How to decorate a round coffee table with books and decor by Lori D

A well-curated coffee table setting can be the centerpiece that ties a room together. Of course, there are endless exciting possibilities, which can make the task a tad daunting. But with some consideration and inspiration, you too can decorate like a pro. So, let’s uncover quick tips on how to decorate a coffee table! 

Quick Tips to Decorate a Coffee Table

How to decorate a round coffee table with trays

When you decorate a coffee table without an aim, it can become generic or cluttered. So, with all the riffraff of life happening around you, set a clear intention. As with any interior design aspect, you can sidestep mediocracy by asking yourself a few questions. Focus and purpose will also impact your creative experience as a whole.

When looking at coffee table decor ideas, it’s essential to ask the right questions and make use of tips. So here are a few things to think about when staring at your blank canvas.

Tip: It’s easier to decorate your coffee table when you pinpoint your style. Wondering which look will work best in your space? Then take our free interior design style quiz to discover your personal design style today! 

What is your coffee table’s function?

Modern coffee table arrangements and decor by Jatnna M
A clean coffee table design in a spacious living room by Decorilla designer, Jatnna M.

Ask yourself what the purpose of this piece is. Is it for guests to lounge around, or do you use it for daily tasks, perhaps with little ones around? This will help you determine how much decor and of which kind you will use to decorate your coffee table.

Consider Your Coffee Table Arrangement

Contemporary living room with a beautiful coffee arrangement design by Lorenzo C
Contemporary living room with a beautiful coffee setting by Decorilla designer, Lorenzo C.

What is the general style of the room? Keep your base colors in mind when picking out decor. Zooming out every so often and observing your interior from every angle is essential. Get a feeling of how busy or minimalist your coffee table setting needs to be. If you’re hiring an interior designer, your overall style will also be the first thing they consider. 

Bend the Rules of Symmetry and Perfection

Glam and modern coffee table setting by Casey H
Glamorous and modern coffee table setting by Decorilla designer, Casey H.

Perfect symmetry may be alluring at times, but a centerpiece is an opportunity to break formality. It’s about creating a mini vignette that is visually alluring. Keep an eye out for opportunities to vary levels and textures harmoniously. On a more literal note, place your decor to one side or the other to make it more interesting.

Multiply Your Coffee Table Decor

How to decorate round nesting coffee tables

Once you’ve fallen in love with how to decorate a coffee table, you may want to keep going! So, if you want to refine your setup and bring a curated touch to your interior, try nesting tables. This also works well for smaller spaces where you might need to move things around occasionally.

Include Contrasts into Your Coffee Table Settings

Balanced coffee table decor and design by Dina H
Balanced coffee table centerpiece design by Decorilla designer, Dina H.

When in doubt, experiment. Mix as often as you match, and you may surprise yourself with what works when you bring out your playful side. Step back and view your coffee table setting as a tapestry. Look for ways to juxtapose your coffee table decor against its background.

Leave Some Space for Coffee!

Nesting coffee table arrangement and design ideas by Lauren O
Nesting coffee table arrangement ideas with space for coffee by Decorilla designer, Lauren O.

With all these decor ideas, we can forget to leave space for the simple things in life. Ensure that no matter what you decorate your coffee table with, you always have room for a cup of coffee.

Designer Ideas on How to Decorate a Coffee Table

How to decorate your coffee table like a pro

Once you have asked yourself these questions, it’s time to get inspired and even incorporate a few interior design trends into your setting. So get into the nitty gritty of coffee table settings with these designer ideas.

1. Coffee Table Settings for Everyday

Decorate a coffee table with contrasting decor and accents like this interior by Jamie C
Eclectic living room with fun coffee table ideas by Decorilla designer, Jamie C.

Let’s say you have a bustling home or want to change your workstation. A busy coffee table might not do. In this case, rank space over decor and choose a fruit bowl or vase of flowers. This way, you can keep your coffee table accessories dynamic. You are also bound to have room for games, work, or snacks.

2. How to Decorate a Coffee Table to Match Your Decor

Coffee table settings ina contemporary design by Dina H
Coffee table decor mirrors its surroundings by Decorilla designer, Dina H.

Matching coffee table and room décor requires you to look a little wider. Identify a shape, color, or texture in your room that you can mirror with your coffee table accents. This can be as subtle or bold as you like, but let your eye wander so as not to make it too obvious. 

3. Decorate a Coffee Table with Storage Options

How to decorate your coffee table in a coastal interior

Don’t we love it when form and function meet? Some coffee tables come with an extra shelf, but if yours doesn’t, add decorative boxes, baskets, and trays to help declutter your space. This also cordons off different sections of your coffee table. Consider storage for toys, trinkets, throws, and snacks alike – these practical needs can also be part of your decor.

4. How to Decorate a Round Coffee Table

Round coffee table dseign and decor ideas by Casey H
Round coffee table design by Decorilla designer, Casey H.

A round coffee table is a unique challenge. Start with stacking a square or rectangular shape, such as trays or books, on top of the table. After this base is set, consider small sculptures to break the contrast. Tall candlesticks and a vase with greenery can also help balance the arrangement like a pro.

5. Personalize Your Coffee Table Settings 

How to decorate a big glass coffee table by Leonora M
Coffee table styling ideas by Decorilla designer, Leonora M.

We can spend hours around a coffee table. Add a few personal eccentricities to your coffee table setting to make it look more homey. Candles and fresh flowers help create a cozy look or go the extra mile with a tea set. Bring out a family heirloom as a conversation starter and an air of time and tradition.

6. A Bookworm’s Take on How to Decorate a Coffee Table

Books as coffee table decor with a contemporary look by Meric S
Coffee table with book decor with a contemporary look by Decorilla designer, Meric S.

A house becomes a home the moment you add what you love, like books! Plus, coffee table books supply one with a wonderful pastime. They are also excellent pedestals for coffee table book decor. Leave a book open to add to the allure, or stack them so that the titles face the seating arrangement.

7. Modern Coffee Table Decor

Coffee table decor arrangement in a transitional interior by Meric S
A modern coffee table decor setting by Decorilla designer, Meric S.

Modern coffee table staging requires one to be extra selective. This is an opportunity to showcase your most exquisite piece. Focus on following and mirroring lines with modern coffee table staging. Whether it be a sculpture, vase, or an array of coffee table books, let it carry your design

Ready to decorate your coffee table with a pro?

A keen, expert eye can make interiors amazing. And you can have just such a captivating space – with some help. Schedule a Free Interior Design Consultation to get your vision off the paper and into reality!

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