Coffee tables are one of the unsung heroes in any living area. While immaculately decorated coffee tables are frequently pictured on our social media feeds, the reality is that they are often strewn with cups and forgotten magazines. Read on for tips on how to elevate your coffee table from simple to sophisticated.
Keep function in mind
When decorating your coffee table, it is essential to keep in mind how you use it. After all, a perfectly stylized coffee table is useless if you can’t utilize it in the way you want. Do you tend to set your drink on the coffee table? Do you sit at the table to do work? Do you actually flip through and read the books you have displayed? Do you enjoy using it as a surface to play games with friends and family? Keep all this in mind when styling your coffee table so that it remains usable.
Stacking knick-knacks
If you are caught between displaying books or knick-knacks on your coffee table, you need not choose between the two. Placing small decor items on top of two to four stacked books allows for a stylish way to show off both. Stacking also provides visual interest, especially if your coffee table setup was mostly flat. You can stack candles, vases, and other small items to complete the look.
Keep it organized
Coffee tables often feel like the focal point of clutter in living areas, but it doesn’t have to be that way. First, take stock of what is currently on your coffee table and get rid of any books you don’t want or magazines that are well past their relevant date. Once you’re left with the items you want to keep on display, a Pasadena, MD, interior decorator recommends using decorative trays to keep things organized. Depending on the tray’s size, you can place remotes, coasters, or books inside, minimizing the appearance of clutter.
Experiment with shape and size
While there is nothing wrong with a simple coffee table stacked with a book or two, it provides little visual interest. Consider decorating your coffee table with items of varying height, shape, texture, and size. This can look like a tall plant flanked by flat stacks of books or a ceramic bowl paired with potted plants. Varying the shape and size of the items on your coffee table will help your decor feel more dynamic and visually appealing.
Make it personal
Since people tend to gather around a coffee table, it presents the perfect opportunity for you to add a few conversation starters. Instead of displaying curated decor, consider using one of your own collections or personal items. Some examples include shells from a beach vacation or other trinkets from your travels. This way, your coffee table decor is one of a kind and perfectly unique.
Reclaim your coffee table! Long gone are the days where your coffee table serves as a catch-all for your cups, keys, and mail. If you follow the tips above, you can style a coffee table that reflects your interests and taste, while still leaving space for you to rest your coffee in the morning.
