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

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 spillage from wine or coffee, 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.

Start With the Largest Item

Starting with the largest item, such as coffee table books, is like setting the stage for the entire décor arrangement. "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 Bailie, who believes that beginning with these substantial pieces ensures that they take center stage and set the tone for the rest of the items you'll be adding. "The bowls or sculptural objects you incorporate should complement the size and style of the table to create a harmonious look," says Bailie.

Use an Odd Number of Items

Design is as much about psychology as aesthetics. "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 that natural grain of wood, glimmer of granite, or whatever the material of your table. "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 coffee table styling with a touch of whimsy. "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."

Play With Books

Books are of course a natural idea for a coffee table, however, try to display different books throughout the year. "Whether seasonally appropriate, a new addition to your collection, or just what is inspiring you right now, this keeps it interesting and fresh," says Rudy Saunders, design director of Dorothy Draper & Co. You can mix  things up as well, such as having a selection of illustrated books and hardcover books you're currently reading. "Try leaving a book open and ready to enjoy as opposed to just a stack of books," says Saunders. This is also a good conversation starter when you have guests over, to share what is currently capturing your interest.

Try Some Trays

A tray is not just a catch-all for remotes and coffee cups, but also a part of the look of the coffee table’s décor, while also visually containing clutter a bit. "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.

Embrace Functionality

Work with the inherent functionality of your coffee table, and make that the center of the coffee table's feel and look. "Remember that coffee tables, first and foremost, serve a utilitarian purpose, and over time, daily items will find themselves there," says Saunders. Allow for this to happen by keeping your table sparser and allowing the clutter that is everyday life to accumulate in an organic way. "I use an antique silver cracker tray to hold remotes, again to contain the clutter and also add some interest. These trays are actually the perfect size to hold a remote or two," he says.

Take Inspiration From Travel

Going in a different direction, the items on your table trays can be dictated by 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."

Bring Fresh Flowers Inside

Fresh flowers or plants always add life to a space but can be hard to maintain, especially if you travel often. "I have a paper geranium on my coffee table that adds some visible life to a space and also serves as an art piece. When I want fresh flowers, I simply move it somewhere else for a while. This is a great way to always have something 'living' in your home," says Saunders.

Play With Texture

Experimenting with texture can have great results. "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 a selection of coffee table books, flowers, plants, souvenirs from meaningful life moments or trips, or photographs. "Do you have a collection you would love to display or a handmade ceramic that you can incorporate?" says McKay. "A well-curated coffee table can be such an inspiring source of conversation, and feel free to swap items out whenever you need a change."

Incorporate 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 corraling any objects that don’t have a home, like newspapers and magazines.

Go For Layering

Layering can work well with beauty or fashion styling but also very well with styling your coffee table décor. "I always recommend layering items to give 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 the aforementioned stack of books. Picture frames, books, ceramic vases, and candles are all great go-tos to place on your table." 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.

Nesting Tables

You want to create an intimate and welcoming gathering point in the living room. "While the top of your coffee table highlights a bit about who you are, function can be equally important in some spaces," says Libby Palmieri, principal of House of L Designs. This may involve getting a few ottomans to nestle under that coffee table for more seating options without taking up extra space. 

Let the Table Do the Talking

You want to have some great accents and accessories, but you don’t want to go too far or appear overdone. "If you want a dramatic but simple look, go for a coffee table that can stand alone," says Palmieri. Then it’s about finding those objects that will enhance the mood and add some height, texture, or warmth to the space. You want the coffee table’s décor to stand on its own and be noticed—but not overwhelm the space.