Ideas
20 Coffee Table Décor Ideas
Your coffee table is the centre of your living room. It has so many different roles to fulfil. Your statement piece, your movie snack table, your workspace, your kids’ play table, and a spot to place your coffee in the morning. This often makes it one of the biggest clutter points in your house.
So how can you design a gorgeous coffee table that is also flexible for all these uses? The key is knowing your lifestyle and matching it with the right décor. Check out our top 20 coffee table décor ideas.
Image Credit: @by_kydrury | Villa Styling
Image Credit: @lilypadpalmbeach | Ian Davidson
1. Stack Coffee Table Books
A bit of a classic décor idea. Stacking coffee table books and matching them with a small vase creates height and interest. Choose a range of books that have interesting covers or topics. There are a lot of gorgeous coffee table books out there. The best books have beautiful, high-quality imagery, and match your interests, perfect for flipping through.
Top it all off with a small vase of flowers or a candle in a complementary colour. A stunning vase like the Cabot Vase, in your room’s accent colour, would complement a neutral coffee table.
2. Create A Grouping Of Decorative Objects In Different Heights
Group a mixture of items like a sculptural object, a decorative bowl, and a small tray. By grouping decorative objects at different heights, you can add depth and dimension to your coffee table. Choose items that complement each other. Experiment with items of different colours or materials, such as a wooden tray and a porcelain bowl.
3. Add A Decorative Tray To Corral Smaller Items
Decorative trays can be more than just a pretty thing to look at. You can use them to store coasters, remotes, and candles. Adding a decorative tray to your coffee table is the perfect way to corral smaller items that can clutter up your table. Choose a tray in a complementary colour or material to your other decor items.
Items we love include the Norah Tray Basket or for something totally unique, the handmade concrete tray.
Explore our entire range of décor, perfect for any coffee table.
Image Credit: @by_kydrury | Villa Styling
Image Credit: @by_kydrury | Villa Styling
4. Layer A Colourful Tablecloth Or Runner
Placing a runner or tablecloth over your coffee table is one of the easiest ways to get a pop of colour. Not only are they great for protecting your tabletop from drinks food, or crayons, they can add a touch of colour and texture to your coffee table. Choose a material that complements your other decor items, and be sure to layer it over a protective pad that prevents scratches and damage to your table.
You can go all out with nature prints like the Giverny tablecloth, or go for pastels with the Habitat Easton tablecloth.
5. Display A Collection Of Antiques
If you have a collection of antique items, why not display them on your coffee table? Antiques such as bottles, jars, or teacups are an excellent way to add a touch of the unique to your living room. Group them together for maximum impact or scatter them throughout the table for a more eclectic look.
Take a photo of them and pop them into our mood board tool. There you can match it to your favourite coffee table and couch from our many partner retailers.
6. Arrange A Group Of Plants
Plants are a great way to add natural texture and colour to your coffee table. Place plants such as succulents or air plants in a complimentary decorative bowl or tray. Choose hardy, low-maintenance plants, such as succulents, cactuses, or air plants to minimise maintenance.
If you don’t want to have to take care of real plants, some faux plants can look amazing. Try out the faux cactus, or the faux leonoti leonurus.
Image Credit: @mulberry_manor | Villa Styling
7. Place A Set Of Decorative Boxes
Decorative boxes can be both practical and stylish additions to your coffee table. You can use them for storage and display. Place small items, such as coasters or remote controls in them. Alternatively, store items you need when using the space for work, or as a play space with kids. Choose a set of boxes in complementary colours or patterns.
Check out the Natural Willow Trunk set or the Etsy Rectangular Box.
8. Use A Large Decorative Bowl Or Basket
A large decorative bowl or basket is perfect for holding seasonal items, such as pinecones or ornaments, to add a festive touch. Choose a bowl or basket in a natural material, such as woven wicker or wood, for added texture. We love items like the Natural Loreto Basket, or the Ebony Basket.
9. Add A Touch Of Natural Texture
Add a touch of natural texture to your coffee table through a woven or wooden tray. Natural textures are perfect for adding a piece of the outdoors inside, without bringing in plants. For a rustic feel, try using old pieces of timber. Or for a bohemian style, woven baskets and tapestries add that much-loved boho quirky style.
