Style Your Coffee Table Like a Pro With These 10 Tips From Sarah Baeumler

A coffee table is often the focal point of a living room. Not only is it a useful piece of furniture to have in your space, but it serves as a spot to showcase elements of your personality and inspirations. Here are some important style tips to keep in mind.

Published June 26, 2018, Updated October 27, 2019

Sarah Baeumler

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Think in Threes

When it comes to adding accessories or objects (like books or vases) to your living room coffee table, think in threes. If you opt for more than three pieces, you run the risk of creating clutter and having the items compete for attention. This is not a rule written in stone, but keep it in mind when grouping pieces together.

Stylish Coffee Table Design With Pink Taper Candles

Janis Nicolay

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Add Height

Varying the height of the objects on display will add depth to the area and fill in some of the dead space that may occur. A tall vase or candlesticks, for example, are accessories that will naturally bring the eye upward, drawing attention to the room’s many other beautiful decorations and features. Find more of Sarah Baeumler’s hacks for making a space feel larger.

Pink Fashion Book Displayed on Marble Coffee Table

Sarah Baeumler

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Display Books

A stack of your favourite reads is one of the best ideas for adding verve to your space and injecting a little of your family’s personality. I always choose hardcovers, because they will keep their shape better and stand the test of time. The books’ subject matter is up to you: from DIY decor and architecture to travel and fashion or any other genre that interests you.

HGTV Canada

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Choose Candles

Opting for a simple, yet beautifully scented candles can certainly add to your living space. Even if you don’t do well with scents, lighting a fragrance-free option creates an overall ambience that makes the room feel that much cozier.

Speaking of cozy, you’ll want to check out these envy-worthy celebrity living rooms.

Stylish Coffee Table With Small Dish, Books and Greenery

Tracey Ayton

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Think Functional

Placing a small dish on your coffee table is an easy way to combat clutter while adding a little style in the process. A brass dish, for example, is the perfect way to deter people from dumping their keys and loose change on the table. For more inspiration, check out these gorgeous living rooms we want to curl up in with a good book.

Sarah Baeumler

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Look to Nature

I always like to have something living on my coffee table. This could be a bright bunch of flowers or a small succulent, but adding that touch of nature will instantly enliven the room. Bonus: incorporating fragrant blooms will give your space a refreshing scent, too.

HGTV Canada

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Mix Metals

Don’t worry about mixing metals when dressing up your coffee table. In fact, I encourage it. Pairing chrome with brass is not a faux pas – it will add an element of style and can certainly make a space feel more eclectic.

Glass Coffee Table Dressed With Vintage Items and Greenery

Tracey Ayton

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Get Personal

Introduce a one-of-a-kind object that doubles as a conversation piece. For instance: an item you scored while on vacation or an interesting vintage find. Pieces such as these carry a certain level of intrigue and serve as nice reminders of the special moments associated with them.

Coffee Table with Wicker Basket and Blue Accents

Lauren Kolyn

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Layer Textures

Include different finishes and textures on your coffee table, but always keep it monochromatic. Too many colours will make the table feel chaotic, not collected. So stick to the same palette (in this case, blue and taupe) and add interest through varying textures and finishes.

Tracey Ayton

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Less is More

Consider the functionality of the table and the reason for it being there in the first place. You will need space for a cup of coffee and the book you’re reading, too. Be strategic and add items that suit your needs without overdoing it. You can even rotate the pieces each season to keep the look fresh.