home and find interesting objects that are sometimes hidden away. Place them in a collection together and see what works and what doesn’t. I recommend choosing three key items to begin with.”

2. Play with depth

The second key to a truly eye-catching setting? Creating sections and levels that imbue the space with a sense of depth.

“We [at Bungalow Home] recommend creating ‘three sections’ on your coffee table – uneven groupings are always more interesting. Next, you need to consider height and scale when selecting your items. We always start with our main focal point, often a vase or something with height. This way, we get to introduce fresh greenery or dried stems for added texture,” she explains.

“We then choose an item that is of medium height, say a bowl or sculpture of some sort, and finally, select a book or two that will lay flat on the table to give you a base. Trays are also a great way to add a base level where you can feature several of your favourite pieces.”

3. Let your home inspire you

Your home is often the catalyst for the ‘theme’ you create on your coffee table, so it’s wise to select items that complement your existing furniture and décor. For example, if you have a coastal style home that has a neutral colour palette, let those colours guide you on the pieces you feature on your table, Craig advises.

“We always love using beautiful linen-covered books in natural tones and a crisp white marble bowl with some earthy timber beads as a few of our key pieces. The most important thing is to choose pieces you love that tell a story about you and your home. Let your personality shine through your most treasured items,” she says.

Coffee Table Essentials

4. Always leave space for functionality

Tempting as it is to fill the space with beautiful pieces, it’s important to keep the canvas’ original purpose in mind.

“Try not to overcrowd your coffee table with heaps of little trinkets that will look messy, and similarly, don’t choose pieces that are too big and leave no space for someone to place a coffee cup or small plate,” Craig tells Bed Threads Journal.

“As much as a coffee table should look beautiful, it should also be functional. If your coffee table is rectangular, you have more space to play with, so you can choose slightly bigger items while still spacing them out nicely. If you have a round table, select items that are a little smaller while still leaving some ‘negative’ (empty) space available.”

5. Don’t forget the scent

A little scent goes a long way – especially where coffee table styling is concerned.

“Fragrance is always a big part of styling your coffee table,” Craig says.

“These days, candles are packaged so beautifully in different coloured vessels, so choose one that works with your colour theme and include that in your vignette. Alternatively, fresh flowers are a lovely way to introduce scent. A beautifully styled coffee table should delight all of the senses.”

Step 6: Consider all angles

Finally, make sure you inspect your table from all angles to ensure that you've curated a collection of items that look good from all corners of your room.

“Be careful not to place the tallest items closest to the entry point of your room as the scale won't be right and it will block the view of other smaller items,” Craig adds.

So, there you have it: an easy recipe for creating the coffee table you’ve always wanted. One last thing to remember before you go forth and decorate?

“The biggest tip I can give is to have fun with your choices,” Craig says.

“Coffee tables are meant to be a reflection of who you are. They should showcase your personality, tell a story of your travels, or simply feature your most treasured pieces. Be bold.”

For more property styling inspiration, follow Tracey at @bungalow_home or learn more about her studio services at bungalowhome.com.au.

An easy step-by-step guide that will take your living room from ‘good’ to ‘great’.