Strategies for Decorating Coffee Tables

If you have a clear acrylic or glass coffee table, don't forget to make use of the display space below: "You can stack art and coffee table books under the table," designer Nancy Barsotti says — as well as showcase other items. On a more practical note, a pretty open box or basket under the table (whether it's see through or not) can hold yesterday's unfinished crossword puzzle, the TV listings and remote, reserving the tabletop for more attractive items. If your coffee table isn't see-through, you can still get the same effect with a patterned rug.