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28 Coffee Table Decor Ideas That Will Dress Up Your Living Room

You've finally found the perfect coffee table for your living room, family room, or primary en suite lounge space. Now, all you have to do is make it pop with the right mix of accessories that suit both your lifestyle and aesthetic.

Whether you prefer a minimalist or a maximalist approach, check out these stylish and wide-ranging coffee table decor ideas that will help you add those finishing touches that will turn this functional piece of furniture into a showstopping focal point.

Coffee table styling ideas

The Spruce / Jacob Fox

Keep scrolling for an inspiring list of coffee table decor ideas that'll turn these functional surfaces into areas that are perfectly styled.

  • 01 of 28

    Add an Ottoman

    Patterned ottoman as coffee table in living room

    Alvin Wayne Interiors

    Rather than opting for a traditional coffee table, try using an oversized ottoman instead. It can be slid around the space to use as a footrest or a place to set the remote and a cup of coffee.

    To make an ottoman feel more like a standard coffee table, just add a chic tray. Choose a color that will pop against the ottoman's fabric. Gold is always a solid pick that will stand the test of time.

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  • 02 of 28

    Use a Tray

    coffee table decor ideas

    @meghandono / Instagram

    Trays keep items organized and contained, which makes them the perfect decor addition to a coffee table.

    Design enthusiasts are spoilt for choice here—it can be a bold marble or patterned tray to hold trinkets and decorative objects or a clear acrylic style that'll blend right in.

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  • 03 of 28

    Display Greenery

    coffee table decor ideas

    @giaccodecor / Instagram

    Nothing livens up a room quite like plants and flowers. There are so many different ways that plants can be worked into coffee table styling.

    A voluminous vase with bushy branches infuses height and color into this space. You could also add a collection of succulents, a bowl of moss balls, or a vase of dried greenery.

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  • 04 of 28

    Keep It Balanced

    coffee table decor ideas

    @houseof4blue / Instagram

    Mix and match various textures to create an eye-catching display, but keep it balanced by working with the rule of three, or placing objects in a grid.

    A porcelain bowl, wooden chain accessory, and some greenery blend together nicely on this table, and although there are many style elements in different shapes, it still feels balanced.

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  • 05 of 28

    Leave a Book Open

    coffee table decor ideas

    @interiordesignbysns / Instagram

    Utilize those coffee table books by flipping open a favorite and bookmarking a page you particularly enjoy.

    This will encourage guests to take a look at your collection of fave titles rather than just viewing them as decorative items on display. We love the idea of using a chic wooden chain as a paperweight, too.

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  • 06 of 28

    Include Taper Candles

    coffee table decor ideas

    @thevibrantdwelling / Instagram

    If you want to add a little ambiance to your coffee table, there is no better way to do so than through taper candles. Thrift or purchase some unique holders and add white or colorful tapers to them.

    We love the setup above, complete with plants and macramé accessories. All together, it creates a cozy aesthetic.

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  • 07 of 28

    Add Woven Accents

    coffee table decor ideas

    @legallydomesticated / Instagram

    Adding woven textures to your coffee table setup grounds the design and gives a little more visual interest than your classic smooth-surfaced items. This could be a woven ball or coasters.

    It doesn't have to be directly on the coffee table though. It can be a complementary side table made of woven material, a plant holder, or a decorative piece of wall art.

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  • 08 of 28

    Fill a Bowl with Fruit

    coffee table decor ideas

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    Move the fruit bowl from the kitchen to the coffee table. This is a playful way to dress it up and give it a vibrant pop of life—similar to what a plant can do.

    Faux or real, it doesn't matter. The effect is still the same, but be sure to notify any hungry guests if there's a bunch of fake apples in the bowl.

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  • 09 of 28

    Add Some Texture

    White and neutral living room with woven coffee table

    The Home Consultant

    Bringing textured decor into a living room or selecting a coffee table that's already textured in its construction really elevates a space.

    Even if your coffee table doesn't have texture already, you can add it through a runner or a few perfectly-placed coasters.

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  • 10 of 28

    Showcase a Collection

    coffee table decor ideas

    @chaletmomma / Instagram

    If you collect something small—like matchbooks from your favorite restaurants—go ahead and set up a special display on your coffee table.

    A favorite collection of pieces deserves to be admired and not tucked away for special occasions. Whether it's matches, vases, books, or something else entirely, place a few items on your coffee table and show off what you're passionate about.

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  • 11 of 28

    Tie in Nature

    coffee table decor

    Forbes + Masters

    There are many different ways to bring nature into your coffee table decor—the most obvious being potted houseplants. But it's possible to get more creative than that through other natural elements.

    This contemporary living room features a clean-lined, glass-topped coffee table with a gnarled piece of driftwood and a bowl of eco-friendly preserved moss—both of which bring nature into the space. A DIY terrarium would work well here, too.

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  • 12 of 28

    Add Some Color

    coffee table decor ideas

    @visualaidd / Instagram

    If you're one who gravitates towards bold hues, you're probably trying to find ways to bring this out on your coffee table, too.

    Take a look around the space and take note of what the color palette is. Then, use this as a base when you're shopping around for decor. Taper candles, vases, trinket dishes, books, and matchboxes are all lovely ways to add a pinch of color.

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  • 13 of 28

    Organize Clutter with Decorative Boxes

    coffee table decor ideas

    @purposedrivenlivinghome / Instagram

    Decorative storage boxes come in handy all throughout the house, but they are especially useful in containing common sources of coffee table clutter.

