5 Sophisticated Tips To Style Your Coffee Table On A Budget!

How To Decorate Your Coffee Table

A coffee table can so easily become that dumping ground for odds and ends, remote controls, dirty dishes (or socks!) and more. This is especially true with young kids or teens in the house. But, that doesn’t have to be the case. You can easily create a stylish and sophisticated look for your coffee table that elevates your living room or family room AND, you can do it on a budget! These tips are elegant, yet practical enough so you can still put your feet up while you sink into your favorite chair or couch. I mean, we all do it, right? So, here’s how to decorate your coffee table with ease and confidence.

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1) It’s All About The Base

In order to create a beautiful and organized coffee table, you’ll want to start with a good foundation. That is, other than the table itself.  I like the idea of a circular or rectangular decorative tray. This keeps all your items together and organized and it also allows you to easily move everything off the table for game night or movie snacks. You’ll want to find a tray large enough to house all your items but it shouldn’t overpower the table.

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2) Books

Coffee table books are a perfect next layer.  You can choose conversation starters with books about your hometown, favorite beaches, travel, or passions like style, history, flowers, etc. It’s a great way to personalize your décor. In addition, books can also be used as a base layer in lieu of a tray as mentioned above.

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3) Warm + Cool & Texture

When deciding what coffee table and décor complement each other best, think about having contrast with warm and cool. For example, if your table is made of wood (warm) add some cooler elements like ceramic, metal or glass. If your table is made of metal (cool) top it with warm objects like books, a wooden bowl, and greenery.  I honestly have a tough time keeping plants alive, but succulents are my jam because they require very little care. They make great coffee table toppers. But, artificial stems and plants are great too. Any natural elements like rocks, gems, shells or branches help bridge the warm and cool items together for a cohesive look.

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4) Balance

Next, when considering which items to style together, in order to keep it interesting you’ll want to mix it up with varying heights, shapes, and textures but still keep everything balanced and cohesive. A cluster of vases for example should be different sizes. You can use books or a bone box to create height. TIP: A box is also great for hiding remote controls! Keep the Rule of 3 in mind because it’s super helpful! This just means that your collection of items can be in groups or clusters of 3 items. In fact, any odd number of items will look more in balance together than an even number of items, in most cases. This is also helpful in avoiding over-crowding! If you have a very large rectangular table, consider adding décor to just one side rather than filling the whole table with trinkets. If you have a two-tiered table, style from top to bottom with items that are balanced in size, style, and symmetry. Remember, all your items should mix well together!

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5) Keep It Personal & Seasonal

Picture frames and personal items from your travels are always a great idea. On my table, I have a blue vase from a local beach-town glass-blowing company and it’s always a conversation starter! As a focal point, your coffee table is also an ideal spot to rotate seasonal décor too. Shells and coral add a natural element during the summer months and then you can swap those out for pumpkins or holiday-themed candles or greens in the winter. Don’t be afraid to edit, edit and edit! I change up my coffee table décor several times a year because it’s an easy quick-fix when I’m craving some change.  Well, that and new throw pillows!

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Choose The Right Table

And let us not forget the coffee table itself! There are some great options at all price points. Square, round, rectangular, single-surface, double-surface–choose a size that works best in your space and one that fits the needs of your family. Keep in mind pointy corners and glass surfaces are not as ideal for well-used, family spaces.  I love my round coffee table from Pottery Barn because it’s VERY light and easy to move when we have a full house for movie night.

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You can easily style your coffee table on a budget. Most of the items linked are very reasonably priced if you are looking for some new options. But, it’s likely you already have similar finds at home. So just have some fun with it and work on different groupings that you like! If you’re looking for some fresh ideas on how to style your console table, you might want to check out this post.
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