3 Ways to Style a Coffee Table
I get a lot of questions about finishing touches. Things like accessorizing, filling a wall, styling shelves, etc. can be a challenge for all of us. It takes time, vision and creativity. So today I thought I would show you three ways to style a coffee table, and some tips and tricks along the way.
(Update: I’ve had lots of questions, so wanted to share that you can find similar coffee tables here here and here)
Look 1: Everyday Elegance
This is how our living room coffee table looks on a daily basis. It has some of my very favorite accessories on it – a gray wicker tray, a few large finials, a great faux topiary, and a large orb, to name a few. The look is cohesive, casual enough for everyday, but still feels pulled together.
Tips from this look:
– Use trays to corral items, create “sections” or elevate an object –
The large tray groups all my objects so they feel cohesive and collected. A smaller silver platter elevates a stack of photos to a place of prominence. Each defines a section of the coffee table.
– Give your guests something interesting to look at –
In this case, I had a set of my favorite Instagram snaps printed by Origrami. Everyone loves to look through these at parties and showers!
– Don’t forget the basics –
Coasters and coffee table books are staples for a reason. Give your guests an obvious (and pretty) place to set their drinks, plus an interesting book to flip through.
– Display what you love –
These are a few of my favorite things, so it makes me happy looking at them each evening when we relax on the couch
– Add an interesting shape –
The metal orb adds curve and an industrial edge to the hard lines of the table, books and trays
Look 2: Organic
This look was a fun one to style because it came together a tiny bit more modern than I usually go. None of the elements in and of themselves is terribly modern, but the overall look feels updated and fresh.
Tips from this look:
– Use varying shapes and heights to add interest –
A long rectangle, octagon, sphere and lattice pattern are all shapes seen here. They play off one another to give the look depth. The varying heights of the objects also give dimension instead of leaving the decor feeling flat. Use books as risers to boost height if you need to.
– Bring nature in –
Here I simply trimmed branches from a tree in our yard for a pop of green and touch of nature. It gives the whole thing a more organic shape with the natural curve of the branches.
– Add varying textures –
In the world of textures, opposites usually work well together. Here the shiny sphere plays well against the wicker to create interest.
– Use organic materials –
Here a marble cutting board gives an natural and elegant touch. Marble, stone and wood all bring more organic elements into a look
GET THE LOOK
Look 3: Farmhouse Fresh
GET THE LOOK
This look took me the longest to pull together but ended up being my favorite. I had to pull lots of items from other rooms and vignettes, so it just shows it pays to think outside the box and shop your house!
Tips from this look:
– Use what you have –
I felt the wood dough bowl needed some additional weight, so I grabbed a hand towel from the guest bath. It’s an unexpected addition but adds visual weight, pattern and softens all the wood.
– Create groupings –
The power of three in a vignette can’t be beat. Here a pitcher, zinc cake stand and pumpkin combine together for the perfect fall farmhouse look.
– Choose a look –
For some reason, I had the word “farmhouse” in my head for a third style. While my overall decor doesn’t scream “farmhouse” I knew I could pull a few specific items that fit that category. If you want to create a certain look like industrial, French, cottage, etc., choose only items that evoke that look on their own. When pulled together, they’ll create quite a statement.
– Get creative –
Use architectural salvage in unique ways, such as corbels as bookends or an old shutter as a tray.
– Keep it simple –
In this look, there really aren’t that many objects used. Stick with unique objects that tell a story and you won’t need much.
It was so much fun to get creative with what I had and style our living room in new ways! Hopefully it sparked an idea and gave new inspiration for you too!
Courtney
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These are beautiful displays with well written advice. Cheers, Ardith
Gorgeous display. I love all the muted colors and how you put everything together. I especially like the marble tray and cotton branches.
Very nicely done Courtney !! Luv all three of them really. I'd be hard pressed to choose a favourite .
Hugs, Gee
Your home is so beautiful, everything is very well done The tips for decorating a coffee table are great. I saw your featured room on Kim's blog and just had to come over and I'm glad I did.
Each one has it's own personality! I love that. Where did you get the cotton stems? I have been wanting some for AGES!:):)
Each of the looks look great.. great idea posting 3 different looks! Btw your home is beautiful!
I love the different ways you styled your coffee table. You shared some great ideas. My favorite is the last one. Love those pumpkins too.
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Love your coffee table! May I ask where you found it?? I've seen alot with the wood on the top but havent found one like yours- with the wood on the bottom. thanks!
Can you tell me where the coffee table is from?
I love this, the looks are great! I am also interested in where the coffee table is from! Thanks.
Hi, where is your coffee table from?
Thanks!
Love the ideas- and love the coffee table! Exactly what I am looking for- where did u get it? 🙂
Love the glass paneled octogon piece on the bottom. Do you have a source?!?!?
Hi, love the decor, and especially the coffee table, as I see everyone else does as well ( : May I ask where you got it from?
I got an email that you replied to my quest. But I've yet to find it. please send to bscooterz@gmail.com thanks, Diane
I don't usually correspond or communicate with others this way
?!?! I also have no clue as to what your "respond as" is or means. So please excuse my manners, I thought this would be easy, again I've been mistaken. sorry………..
Hi! I hate to add on another request for the coffee table and where you found it, but perhaps you are responding individually to each?
I just love each of these looks– thank you for such creative ideas!
Hi!! I really love your decor. Love how you put the green foliage into the decor. And I also want to ask where did you buy this gorgeous coffee table, cuz I am moving to my new home and looking for furnitures. Could send a link or a brand name to my email: qintianyu315@gmail.com. Thank you!
Thanks! From home decorators collection! Feel free to check out the paint colors and resources tab for a detailed source list!
Thanks! From home decorators collection! Feel free to check out the paint colors and resources tab for a detailed source list!
Thanks! From home decorators collection! Feel free to check out the paint colors and resources tab for a detailed source list!
Thanks! From home decorators collection! Feel free to check out the paint colors and resources tab for a detailed source list!
Thanks! From home decorators collection! Feel free to check out the paint colors and resources tab for a detailed source list!
From hobby lobby years ago!
Thanks! From home decorators collection! Feel free to check out the paint colors and resources tab for a detailed source list!
Thanks! From home decorators collection! Feel free to check out the paint colors and resources tab for a detailed source list!
Thanks! From home decorators collection! Feel free to check out the paint colors and resources tab for a detailed source list!
I absolutely love your decorating ideas, thank you! I just purchased a similarly styled table from Ballard but the wood was too grayish in color and we have a gray sofa. This table color would work perfectly, and the way you have it looks just beautiful. I saw you purchased it from Home Decorators. Right now they are offering the table in a natural, antique brown, and a white wash. Would you say your stain is closer to a natural? Thanks!
I absolutely love your decorating ideas, thank you! I just purchased a similarly styled table from Ballard but the wood was too grayish in color and we have a gray sofa. This table color would work perfectly, and the way you have it looks just beautiful. I saw you purchased it from Home Decorators. Right now they are offering the table in a natural, antique brown, and a white wash. Would you say your stain is closer to a natural? Thanks!
Hello! I love the coffee table and am thinking of ordering it from Home Decorator's Collection but am not sure which finish – natural, white wash, or antique brown. Do you have a guess (or know) which one is most similar to yours? Thanks so much!
Hi there, I'm sorry they didn't have stain options when I purchased so it may not be exactly like mine. If I had to choose one they are offering now I would say the natural is the closest. Hope that helps!
Hi there, I'm sorry they didn't have stain options when I purchased so it may not be exactly like mine. If I had to choose one they are offering now I would say the natural is the closest. Hope that helps!
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Where did you get the dough bowl?