The coffee table is the unsung hero of your living room – a style anchor. The ultimate in furniture multitasking, its job is to unify the room visually while acting as a footstool, dining table, display surface and storage centre.
It follows that choosing the right one for your living room is not to be underestimated. If you’re stuck for coffee table styling ideas, take cues from its age, material, size and springboard other decorating details from there. Get the style right and everything else will follow.
Want more inspiration? We’ve called in the experts to give their best coffee table styling tips to take your coffee table from zero to the hero of your living room.
The perfect coffee table size
Coffee table styling starts with a great base, so before you begin, consider the perfect coffee table size for your space. “While the styling items are important, the coffee table itself should be the feature in the room not what is on top of it,” says Alice McMullin, Founder & Creative Director at McMullin & co. “Take time to search for a quality, seasonless and contemporary design. It’s always worth the investment.”
It’s all about the right proportions. “Your coffee table has the potential to really finish off a living room, so it should make sense in the space, practically and stylistically,” says Don Garvan, Founder of Totem Road. “A good rule of thumb is to choose a table roughly two-thirds of your sofa’s width. A table too small can get lost, while something too big can overpower the other elements of the room.”
“It’s also important to take note of the height of the table. There’s nothing more awkward than one that’s too high or low,” Alice suggests.
The best shape for your coffee table
If you’re trying to work out why your living room design is not what it should be, start with your coffee table shape. “Rectangle coffee tables are a great choice if you have a narrow space with minimal walk-around clearance, and are best paired with standard or L-shape sofas,” says Don. “Round coffee tables are the most popular choice for family living areas given they don’t have sharp edges.”
“Round coffee tables soften your space and create a gentle flow,” says Ty Symonds, Head Of Design at Country Road. “However, you can lose essential surface area depending on how much you actively use your coffee table. Rectangle coffee tables create more usable surface area and often have great storage capacity too, but they are not great for small spaces.”
Where to place your coffee table
Consider your living room layout – how your move around your living room is vital when choosing your coffee table shape. “Make sure to lead with functionality and then decorate with this in mind to ensure you get the most out of your coffee table,” says Ty. “Storage, ease of cleaning and usable surface area play an important role in how you will live with your coffee table and get the most out of it.”
“If your area allows for a sofa to be placed across from two chairs, opt for a square coffee table, as this creates a symmetrical focal point in the room,” says Don. “Due to the larger surface area, square styles are great if you’re wanting to style further with coffee table books and still have room for your daily necessities.”
The must-have items for coffee table styling
Where to start when styling your coffee table? “Coffee tables can be a small window into your personality; taste; and interests,” says Alice. “While there’s no doubt they’ve become a regular feature in our Instagram, they can be overstyled. They should strike the balance of feeling uncluttered and filled with no more than three – or four – styling pieces.”
Essential coffee table items
Vases
“Decorative vases are the must-have item for styling your coffee table,” says Ty. “A vase that looks just as good as a decorative object with or without flowers is best. We’re talking vases that aren’t hidden in the cupboard when not in use!”
“Remember to not pick a vase that’s too large [and] will obstruct your view when sitting down,” Fiona warns. “Save those for your sideboards or side tables.”
“Foliage plucked from your yard is a great free styling trick for your favourite vase. It adds a great pop of freshness to any room,” says Fiona.
Tip
How much space should styling take up?
Don’t get carried away with your coffee table styling – remember to allow room for practical use and consider all members of your household when choosing objects. “As a general rule, make sure the shapes are bottom-weighted. Coffee tables are notorious for being knocked and bumped so ensure items aren’t top-heavy,” says Ty. “They are definitely not the spot to have your most precious belongings.”
“I find that covering no more than 1/3 of the table is a good balance for me,” says Fiona. “But there are absolutely no rules. If you love a more layered look in your home, then go for it – using a couple of trays and books to ground your pieces will help if going with a ‘more is more’ look.”
How to work with colour on your coffee table
Here’s where the fun begins. Accent with pops of bright colour or keep things nice and neutral – either way, there are a few key tricks to remember. “Keep colour simple. Pick up the base colours in your environment and don’t be afraid to layer with different textures, materials and finishes,” says Ty. “Allow a highlight colour, but remember that less is more and if you have a vase, using flowers to change up colour to your mood is a great way to play with the highlight colour.”
Of course, the need for a coffee table is not always paramount to your living room – functionality has a part to play.
If neutral is your thing, don’t feel you need to go overboard with colour. “Less is always more,” says Alice. “I would lean towards a muted or neutral colour palette that doesn’t command the attention of the room but complements its surroundings. Look for a coffee table that has a light wood grain or a simple dark stain and try to subtly contrast with styling items.”
Shape and form of your coffee table vignette
Use a mix of shapes and sizes of objects for your coffee table, and when in doubt stick to the magic number. “You can never go wrong with the rule of threes when styling your table,” says Fiona. “Three objects, at varying heights, ideally in varying materials to keep it interesting. I love to place one or two coffee table books under one or two of the smaller objects to help ground the look . You could also do this with a tray.”
“Remember the role of the coffee table. Make sure to not overdecorate, and allow enough surface space for daily use such as serving morning and afternoon tea, resting a novel or a notebook,” says Ty.
The best coffee tables to buy in 2024
NOWRA coffee table
$669 (usually $899), Freedom
Best for: all-rounder
Crafted from a durable and elegant solid mango wood, this coffee table offers a timeless style that will fit effortlessly into most living room styles.
Sizes: 41cm x 66cm x 112cm
Colours: Natural
Materials: Mango wood
Key features:
- Develops a warmer tone over time
- Sturdy construction and versatile design
- Ideal for various living spaces
Guin round coffee table
$999, Castlery
Best for: Mediterranean-inspired interiors, outdoors
Crafted to reflect the texture of natural stone, this round coffee table will bring the soothing elements of Mediterranean design into your living space.
It is also suitable for outdoor use.
Sizes: 40cm x 90cm x 90cm
Colours: Shell
Materials: Glass fibre reinforced concrete
Key features:
- Suitable for indoors and outdoors
- Natural stone texture
- 48kg
Grevillea coffee table
$597.52, Matt Blatt
Best for: coffee table storage, coastal interiors
With two rattan drawers, an open storage area for additional items and coastal design, this light timber coffee table is both stylish and practical.
Sizes: 130cm x 70cm x 45cm
Colours: Light brown
Materials: Solid Acacia timber wood rattan
Key features:
- Tapered legs
- Rattan work on drawers
- Silver colour metal handles on the drawers
Waratah marble coffee table
$699, Early Settler
Best for: contemporary interiors, rectangular coffee table
With its luxurious white stone top and gold frame base, this rectangular coffee table is an elegant addition to any living space.
Sizes: 40cm x 140cm x 60cm
Colours: White top, gold base
Materials: Marble, iron
Key features:
- Sturdy iron base with ski leg design
- White stone with protective lacquer finish
- Glamorous gold frame
Cohen umber mango wood coffee table
$699, James Lane
Best for: natural interior styles, nesting coffee tables
With its sturdy dark wood and curved design, this coffee table is the perfect way to bring warmth into your interiors.
If you prefer a nesting table effect, this coffee table can also be paired with the Cohen side table to elevate your space.
Sizes: 107cm x 78cm x 30 cm
Colours: Dark brown/Umber
Materials: Mango wood
Key features:
- Smooth curved design
- Natural earthy tones
- Match with smaller table for nesting table effect
This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.
