How to Decorate a Coffee Table

Add function and beauty to your living room with coffee table decor! Let's walk through 6 easy tips for decorating your coffee table.

Coffee tables have long been the centerpiece of any seating arrangement at home. A coffee table usually sits in the middle of a seating area, like the spot in the living room between the sofa and chairs. It's multi-purpose: it can hold a drink, offer storage or serve as a decorative display, or all of the above!

I've shared several other decorating tips for the living room, such as how to choose and style throw pillows, or how to decorate end tables. I've even shared my honest opinion about our Frame TV, how to hide the cords behind it, and how to frame it yourself. I hope all of these posts help you create a living room or family room you love!

Have you ever stared at a coffee table and wondered what on earth to put on it?? I have! It's probably the fussiest piece of furniture, because you want it to look good from every angle while still being interesting and functional. This may feel like the hardest decorating task, but I have the perfect formula for you!

Our current home is actually the first time we've ever had a coffee table. When it came time to put something on it, I realized the coffee table decorating ideas were endless. So I narrowed it down to 6 easy tips for styling one.

Along with my styling formula, I'm sharing a curated list of my favorite coffee table decor items and tips for buying a coffee table. So don't miss those at the end of the post!

6 Tips for Decorating a Coffee Table

I've heard that a good formula for great coffee table decor is Book + Plant + Interesting Decor Object = Stylish Coffee Table. Let's dive in and see how to apply each item and more!

1. Large Tray or Bowl

Starting with a tray or large bowl makes the whole vignette look more cohesive and grounded. I love a wood or woven, natural tray to add texture to the table. Pick one large enough to hold everything you want to display. This will keep it from looking too cluttered.

A tray also makes it easy to quickly clear the decor off your table and swap in a snack tray or coasters for drinks!

2. The Focal Point

The first thing to place on your tray is a large, eye-catching item. This could be a vase, a funky stone, a wooden statue or a pretty planter.

Choose something that adds height and is the star of the show. Another option is setting a tchotchke on a stack of books to give it some much-needed height!

I'd be willing to spend a little more on this piece, since it's the centerpiece of the coffee table.

Plaid Living Room Decor — For Christmas, I used a stack of empty wrapped gifts on my coffee table.

3. Plants

Bring some life to your space with a natural element, like a plant. You can go the faux plant route, or pick an easy-to-care-for plant! I've done both and love each for different reasons. A vase of fresh flowers would look lovely too!

If you choose a tall leafy piece, make sure it doesn't block the view from one person to another.

4. Coffee Table Books

These beautiful hardcover books are some of my favorite things to use as decor. I personally love books from interior designers, but books about a special destination or another hobby would be great too!

Books are great for adding layers or height to your table. Stack 3 of them for a beautiful collected look. Or group books with similar color schemes to create a strong visual element.

Interior Design Coffee Table Books — Coffee Table Books

5. Bowls or Decorative Boxes for Corralling Smaller Items

We used to keep 4 remotes in our living room for various TV-watching situations, so a bowl for those would have been great! You might need a spot for matches for candles or pencils for crossword puzzles. The sky's the limit!

Whether you're gathering useful or decorative items, a bowl or small tray is always a lovely way to keep the coffee table surface looking clean and simple!

6. Use Boxes, Baskets or Drawers for Hidden Storage

Whether it's a closed coffee table or one with baskets on a lower shelf or drawers, using it for extra hidden storage is always a good idea.

This rattan and glass storage box is an adorable storage solution for your coffee table. Use it to store remotes or pretty tchotchkes.

I hope you find these tips helpful! Keep reading for more related recommendations.

Tips for Buying a Coffee Table

Choosing the right coffee table for your space may seem intimidating, but keep these tips in mind and you'll find the right one for your home!

Pay attention to the height of the coffee table. Make sure it's the same height as the chair or sofa cushions, or lower!
Buy an upholstered or round table if you have small kids at home.
Look for a coffee table that is 2/3 (two-thirds) the width of your sofa or chair grouping.
Leave 12-18 inches between the coffee table and the seating.
And leave more than 18 inches between the coffee table and the TV stand.
Consider nesting tables for flexibility and the ability to adjust to your needs!

Must-Have Elements for a Coffee Table

Here are some of my favorite curated items to put on a coffee table!

Beautiful Coffee Tables

If you're not a DIY kind of person, I've got you covered with my favorite tables, too! Check out these gorgeous coffee tables for your family room! Tap the images to shop.