Maximalist || 5 Tips for Styling a Coffee Table

Styling your coffee table is a great way to showcase your personal style and artistic expression in a small space. Experimentation is a must! Make it fun! Add books, plants, crystals, miniature statues or busts, candles, decorative dishes and bowls. All of the above are a maximalist's dream but if your style is more minimalistic ease up on all the fun.

There are many ways to style a coffee table but the shape may seem limiting in how you arrange your decor. With a square coffee table I start by adding a large center piece, like a vase with flowers. Then I add items to each corner and work my way in. Note, if you're a minimalist you may like to leave one or two corners bare. 

Keep in mind the arrangement of surrounding furniture. Square coffee tables are perfect in spaces with more than one sofa or with an 'L' shaped sectional.  Visually for me, a square coffee table just fits perfectly in the "L" shape like playing a game of Tetris! 

Five basic styling tips to keep in mind for any shape coffee table are:

·      Function

·      Texture/tones

·      Layers

·      Natural/organic elements

·      Items with personal meaning

Function

Ask yourself, “what purpose does the coffee table serve?” “Is it located in a space that is frequently used?” The answers to these questions may determine how you style your table. Because my coffee table is located in the main living space and moderately used, I added this gold oblong tray to gather remotes all in one place. This is a great design element that adds major function.

I’ll be honest, the Maximalist in me attempts to use up all available real estate but keep in mind space for drinks/coasters on your coffee table, especially if it's located is a popular gathering space. I have a side table that is strategically placed between each sofa which serves has extra space for drinks. I also store coasters is this cute stone keeping box and just place them atop my books for drinks.

Texture/Tones

Using texture and tones adds dimension and character to your coffee table. I used a black woven rattan table mat that is subtle because it blends in with the black coffee table but adds tone on tone. Once I placed the selenite crystal and shimmery grey stone box on top, the black mat came to life! Be creative, texture can be achieved in may ways. Some examples include, faux coral, stalagmite, and agate decretive objects. The wooden warm toned beads inside the black decorative bowls is another way to add tone to your coffee table styling.

Layers

Layering adds visual interest and is a must! Although, I did not choose to layer/stack my books, you can accomplish layers by using runners, table mats, staggering different height candle holders, vases, in addition to layering different size books. I layered the selenite crystal and potted plant on top of a black rattan mat. I love layering textures, it adds dimension and draws the eye in.

Natural/Organic Elements

I used a small potted plant and a large vase filled with colorful flowers to add touches of organic elements. You can also achieve this with natural tones like rattan, seas shells, wooden beads, dried flowers, sage, and use of brown and green tones with decorative items.

Items with personal meaning

This is by far the most important tip for styling a coffee table because it’s equally important to love what you see and love how it makes you feel when you’re surrounded by your decor. Ways in which you can incorporate personal touches/items include a favorite picture in a unique frame, an object with personal significance, or even aromas. Yes, a personal item could even be a scent. Smell triggers memories, so use a candle, diffuser, or fresh flowers of your favorite scents to evoke those warm feelings. Adding personal items of significance helps bring meaning and feeling to your space. For me it’s the black bust of a mother and child. This bust is near and dear to my heart and I love looking at it. It actually reminds me of my son when he was younger and puts a smile on my face every time I see it.

I hope you enjoyed my very first blog post! Comment below.