The coffee table is the focal point of the living room—the piece of furniture that naturally draws the eye when you walk into the room. Yet many coffee tables are either completely empty or cluttered with remote controls, magazines, and coffee mugs. With five simple steps, you can style your coffee table so it looks well-thought-out and inviting—without seeming overdone. Here’s our guide to coffee table styling, step by step.
Step 1: Start with a tray or platter
A tray or platter provides a visual frame for the coffee table and brings your decorative items together. It also makes it easy to clear the table quickly when you need space for food or games. Choose a tray in a material that contrasts with the table—a brass tray on a wooden table or a stoneware bowl on a marble table. Round platters break up the lines of a square table and vice versa.
Explore our platters and bowls and small platters and bowls to find the right base.
Step 2: Add candles
Candles are an indispensable part of Danish interior design and bring warmth and ambiance to the coffee table. Choose two or three candleholders in different heights to create a dynamic composition. Crystal candleholders reflect the flame and add a play of light, while ceramic candleholders offer a more subdued and organic look.
EJA makes crystal candleholders in clear and colored glass that suit both modern and classic interiors. Anna Von Lipa is another Danish brand with beautiful glass candleholders in unique shapes. See the full selection of candleholders and glass candleholders.
Step 3: Something green or living
A small vase with a single branch, a dried flower, or a few eucalyptus stems brings life and freshness to the table. You don’t need a large bouquet—often, less is more. A small ceramic or glass vase with a single green branch is enough to bring nature into the room. Alternatively, a small potted plant in a decorative planter can do the same.
Step 4: A decorative object
Here’s your chance to show off your personality. An ornament, a small sculpture, a decorative bowl, or a beautiful book adds character to the table. Choose something that has a story or meaning for you. Quail creates figurative vases and sculptures in the shape of animals that serve as conversation starters. Caja Company offers handmade ceramic pieces with unique glazes.
See our ornaments and decorations for more inspiration.
Step 5: Think in odd numbers and variation
The human eye prefers odd groupings—three or five objects look more natural than two or four. Vary the heights as well: place a tall candlestick next to a low bowl and a medium-height vase. This variation in dimensions gives the table depth and makes the composition more interesting to look at.
Mix materials to avoid monotony: glass next to ceramic, brass next to wood. The different surfaces catch the light differently and give the coffee table a rich and complex look.
What should you put on a coffee table?
The most important elements are: a base (tray or platter), candles in candleholders, something green (a vase of flowers or a plant), and a decorative object (a sculpture, bowl, or book). These four categories cover everything you need. Avoid placing too many items—it creates visual clutter. As a rule of thumb, at least one-third of the table surface should be left clear.
How many items should be on a coffee table?
The number depends on the table’s size, but a good guideline is three to seven items. A small round coffee table has room for three to four items, while a large rectangular table can hold five to seven. Remember to group items rather than spreading them out evenly—clusters look more intentional than scattered individual items.
Coffee Table Styling by Style
Minimalist
Stick to three items: a candleholder, a small vase, and a bowl. Choose a clean color scheme in black, white, and natural tones. Materials like glass, marble, and light wood emphasize the minimalist aesthetic.
Bohemian
Here you can play with colors, textures, and more voluminous compositions. Mix ceramics in warm earth tones, dried flowers, brass bowls, and candles. A small woven rug or a placemat under the tray adds extra layers and texture.
Scandinavian
The Scandinavian style lies between minimalist and bohemian. Think natural materials—wood, ceramics, glass—in a muted color palette. Candles are absolutely essential. A simple stoneware vase with a branch, a few candles in different colors, and a handmade bowl create the right look.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Table Styling
Does the coffee table have to match the sofa?
No, contrast is often more interesting. A round shape breaks up a square sofa arrangement, and a table in a different material (e.g., marble with a fabric sofa) adds depth. The most important thing is that the table is the right height—it should be level with the sofa seat or slightly lower.
How do you keep the coffee table tidy?
A tray is the key. It gathers your decorative items and makes it easy to move them when the table is needed. Have a designated spot for remotes (a small bowl or box), and clear the table daily of cups and plates. A well-designed coffee table takes only a few minutes to maintain.
Find all the items you need for your coffee table in our decor collection —from candleholders and vases to bowls and ornaments.
