Coffee Table Style
One of my favorite things to do throughout the year is style our coffee table. It is one of the easiest ways to switch things up for different holidays and it can make such an overall impact in the room. All of our guests usually gather in our living room and around the coffee table so our priorities are function first and style second. Here are some of my favorite items for styling our space but keeping it functional for our family and friends!
{1} Trays – We have a huge coffee table (42″ x 42″). We went with a big ottoman style/tufted piece covered in an outdoor Sunbrella fabric because we have 2 kids under the age of 2 and I wanted something that would be family-friendly and easy to clean. We love it! The only issue with the upholstered piece is that we do not have a solid place to set drinks. That’s where the trays come in to play. We bought two large trays and it is perfect because they act as the centerpiece for the coffee table but they are also functional when we are entertaining. Guests can pull them apart and they have a ton of space for cocktails and snacks. I also love trays because they can act as the vessel for all of your coffee table goodies. They keep everything organized but still look stylish. I like larger trays so that you can add a few different vignettes inside and make a big impact. They are also easy to clean so if someone spills, you can wipe the tray clean instead of worrying about the entire coffee table. Bonus!
{2} Flowers – For me, fresh flowers are a must. They add such life and vibrancy to a living room and can really brighten up a space. I replace my coffee table flowers each week and change the colors based on the time of year and on my mood. It is amazing how they can make a room feel pulled together. I actually use an ice bucket for my vase because I feel that the height is perfect and guests do not have to peek around flowers to have a conversation. Most of my flowers come from the grocery store so they are super affordable. Stay tuned for my {ask the experts} post on arranging your own flowers at home!
{3} Coffee Table Books – Who doesn’t love a good coffee table book? My husband has been buying me coffee table books for years and I love switching them up throughout the year. They are also a great way to add height to your coffee table and they provide a place for other decorative items to sit. Coffee table books are such a great way for guests to get a taste of who you are and what you enjoy. From home decor to fashion and photography, there literally is something for everyone. I would recommend buying books with great photos and that are larger than your typical book. That way they really make a big impact on the table and if guests want to flip through them while you are finishing dinner, they will have beautiful images to keep them entertained.
{4} Candle/Matches – Candlelight is such a great way to set a mood, whether you are at home by yourself or enjoying a fun game night with friends. There are so many great candle options out there and you can find great candles in all different price ranges. If you prefer, you can even buy scentless candles and just enjoy the flicker of the candlelight. I would recommend lighting your candles about an hour before guests arrive so that the smell of the candle has time to fill the room. If you are planning on serving dinner or food in your living room, I would suggest an unscented candle option so that your candle doesn’t compete with the smell of your food. You definitely don’t want the smell of roses competing with your salmon 🙂
{5} Bowls – I love adding bowls and anything else that creates storage for all the small items that you have to keep out on your coffee table. We have a large clam shell that we use for remote controls and other small items we like to keep accessible. We also have a small bowl that we like to fill with fresh fruit to add color and liveliness. This is also something that we change out often depending on the season and on our mood. We love limes and lemons because they last forever and are so bright and colorful!
{6} Decorative Items – In addition to all of the main items on our coffee table, we also like to add some decorative things to fill the space. Since it is summer, we have put out a large piece of faux coral and some pink agate drink coasters. When fall hits we will switch out those items along with our clam shell bowl to items that coordinate with the season. I also love items that tell a story or that mean something to you. Since most of your guests will gather around this area, this is such a great place to put items that come with a story. We have a mint julep cup that we received as a wedding gift and we fill it with straws when we have guests over. I love it because whenever someone comments on it, we get to share the story.
I like to keep our coffee table as clutter-free as possible, but it still has to remain functional for our family. But just because it is functional, doesn’t mean it can’t be fun and pulled together! What are some of your favorite items that you like to display on your coffee table? (ps…please ignore the unfinished living room 🙂 this was taken a couple weeks after we moved in)
Shop some of my coffee table picks below!
