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Hi.

Welcome to my lifestyle blog. I document my adventures in DIY, interior design, entertaining, and fashion all while sharing little tidbits of my life along the way. Thanks so much for following along. It seriously means the world to me!

How to Style a Coffee Table Like An Interior Designer

How to Style a Coffee Table Like An Interior Designer

how to style a coffee table

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Unstopables through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about Unstopables, all opinions are my own.

coffee table styling

Even though the tabletop accessories in magazines look totally organic and “lived in,” there is definitely an art to styling a coffee table. That look of “everyday use with a touch of luxury” includes items that were carefully placed one by one onto the table. However, it’s not impossible for you to get that look for yourself. It’s quite simple actually. Today I’m sharing some tips on styling your coffee table like the pros. It’s a lot easier than you might think. Follow along as I build the decor on my coffee table piece by piece.

styling a coffee table

Start with horizontal objects that form the base of your decor.

You can use your own ideas here, but some pretty books and a tray are always a great bet. Horizontal items serve as a base for the rest of your decor. They ground the decor elements and give it that “lived in” feel.

decorating a coffee table
IKEA planter coffee table styling

Include something organic.

I like to include a low-maintenance plant like a modern succulent in my coffee table decor. It breaks up the monotony of the sterile objects. Also plants usually have fun lines, which is another hidden must in your tabletop decor. If your plant doesn’t have some unique lines, I suggest also including something that does in your tabletop moment.

how to decorate a table
tips for decorating a coffee table

Repeat design elements.

It’s important to repeat design elements when choosing your coffee table accessories. It makes the look feel cohesive. Here I repeated the gold color on each side of the table.

ideas for decorating a coffee table
black and white coasters coffee table ideas

Add useful items.

Don’t forget the items you need on your coffee table. This might include coasters or your remotes. For coasters, definitely choose some that are easy on the eyes. And if you don’t like your remotes hanging out, you can always put them in a decorative box. The trick is finding one that is high enough to fit them. My easy DIY decorative box solves that problem. A decorative box is another great horizontal item (see above).

coffee table ideas
decorating coffee table ideas

Invite other senses into the mix.

I like to invite another sense into the mix. A scented candle is perfect. You can evoke the feel of the season or your signature scent. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a long-lasting one either. I used an Unstopables candle. It smells so good, you guys, and it burns for hours! And I love the look of it. The glass is decorative and a lil unexpected touch of luxe for everyday living.

how to decorate a coffee table
coffee table decorating ideas

Strike a balance.

Your coffee table should have the perfect balance of symmetry and unexpected moments. In choosing your accessories, strive to achieve that balance.

coffee table style
decorate coffee table

Don’t overcrowd your table.

Finally, while it’s fun to collect one-of-a-kind accessories on your worldly travels, you don't want to put them all on your coffee table. You want to leave room to rest your feet or for the occasional movie night popcorn.

style coffee table

I am certainly not a professional, but by reading my blog, folks, you know I love this stuff and I study it. These are the tips I have learned by following my favorite interior designers. I hope they are helpful for you.

accessorize coffee table

Do you have any other great tips?

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