20 Accessories to Help Create a Perfectly Styled Coffee Table
Create a living room centerpiece that's all you.
Decorating your coffee table can sometimes feel like a puzzle. And while there's no hard and fast formula that works for everyone, you can tackle the challenge of styling your table with a mix-and-match approach.
I believe there are certain decor items you can keep on hand to make sure that you always have the makings of a perfectly styled coffee table, and I want to share my favorites with you.
But don't feel overwhelmed! Simply pick four to five items from the following list, play around with the placement on your coffee table, then sit back, put your feet up and relax.
1: Serving Tray
Pottery Barn
A simple serving tray is a great piece to have on hand for almost any coffee table. You can use it to hold some of the other items below or stack it on top of some books.
$99, potterybarn.com
2: Candle
Barneys New York
If you love to switch up your decor based on the seasons, a candle is a simple way to do this. Choose a floral or fresh scent in the spring or summer, and opt for something a bit spicier closer to the holidays. If you have some favorite candles, it’s also nice to buy extras so you know that you always have them on hand.
$65, barneys.com
3: Hardcover Book
Amazon
Large, hardcover books work beautifully on coffee tables. You can either go with a minimalist look and display one book, or stack up a few in various spots on your table. Choose books on topics you're passionate about, but make sure the book you have sitting on top matches with your design and color scheme.
$35, amazon.com
4: Sculpture
World Market
An interesting sculpture is another go-to item that will always work. Depending on the size of the sculpture you choose, you can either place it on top of something else (such as a tray or stack of books), or leave it on the table itself if you want to make sure it gets a bit more attention.
$20, worldmarket.com
5: Plant
Crate and Barrel
Even if you're someone who tends to have a black thumb, you have some options when it comes to plants on your coffee table. You can choose a succulent, such as a cactus, that doesn’t require much water. Or you can always go faux and choose a plant that never needs to be watered.
$45, crateandbarrel.com
6: Storage Box
CB2
Much like a tray, a small, decorative box is another easy way to bring a bit of order to your coffee table. A large one can hold unsightly items, such as remote controls, while a smaller box can be used to hold matches for your candles.
$25, cb2.com
7: Framed Photos
Urban Outfitters
Framed family photos can also work well on a coffee table. However, you want to make sure that you don’t include too many or your space can start to look messy. One or two frames are a nice way to share some of your favorite family moments. If you’re not crazy about photos, you can frame tickets from a recent trip, a favorite quote or even your kids' artwork.
$10, urbanoutfitters.com
8: Crystals
Target
In addition to the potential spiritual and emotional benefits, displaying beautiful crystals is a great way to bring a bit more texture and interest to your space. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors and can work great with all of the other basics on your table.
$18, target.com
9: Large Bowl
New Hampshire Bowl and Board
A beautiful, all-purpose item for your coffee table is a large, wooden bowl. You can simply display the bowl as is and choose one with color and texture. Or, you can fill it up with various items, such as fruit, decorative orbs or collected shells.
10: Vase
Ikea
Choose a beautiful vase, then simply rotate your arrangement each week. Or you can add a vase with flowers on special occasions or when you're having guests over.
$10, ikea.com
11: Globe
Home Decorators Collection
Globes work well on a coffee table, as they provide a bit of height to a styled display. Place a smaller globe on top of a stack of books. Display larger globes directly on the table.
$60, homedecorators.com
12: Animal Figurine
Target
Animal figurines are a fun way to bring a bit of whimsy to your table. You can choose from a variety of materials depending on the look you're going for. If you prefer vintage items, there are lots of brass animal figurines available online, too.
$5, target.com
13: Coral
Target
If you’re not crazy about plants but still want to bring some organic vibes into your living space, consider a piece of coral — real or faux. They come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to choose one that will work with your specific table setup.
$34, target.com
14: Adult Coloring Books
Urban Outfitters
Add some adult coloring books and some markers for an unexpected addition to your coffee table setup. You can put the markers into a beautiful glass or piece of pottery so they’re easy to grab and beautifully displayed.
$15, urbanoutfitters.com
15: Snow Globe
Z Gallerie
An alternative to a standard globe is this slick, grown-up snow globe. Instead of "snow," this globe features gold glitter and a Buddha.
$25, zgallerie.com
16: Coasters
Anthropologie
Coasters are a practical item to have on your coffee table. However, if you choose some beautiful coasters, you'll be proud to keep them on display at all times.
$40, anthropologie.com
17: Charcoal Scent Diffuser
Net-a-Porter
A fab alternative to a candle is this charcoal scent diffuser. You simply leave out the diffuser and it scents the air for several months at a time. If you choose one in a beautiful glass jar, it will look beautiful sitting out on your table.
$120, net-a-porter.com
18: Hourglass
Anthropologie
An hourglass is another fun item to have out on your coffee table. It could come in handy if you like to host game nights, or simply leave it out as a beautiful, interactive display.
$34, anthropologie.com
19: Bookends
West Elm
While coffee table-sized books are a great choice, you can also display some standard-sized books on your coffee table. If you do, you can really fine-tune the look with a beautiful pair of bookends. Go to your local thrift store and find a set of vintage books to display.
$49, westelm.com
20: Dominoes
Nordstrom
Choose a beautiful domino set to display. These also come in a variety of styles (such as Lucite and wood), and would look stunning sitting on a tray or on top of a stack of magazines.
$10, nordstrom.com
15 Designer Tips for Styling Your Coffee Table
See All Photos
Next Up
Eye Candy Alert: 10 Perfectly Styled Coffee Tables From Instagram
20 Stylish Coffee Tables to Inspire Your Own Design
How to Construct a Rustic Trunk-Style Coffee Table
Build a Factory Cart Coffee Table
Turn an Old Coffee Table Into an Upholstered Storage Ottoman
Build a Flip-Down Kitchen Table
How to Make an Upcycled Coffee Table
Our 11 Favorite Coffee Tables With Storage
The Best Coffee Tables Under $250
