via Nate Berkus
Is your coffee table bare? It’s ok if it is; we can fix it. In my opinion, a coffee table needs to have something in order to balance the heaviness of the sofa and rug. You can’t just have a bunch of geometric objects placed near eachother and expect them to get along. You need to soften the scene. So today, I am giving you a coffee table styling guide for all of your design needs.
There are many different variations of coffee table styling, but in this coffee table styling guide, we are going to focus on the main points that will help with any design dilemma you may be experiencing. From minimalism to layered, you’re going to learn how to properly design this often neglected space. If you missed it, I also told you the must have coffee table books earlier in the week.
Coffee Table Styling Guide
It’s all about balance
via Apartment Therapy
Whatever you do, make sure your design isn’t lopsided. That’s the quickest way to counter any visual appeal you are trying to create. Aim to create a sense of symmetry and seamlessness. Get creative and embrace imperfection; in fact, we are going for imperfection! That’s what adds interest.
Place large objects first
via HGTV
Styling such a small space can be intimidating, sure, but the first thing to do is place large objects. Remember what I said about balance? If your large items are unbalanced, it will throw everything off. Starting with your large items will ensure that visually, the design has symmetry.
Form a grid
via House Beautiful
One way to achieve balance as well as an architectural style is to form a grid with your objects. Now, this certainly isn’t required, and it might not be suitable for your room style, but it’s a great option if you are a fan of minimalism or if your furniture is arranged in a very geometric versus organic way. In this case, it’s ok to mirror your objects on either side. This coffee table styling guide is full of different ideas to choose from, you do not have to follow every single one. They are a la carte!
High and low
via Elle Decor
Working with highs and lows is the best way to create energy and appeal. It’s just like flower arranging: start with your “stunners” like tall flowers, then add the fillers and the spillers. Add a tall vase, and then a shorter object like a candle, succulent, or air plant. Add a small picture frame with a string of wooden beads or a small sculpture on top of a stack of books. We are adding various heights and depths to add appeal.
Stacks on stacks
via Elle Decor
A great way to add height is by implementing stacks! My favorite thing to do is set up a stack of books and then place a vase of flowers or a small object on top of the stack. Currently in my apartment, I have stacks with a foo dog on top, a vase of flowers, a small vintage ceramic, and a Jeff Koons ‘Balloon Dog’. I love me some stacks. Another thing you could do with be to have a stack of books with your object, then add a string of wooden beads spilling down the side of the books.
Composition
via Homepolish
Doesn’t is sound like we are painting? Composition, composition, composition! It’s quite simple really, and has a lot to do with balance. For instance, if you have a round vase, but that is the only round object on your coffee table, then you need another round object. No object should be lonely; it should have a friend somewhere else. If you have 1 blue object, it needs another blue friend somewhere else. Two similar friends should not be next to each other, either. Think about your coffee table as a whole.
Group in sets of 3
via HGTV
Isn’t that the rule for everything? From object groupings to cookies, always choose 3. Within that group of 3, vary the height and color of your objects. You can have a group of ceramics, plants, books, knick knacks, what have you. This even works for minimalist coffee tables. Notice in the example above, the tray counts as one of the items in a group of 3, but in its entirety, it also contributes to the diagonal grouping going on with the book and vase. It’s magic.
Form enclosures
via 2 Ladies and a Chair
This style works well if you are going for minimalism or if your OCD just won’t allow objects to be displayed organically. Corral your groups of 3 with a tray (or bowl, where applicable). A tip for choosing your tray: choose the opposite shape of your coffee table. For example, if my coffee table is rectangular or square, I would choose a round or oval tray. This adds interest and ensures you’re not getting too repetitive with your shapes. But if the rest of your space is pretty geometric, stick with a rectangular tray. Remember what we talked about? Your objects need friends; they can’t be the only one.
Get Seasonal
via A Blissful Nest
I’m always switching up my decor. Like Emily Henderson says, I’m never not styling. I have a glass urn that I love to fill with seasonal items like moss, Meyer lemons, Christmas ornaments, pine cones, candy canes, and sea shells. Switch up your color scheme and your decor to match the season, but don’t overdo it or it can get tacky fast. One item (or 1 grouping) paying homage to the season is plenty.
Minimalism
via The Spruce
The last item in my coffee table styling guide is for all you minimalists out there! You were probably cringing throughout this whole post. Stacks? Groupings? Large objects? Grids?! But this last one is for you. Currently my coffee table has 2 levels: the lower level is a grid of magazine stacks, ceramic bowls, and woven baskets. The top of the coffee table is a single white ceramic bud vase. The reason is that our entire apartment is less than 600 square feet, so at some point, the eye needs a rest. A single flower vase, sculpture, art object, candle, even tray with only 3 objects will be perfect.
And that is my coffee table styling guide. I hope you learned a lot and are excited to try these tips out in your own home! I would love to see what you come up with, so feel free to tag me! Share this with a friend who might be struggling. Having a better home starts with you!
-Kristen
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