Simple Ways to Style a Coffee Table
Whether your styling any kind of surface like a coffee table, side table or a console, it’s best to start out with a clean slate. Begin by removing any accessories that may already be there, including books, florals, candles etc. and set it aside so you can see what you are working with. Look at your table and separate it into a grid formation. This will help you to keep everything in a group formation with clean lines and not angled and askew which tends to make your surface look cluttered.
I particularly like to style with books, keeping to a monochromatic tone and stack them according to size and in differing heights. Next you can begin to incorporating accessories and object and it’s important to use things that you’ve already got or items that you’ve collected over time or on your travels. These things will have a sort of personality or soul that represent you and your family. Try them placing them atop a stack of books or in a tray that works within your grid. Bowls whether woods or ceramics work to provide texture. Don’t be afraid to use something rustic with another item that is high gloss. Interesting materials and tactile elements, even if completely random in nature provide visual interest. As you go, stand back and you’ll be able to see what works and what doesn’t.
Florals can really inject a sense of life into a space regardless if it is a dried, fresh or faux arrangement. For me, a space is always about feeling a sense of emotion, so obviously the addition of scent can bring in a certain mood to a space and scented candles work beautifully as do reed diffusers. I tend to create one side of the space that the table lends it’s look to, such as toward the sofa. But, in a living space, walk around to see if what you’re creating makes sense from 360 degrees - ensuring it looks nice from each side. Make sure you have items at differing heights, mid-high-low, to cause your eye to move and not fall flat on the space. Remember, sometimes more is more and sometimes more is less. It really depends upon your space and how the table relates to the room it’s in. MOST importantly, do what feels good for you. Because the whole idea is to Love Where You Live!
XO,
Molly