How to Style a Coffee Table Like a Designer

The coffee table. It sits at the very heart of our living room, yet so often it becomes a magnet for clutter—remote controls, half-read magazines, mugs, and keys. It’s the hardworking centre of the room, but its potential to be a beautiful, stylish focal point is often lost.

But what if you could transform it? What if, with just a few simple principles, you could create a beautifully styled, intentional arrangement that looks like it's been pulled from the pages of a magazine?

The good news is, you can. Styling a coffee table isn't about owning expensive objects; it’s about how you arrange them. Here are the simple secrets designers use to get it right, every time.

1. Start with the Golden Rule: The 'Rule of Three'

This is the most valuable secret in any designer’s toolkit, and it’s beautifully simple. The human eye finds arrangements of three (or any odd number) to be more dynamic and visually appealing than even-numbered groups. Instead of placing two objects, try three. Arrange them in a loose triangle. This simple shift creates a sense of balance and effortless style.

2. Play with Height and Scale

A flat arrangement can feel monotonous. To create visual interest and guide the eye, you need to vary the heights of your objects. Think in terms of high, medium, and low.

High: A tall, sculptural vase with a few dried stems or a slender candle holder.

Medium: A small, potted plant or a decorative object.

Low: A stack of beautiful hardcover books or a flat, decorative bowl.

This variation creates a dynamic landscape that is much more engaging to look at.

3. Mix Your Materials and Textures

This is what brings depth and a tactile quality to your styling. Think about contrast and harmony. Don't just use items that are all shiny or all matte. Combine different finishes to create a richer look. Imagine the smooth, cool glaze of a ceramic vase, the natural grain of a wooden tray, the soft texture of a linen-bound book, and the metallic sheen of a small brass object. This interplay of textures is what makes a space feel curated and sophisticated.

4. Add Something Living & Something Personal

Your home should reflect you. A perfectly styled table still needs a soul. Adding "something living" makes the arrangement feel fresh and alive—a small succulent, a clipping from your garden in a bud vase, or even a piece of moss in a bowl is often all you need. Alongside it, add something personal: a memento from your travels, a beautiful stone found on a walk, or a unique object that tells a story.

5. Anchor It All with a Tray

A tray is your best friend for a tidy, uncluttered look. It acts like a frame for your objects, grouping them into a single, cohesive statement. This simple addition makes your collection of items look intentional, not random. It also makes it practical—if you need to clear the table quickly, you can just lift the entire tray.

Styling your coffee table isn’t about following strict rules; it’s about creating a small moment of beauty that brings you joy every day. Experiment, play with objects you already own, and find a composition that feels right for you.

Feeling inspired? Browse our Home Decor collection here to discover the perfect finishing touches for your coffee table.