The Coffee Table Styling Formula You Should Know

As MKR taught us before, styling a beautiful coffee table is really quite simple.  She summed it up with a fool-proof coffee table styling formula: Books + Flowers + Trays + Objects + Depth.  

No matter the size or shape of your coffee table, the surface is a wonderful opportunity to showcase items as part of a collection and reflection of you and your life.  While I know a coffee table can seem daunting the best way to start tackling the table is by thinking of your coffee table in quadrants; designing each quadrant separately, but making sure they fit with the big picture, or rather the coffee table as a whole. 

First, coffee table books are an obvious must.  They offer great conversational pieces, offering a hint of personality of the home owner.  Coffee table books serve as the perfect landing for smaller, decorative objects (like the animal magnifying glass), and also play into the depth (part of our fool-proof coffee table styling formula) of the coffee table by adding varying heights. 

The next piece of the puzzle is a no-brainer, flowers.  Flowers add life to any space, and who could deny how beautiful freshly cut blooms are?  Of course, fresh flowers on a weekly basis can start to get expensive, so another great option is a small plant like a topiary, succulent or cactus that’s easy to care for (see our list of our eight favorite, easy indoor house plants).  And while I never thought I would once say it, faux flowers have come a long way.

Decorative trays easily corral and organize smaller items so the surface doesn’t appear messy. As pictured above, MKR uses a faux python tray to house her collection of Japanese calligraphy brushes (which also add strong pops of color).  Trays are great especially for smaller items such as candles, matchboxes, coasters, or any other small and decorative trinkets. Lastly, add a few larger decorative objects such as these extra large dominos and voila a perfectly styled coffee table!  Cheers, Kat