Designer Secrets to Styling Coffee Tables That Always Look Chic

Coffee tables sit at the heart of the living room. They bridge your sofa, rugs, and sideboards, guiding the flow of the space. Designers view them as both practical and decorative: a spot for morning coffee and evening candles, but also a stage for objects that give a home character.

In our Interior Design Trends for 2026: What’s Next in Luxury Homes, coffee tables are highlighted as focal points that carry sculptural, luxurious weight. Styled correctly, they transform a simple living room into a polished, professional-looking interior.

The Designer Formula: Height, Balance, and Flow

Professional stylists often rely on three guiding principles when arranging coffee table décor:

• Height: Mix tall, medium, and low objects. For example, a ceramic vase of flowers, a stack of books, and a small decorative bowl. This creates visual rhythm.

• Balance: Distribute weight evenly. A large sculptural piece on one side should be balanced with grouped smaller items opposite.

• Flow: Leave negative space so the eye can move around objects and the table remains functional.

Design Tip: Use the “rule of three.” Group objects in odd numbers — three, five, or seven — to make arrangements feel more natural and less staged.

Styling with Books, Trays, and Accessories

Books are the coffee table designer’s secret weapon. Hardcovers with art, travel, or fashion themes not only spark conversation but also add layers. Stack two or three with a candle or decorative object on top.

Trays are equally versatile. A marble or lacquered tray organises smaller items like candles, matches, and coasters, while breaking up the table’s surface into curated zones.

Accessories provide the finishing touch. Think a sculptural ceramic bowl, a piece of coral, or a brass ornament. Seasonal items work well too — a terracotta bowl of conkers in autumn or a small vase of peonies in spring.

For more seasonal inspiration, see Autumn Vibes: Furniture to Match the Season.

Working with Different Coffee Table Shapes

Not all coffee tables are styled the same. Shape matters.

Rectangular tables benefit from division into thirds. Style each section with a unique element — for example, books in one, a tray in the middle, and greenery at the end.

Square tables can feel heavy, so styling on the diagonal helps balance. A tall vase in one corner, a stack of books opposite, and smaller décor filling in between keeps it dynamic.

Round tables call for a strong centrepiece. A sculptural vase or statement tray works as the anchor, with smaller items circling outward.

Explore Opulent’s Coffee Tables collection to find designs in marble, oak, and glass that suit your layout.

Not sure how to find the right coffee table for your living room? Read this.

Textures and Materials: Adding Depth

Texture is just as important as shape. A marble-topped table paired with a woven wool rug creates contrast. Glass tables feel airy but can be warmed with rustic pottery and linen-bound books. Wood brings natural depth, complemented by metallic accents like brass candlesticks or a bronze sculpture.

Our blog How to Layer Textures Like a Professional Interior Designer goes deeper into the art of texture, showing how fabrics, woods, and metals work together to create professional polish.

Seasonal Styling: Keeping It Fresh

One of the best-kept secrets in designer styling is rotation. Coffee tables can be restyled with the seasons to keep the room fresh.

• Autumn: Layer rust-toned throws nearby, display candles in amber glass, and add a bowl of pinecones.

• Winter: Opt for a sleek marble tray with festive greenery and metallic accents.

• Spring: Fresh flowers and pastel books lighten the scheme.

• Summer: Seashells, coral sculptures, and light linen accents create breezy elegance.

Interactive Tip: Snap a photo of your coffee table with your phone. Viewing it on-screen helps you see if the arrangement looks balanced or cluttered.

Practicality Meets Style

A stylish coffee table should also be usable. Leave enough clear space for guests to set down drinks or snacks. Opt for low-profile accessories if the table is frequently used. If you have young children, avoid fragile glass vases and instead style with soft books, trays, or wooden bowls.

For homes that double as entertaining hubs, add multifunctional pieces such as pouffes or ottomans (see our Ottomans collection) around the table to increase seating and texture.