How to Style Your Coffee Table

A well-appointed coffee table supports the comfort and functionality of a living room. It offers a convenient surface for drinks, snacks, remote controls and books, while also providing visual appeal to the space.

Styling a coffee table is easy when you consider your design aesthetic and how the table functions. A few small changes can refresh a tired look without the expense of new furniture.

How to choose

The coffee table is usually the first surface you see when entering a living room, so it can set the tone for the entire space. Styling it doesn’t have to be complicated—a few carefully chosen pieces can add the finishing touch and tie the space together. We love a simple setup that features white or colourful taper candles, a terrarium of greenery and a woven accent piece like coasters or a basket. This creates a cohesive aesthetic that’s warm and welcoming.

The most important consideration when choosing a coffee table is picking one that’s proportionally right for the room and sofa. A table that’s too small can make you stretch for drinks, look lost in the space or block sightlines. On the other hand, a table that’s too tall can feel intrusive and block eye contact. If you’re not sure where to start, try using a tape measure and a quick sketch to help you fine-tune the dimensions.

Next, pick a style that suits your lifestyle and maintenance needs. For families with children, a glass or marble top might not be the best choice for spills or lingering fingerprints; instead, a wood table can develop a beautiful patina and take less daily care. For a more casual aesthetic, consider a metal or sintered stone tabletop. If you need storage, consider a streamlined ottoman-style design with a built-in shelf.

Depending on the space, your table’s height might also be important. A higher table can soften a tight space and suit a more formal layout. On the other hand, a lower table can bring a more relaxed feel and work well with family-friendly spaces. Our range includes both options, so there’s something to suit every layout.

A good rule of thumb is to keep the surface as clear as possible. Too much clutter can detract from the overall design and give a chaotic appearance. But a little bit of stowaway storage can be an excellent solution. It can give you a place to hide away remotes and other everyday items, keeping the surface clean and tidy.

Finally, don’t be afraid to mix materials. While matching woods can be a timeless look, mixing styles and textures is also an easy way to add visual interest. Adding a brass or copper lamp, for example, can contrast a traditional oak table and bring the finish of the space into balance. Similarly, adding a brass or silver coffee table accent, such as a vase, candlestick or decorative bust, can complement a modern or contemporary coffee table and add an eclectic finish to the design. The key is to use the table as a focal point and highlight your own personal style.

Style

Whether you're hosting friends or enjoying a quiet moment on your own, the coffee table is a key component of the living room. Often the focal point of the space, it's where you set drinks and snacks during movie marathons, place decorative objects to add depth to the room, and hold remote controls and other electronics. Choosing the right style will help you enhance everyday comfort and functionality, while communicating your design aesthetic to family and guests.

Modern tables blend innovative concepts with functional considerations, catering to the diverse needs of contemporary living. Their sleek profiles and versatile materials create a strong visual impact that can make or break the look of a room. In addition to streamlined silhouettes, many modern coffee tables incorporate multi-functional elements like hidden storage and sliding shelves. This flexibility makes them a popular choice for tight spaces and homes with limited storage options.

Traditional coffee tables are classic wooden pieces that embody a sense of elegance and sophistication. Their simple rectangular or oval designs work well with a variety of seating styles, and their intricate carvings and rich wood tones add a touch of heritage to any decor theme. Wood is a versatile material that can be stained to match or complement any colour palette. Cherry and mahogany have warm, deep tones that add visual contrast to light-coloured seating, while oak's pronounced grain shows off in dark finishes.

Glass is another popular material for modern and contemporary coffee tables. Its smooth, translucent surface reflects light and offers an airy feel to any space. In addition to its beauty, it is easy to clean and durable against accidental spills. Glass is also available in a variety of shapes and sizes, giving you the ability to customize your tabletop to suit your space.

Styling your coffee table is an opportunity to showcase your personality and reflect the vibe of the entire living room. The first thing to consider is the size of the table in relation to your seating arrangement. A coffee table that's too large can overwhelm the space and interfere with a comfortable seating experience. It's important to find a balance between a manageable size and a table that accentuates the shape of your sofa.

Placement

The way you arrange your coffee table says a lot about the style of your living space. From a minimalist approach to a more rustic one, there are plenty of options when it comes to putting the finishing touches on this functional piece of furniture. The key is finding a balance between the space’s proportions and your daily needs. Proper sizing and positioning allows the coffee table to define the seating zone without blocking sightlines or creating visual clutter.

The ideal size for your coffee table is determined by the dimensions of the sofa you plan to place it alongside. Three-seater sofas typically work best with a table that’s about two-thirds of the length of the couch. This arrangement creates a harmonious focal point and ensures comfortable reach for all seated guests.

Alternatively, you can choose to centre your coffee table with your sofa, but don’t feel restricted to perfect symmetry. Slightly off-centre positioning can add dynamic visual interest and a sense of depth to the room. If you have a small space, consider a circular or oval coffee table that eliminates sharp corners and creates more open visual space.

For a spacious look, you should also leave generous walkways between your seating area and the coffee table. This not only makes movement around the furniture easier, but it’s also good for energy flow throughout your home. This is especially important in rooms that serve multiple purposes and need versatile pieces that can adapt to different activities throughout the day.

Aside from a sturdy surface for drinks and TV remotes, the coffee table is a great canvas to showcase your personal style. A carefully selected stack of books will bring colour, texture and character, while candles and flowers can create a warm, inviting ambience. You can even find coffee tables that feature storage to keep things neat and tidy.

Think about the three key aspects of styling your coffee table: base, height and personality. The base grounds the table with a neutral element like a tray or a runner. The height draws the eye up with a statement piece like a vase or an upright plant. Finally, the personality is your opportunity to show off your personal style with decorative accents like small keepsakes or unique art objects.