6 Simple Tips for Styling the Chic Coffee Table of Your Dreams

2. Play with depth

The second key to a truly eye-catching setting? Creating sections and levels that imbue the space with a sense of depth.

“We [at Bungalow Home] recommend creating ‘three sections’ on your coffee table – uneven groupings are always more interesting. Next, you need to consider height and scale when selecting your items. We always start with our main focal point, often a vase or something with height. This way, we get to introduce fresh greenery or dried stems for added texture,” she explains.

“We then choose an item that is of medium height, say a bowl or sculpture of some sort, and finally, select a book or two that will lay flat on the table to give you a base. Trays are also a great way to add a base level where you can feature several of your favourite pieces.”

4. Always leave space for functionality

Tempting as it is to fill the space with beautiful pieces, it’s important to keep the canvas’ original purpose in mind.

“Try not to overcrowd your coffee table with heaps of little trinkets that will look messy, and similarly, don’t choose pieces that are too big and leave no space for someone to place a coffee cup or small plate,” Craig tells Bed Threads Journal.

“As much as a coffee table should look beautiful, it should also be functional. If your coffee table is rectangular, you have more space to play with, so you can choose slightly bigger items while still spacing them out nicely. If you have a round table, select items that are a little smaller while still leaving some ‘negative’ (empty) space available.”

Step 6: Consider all angles

Finally, make sure you inspect your table from all angles to ensure that you've curated a collection of items that look good from all corners of your room.

“Be careful not to place the tallest items closest to the entry point of your room as the scale won't be right and it will block the view of other smaller items,” Craig adds.