A coffee table is one of the main furniture pieces in your living room. It is the spot where you place your coffee cup down (with a coaster) and gather around with family as you lounge on the nearby sofa.
A coffee table is also meant to decorate. It is the perfect place for a centerpiece, whether a vase of flowers or some of your favorite large books with aesthetic covers.
This blog post will dive into how to style a coffee table, along with how to choose a coffee table in the first place.
How to Choose a Coffee Table
There are three main factors to consider when shopping for a coffee table: The style, the shape, and the size of the sofa or loveseat that it will be near.
When thinking about the style, you’ll want to narrow down whether you want one of the following interior design themes (to name a few)…
- Mid-century modern
- Farmhouse
- Contemporary
- Nautical
- Antique
- Scandinavian
- Minimalist
Then once you have your aesthetic chosen, you’ll need to choose a shape…
- Oval
- Rectangular
- Square
- Round
Finally, you will need to take into account the type of sofa (standard, sofa with a chaise, L-shaped sectional sofa, etc) and the size so that you can determine if the coffee table you are interested in will actually work in your living room.
In general when considering a standard sofa without a chaise, your coffee table should be between ½ and ⅔ the length of your sofa.
If you are navigating a sofa chaise, you will focus only on the standard seating area of the sofa, making sure the coffee table is also between ½ and ⅔ the length of the seats and can neatly fit where it is not blocking the chaise.
How tall should a coffee table be?
A coffee table should be about the same height as the seat cushions of your sofa. It is okay if it is slightly lower than the seat cushions, but it should not surpass them.
You want to be able to comfortably access your coffee table so that it is not too low or too high.
How much space should there be between a couch and coffee table?
A coffee table should not be placed further than 1.5 feet from the couch or sofa. Some prefer the coffee table closer, at around 12 inches. This is totally based on preference, the size of the room, and your ability to easily maneuver around the coffee table to reach your seat.
Are there eco-friendly coffee tables?
Yes, there are eco-friendly coffee tables made of sustainably-sourced wood and zero-VOC finishes. Here are our favorite coffee tables.
How to Style a Coffee Table
Once you have your coffee table, it is time to style it. Here are a few tips to consider.
- Make sure that the items you use do not overpower the table. You still want plenty of space for drinks and other everyday items.
- The decorative pieces should match the theme of the space.
- Nothing is stagnant–you may swap out the decor periodically as the seasons change, or as your style transforms.
- Don’t be afraid to play with different textures and colors.
- Mix old and new pieces
- Consider thrifting or making decor pieces if you feel inspired. This is a sustainable, eco-friendly option.
Coffee Table Decor Ideas
Here are a few potential items that can be used as coffee table decor. Play around and try a few things before settling on what you think looks and feels best.
- Books: Either large “coffee table” books, vintage books, or simply stacking a few of your current reads as a centerpiece that motivates you to get through your TBR.
- Pottery: A centerpiece of your favorite pottery adds shape, texture, and color to your coffee table.
- Plants and Flowers: You can opt for fresh flowers or fake flowers, or perhaps you prefer succulents or air plants. Whatever your choice, adding flowers or other plants brings in color and a stunning focal point. Pair flowers with a porcelain or glass vase. You can even repurpose a mason jar, especially if you are going for a farmhouse or vintage vibe.
- A Tray of Trinkets: Starting with the tray, you can opt for gold, silver, white, or a vibrant pop of color. The tray should be centered on your coffee table and can hold a few of your favorite trinkets that have meaning to you, along with of course some coasters.
- Large Candle: A luxurious candle (or a few small ones) is an excellent way to dress up your coffee table, though we always recommend choosing a natural candle, such as a beeswax candle that won’t cause toxic chemicals to off-gas into your home.
- Seasonal Decorations: If it is winter, think snow globes, pine cones, and festive Poinsettia. If it is spring, tulips, Easter eggs, and pastel colors. If it is summer, starfish, seashells, and wildflowers. If it is fall, orange and white mini pumpkins and decorative golden leaves.
We hope you feel inspired to start decorating your coffee table. Have fun!