    Use them to stash away remotes and cords when not in use and take note of how much your mood improves when you aren't constantly staring at various electronic gadgets.

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  • 14 of 28

    Display Candles and Oil Diffusers

    coffee table decor ideas

    @thishouse5000 / Instagram

    Keep those scented candles and essential oil diffusers on display so that you're ready to make your home a fragrance-filled haven at any time.

    Corralling scents on a tray is an excellent way to keep your setup nice and tidy. Don't feel like you have to stop at just one candle, either—feel free to set out an entire collection so that there's always some variety.

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  • 15 of 28

    Add Brass Animals

    Glass coffee table with brass statue of dolphins

    Erin Williamson Design

    What's more fun than a chic, brass accent in the shape of an animal? A few fish are featured here, but brass elephants, giraffes, and more will do just fine.

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  • 16 of 28

    Keep It Simple

    living room with minimalist aesthetic with black geometric coffee table

    Brophy Interiors

    Sometimes, all that's needed is a stack of books or one simple vase of flowers to make a coffee table look well-styled. To put it simply: less is more.

    For anyone who normally finds their coffee table often cluttered, try to choose just one type of object to dress it up. That way you'll know when anything else invades this area, and then you can return it to its actual storage spot.

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  • 17 of 28

    Form a Grid

    coffee table decor ideas

    @dominiquegebru / Instagram

    If you have a busier living room, you may wish to form a grid with the layout and how you style your coffee table.

    Pare down when it comes to decor and create a well-laid out space that surrounds the coffee table. An under-styled coffee table helps offset this setup, but in more minimalist homes, a grid can help you decide how to plan out decor on this surface, too.

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  • 18 of 28

    Play with Height

    coffee table decor ideas

    @kozycolonialhome / Instagram

    For those looking for a bit more oomph, a pedestal makes for an excellent addition to the coffee table.

    Use it to make your styling really stand out and add layers to your display. It can also help prevent trailing plants from dangling down too low.

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  • 19 of 28

    Contrast Colors

    coffee table decor ideas

    @myeclecticnest / Instagram

    It's tempting to pick out decorative items that all match, but why not decorate with accents that complement and contrast with your coffee table?

    For example, if you have a glass or lucite piece with transparent decor on top, opt for something bold and opaque. A bright throw pillow or a patterned vase will jump out visually when the rest is subtle.

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  • 20 of 28

    Add Entertainment

    coffee table decor ideas

    Victoria Bell Interiors

    Whether it's a chessboard or a classic Monopoly box is up to you. Keeping a game or two on display encourages playfulness.

    Bonus points if you find one that's aesthetically pleasing.

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  • 21 of 28

    Make It Practical

    coffee table decor ideas

    Charlie Coull Design

    If you prefer a clean slate, you can always opt to leave your table totally empty. This can be ideal for those living in small apartments whose coffee tables play multiple roles throughout the day.

    The key here is making sure that the rest of your space is well decorated so that it doesn't appear that you've only just moved in.

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  • 22 of 28

    Include Personal Elements

    coffee table decor ideas

    Forbes + Masters

    Don't be afraid to show your personality on your coffee table. This can be a nod to your hobbies, passions, or favorite topics.

    As this Nashville music lounge shows, coffee table books and a groovy vintage lucite chess set point to personal interests. This makes your space feel more like home than a staged house.

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  • 23 of 28

    Incorporate Storage

    coffee table decor ideas

    Tyler Karu

    Not every coffee table has built-in storage. This can be solved with a magazine rack put on the side or baskets placed beneath the surface of the table.

    Even something as tiny as a small trinket box ensures that any loose items, such as buttons, change, and the like, don't clutter up your coffee table. Organization has never looked so stylish.

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  • 24 of 28

    Add Elegance

    bust sculpture on coffee table

    @hotsundayhome / Instagram

    You have plenty of options when it comes to adding elegance to your coffee table through decor. It could be glass dishes, crystal candle holders, or decorative busts.

    Decorative busts aren't just for bookshelves. Pick a favorite statue and let him or her have a moment on your coffee table. Who says your home can't look like a museum?

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  • 25 of 28

    Create a Lived-In Look

    coffee table decor ideas

    Natascha / Instagram

    A lived-in coffee table turns a cold, sterile space into a home. You can create this look through stacks of books, thoughtfully placed decorative objects, and soft, well-worn textiles.

    Petite lamps look pretty darn darling, too. Choose a small battery-operated light that will add a warm glow to your space all day long.

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  • 26 of 28

    Print Some Pics

    coffee table decor ideas

    @jadoreledecor / Instagram

    Print out (or dig up from your family archives) photographs of loved ones that will make you smile.

    It's so rare that we see printed pictures in our homes these days, and keeping a few favorites on your coffee table will remind you of precious moments and faces you don't often get to see in real life.

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  • 27 of 28

    Try Sculptural Objects

    coffee table decor ideas

    @home.and.spirit / Instagram

    A sculptural object is always a good idea to elevate your coffee table decor. Here, an oversized piece adds some contrast to the mostly white decor on this wooden table.

    It's the perfect way to add a clean, sleek statement, especially if you're one to gravitate towards minimal spaces.

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  • 28 of 28

    Break Out the Beads

    coffee table decor ideas

    Amy Leferink at Interior Impressions

    Woven beads are a popular choice when it comes to coffee table decor and they shine in several settings.

    What's great about this accent is that it can lean traditional, or coastal—the key is all in the styling.

Originally written by
Sarah Lyon
sarah lyon, writer for the spruce
Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.
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