Mood board credit by Flawless Interiors Melbourne, on Style Sourcebook, view mood board here.
Mood board credit by House Of Hanalei, on Style Sourcebook, view mood board here.
10. Display A Collection Of Art Or Photographs
A collection of art or photographs can be a great way to add personal style to your coffee table. Choose matching frames to create a cohesive look, or mix and match frames for a more eclectic vibe. You can choose colourful frames in your accent colour, like this frame in sky blue. Alternatively, choose a natural material, like this frame, to add some texture to the space.
11. Use A Set Of Matching Decorative Objects
Symmetry can be a powerful tool in design. A set of matching decorative objects, such as bookends or paperweights are perfect pieces of décor for creating symmetry. You can use symmetry to create a sense of balance on your coffee table.
12. Add A Decorative Lamp
A decorative lamp can add both function and style to your coffee table. Use it to provide extra light in your living room, or simply as a statement piece. Lamps are handy in a pinch if you need to light up your work on the coffee table, or just need to add to the ambience of the room. Do consider that the coffee table is a high activity zone, so choose something that won’t break if knocked off the table.
If you love Art Deco, take a look at the Abella Lamp.
Image Credit: @lumiere_collective | The Palm Co.
13. Create A Focal Point With A Large Piece Of Art
A large piece of art or sculpture can create a dramatic focal point on your coffee table. Choose something that complements your other decor items. Your room will look and feel more together if you choose a piece of art that has your accent colour within it. Be sure to place it on a protective pad to prevent damage to your table.
14. Use A Set Of Matching Candles
Candles can add both warmth and fragrance to your coffee table. Choose a set of matching candles in complementary colours or scents to create a cosy atmosphere. Add some decorative candle holders for some extra style. Do keep a protective mat or plate for your candles around if you plan on lighting them to make cleaning your table much easier.
Try a candle holder like the Boho Cotton & Glass for something a little quirky.
15. Mix And Match Patterns And Textures
For a bold and eclectic look, try mixing and matching different patterns and textures. This can be a great way to add visual interest to your coffee table. Try pairing a patterned tablecloth with a woven tray and a set of metallic bookends. Look at items like these disk metal bookends, this rattan braided tray, and the Habitat Miro tablecloth as a place to start.
16. Incorporate A Playful Element
Adding a playful element, such as a small toy or figurine, can add a touch of whimsy to your coffee table. Choose something that reflects your personality, or go for a seasonal item, such as a snow globe during the winter months. If it makes you smile when you see it, it’s the perfect addition.
17. Use A Set Of Matching Coasters
Coasters can be both practical and stylish on your coffee table. Choose a set of matching coasters in an unusual material, such as agate or marble, for a luxurious touch. For something unique check out the Pesce Coaster.
18. Display A Set Of Decorative Plates Or Bowls
A set of decorative plates or bowls can be displayed on a stand for a striking and eye-catching focal point on your coffee table. Choose plates or bowls with interesting patterns or textures like the Wooden Pine Dempo Bowl. Be sure to use a sturdy stand to hold the weight of the bowl.
Mood board credit by stephanie_janett, on Style Sourcebook, view mood board here.
Mood board credit by Fleur Design, on Style Sourcebook, view mood board here.
Mood board credit by Thediydecorator, on Style Sourcebook, view mood board here.
19. Incorporate A Global Or Travel-Inspired Theme
If you love to travel, why not incorporate a global or travel-inspired theme into your coffee table decor? Use items such as globes, maps, or souvenirs. To add a personal touch include photos or items from places that you have visited. As you travel more, this collection can grow, giving you the opportunity to document your travels in your living room.
20. Add A Touch Of Vintage Charm
Adding a touch of vintage charm to your coffee table can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Use vintage finds, such as old books or postcards, to add character and nostalgia to your space. This globe sculpture by Amalfi combines the travel-inspired theme with a bit of vintage charm.
Feeling inspired? Design your dream living room with our mood board tool.