Discover the art of creating a luxurious and inviting living space through expert coffee table styling techniques. This guide reveals eight key strategies to transform your coffee table into a captivating focal point that reflects your personal style. From layering textures to curating personal items, these insider tips will help you achieve a polished and sophisticated look in your home.
- Layer Textures for Soulful Moroccan-Inspired Elegance
- Embrace Minimalism with Greenery and Books
- Select Coffee Table Books That Elevate
- Balance Symmetry and Asymmetry for Interest
- Mix Textures to Create Depth
- Add Metallic Accents for Glamour
- Vary Object Heights for Visual Appeal
- Curate Personal Items to Tell Your Story
Layer Textures for Soulful Moroccan-Inspired Elegance
One of my favorite styling secrets is starting with a coffee table that already tells a story — like a handmade Moroccan table carved from cedar or topped with traditional zellige tile. It brings in natural texture and pattern, so even before you add anything on top, the space already feels luxurious and soulful.
From there, I layer with intention: a small brass tray with fresh mint tea (yes, even if it’s just for show), a Berber bowl with dried fruit or nuts, and one or two books with earthy covers that complement the wood tone. Sometimes I add a simple candle or a hand-painted incense holder for scent and atmosphere. It’s simple, personal, and warm.
The impact is always the same — guests slow down. They sit closer. They ask questions. That’s the beauty of styling that doesn’t just look good, but feels good. It’s inviting without trying too hard.
Hassan Boutabaa
Chief Editor, Boutabaa Crafts LLC
Embrace Minimalism with Greenery and Books
My favorite styling technique for my coffee table tends to be “less is more.” I think with something like a coffee table, you’re going to get the most elegant look by doing less. My living room gets great sun, so I have a small houseplant on the table along with a photo album and a “coffee table book.” This, in my experience, gives a nice ambience through some greenery, along with inviting guests to flip through something with a nice visual layout.
Carr Lanphier
CEO, Improovy
Select Coffee Table Books That Elevate
For coffee tables, it’s all about choosing the right coffee table books. You want books that match the “vibe” of your room and elevate the overall design, but you also want those books to be attractive enough to make people want to read them. This makes them both luxurious and inviting. Prioritize the title and content of the books as much as the color and design.
Mike Fretto
Creative Director, Neighbor
Balance Symmetry and Asymmetry for Interest
Creating a luxurious and inviting look for your coffee table involves balancing symmetry with asymmetry. This approach adds visual interest and keeps the eye moving across the table’s surface. By placing items in a way that is not perfectly matched, but still feels cohesive, a dynamic and engaging display can be achieved.
For example, pairing a tall vase on one side with a stack of books on the other creates an appealing contrast. The key is to experiment with different arrangements until a pleasing balance is found. Try rearranging your coffee table items today to discover a new, captivating look that draws people in.
Mix Textures to Create Depth
Incorporating varied textures is a secret to creating a luxurious coffee table display. Mixing smooth, rough, and glossy surfaces adds depth and tactile appeal to the overall look. Soft elements like a plush table runner or a small fabric-covered box can be combined with sleek metal trays or rough-hewn wooden objects.
This blend of textures creates a rich, multi-dimensional appearance that invites touch and exploration. The contrast between different materials makes the display more interesting and sophisticated. Consider adding at least three different textures to your coffee table today to enhance its visual and tactile appeal.
Add Metallic Accents for Glamour
Using metallic accents is a powerful way to add glamour to a coffee table arrangement. Gold, silver, or copper elements can instantly elevate the look of any display, creating a sense of luxury and sophistication. These shiny surfaces reflect light, adding brightness and visual interest to the table.
Metallic picture frames, candle holders, or decorative objects can serve as eye-catching focal points. However, it’s important to use these accents sparingly to avoid overwhelming the space. Start by incorporating one or two metallic pieces into your coffee table decor and observe how they transform the overall look of your living room.
Vary Object Heights for Visual Appeal
Layering different heights in a coffee table display creates a dynamic and visually appealing composition. This technique adds depth and dimension to the arrangement, making it more interesting to look at. Tall items like vases or sculptures can be placed alongside medium-height objects such as stacked books or decorative boxes. Small, low-profile items like coasters or shallow trays can fill in the gaps.
This variety in height creates a sense of movement and guides the eye across the table’s surface. It also allows for better visibility of all items, even when viewed from different angles. Experiment with arranging objects of varying heights on your coffee table to create a more engaging and sophisticated display.
Curate Personal Items to Tell Your Story
Curating objects that reflect your personality is essential for creating a truly inviting coffee table display. Personal items tell a story and make the space feel uniquely yours. These could be souvenirs from travels, family heirlooms, or objects related to hobbies and interests. By incorporating these meaningful pieces, the coffee table becomes a conversation starter and a reflection of the home’s inhabitants.
However, it’s important to be selective and not overcrowd the table. Choose a few special items that spark joy or have significant meaning. Take some time to select personal objects for your coffee table that will make your living space feel more authentic and welcoming to both you and your guests.