I think you know our coffee table isn’t always perfectly “styled.” In fact, I had to remove an Iron Man mask and a handful of Goldfish crackers before I could even start working on this post. But, since I’m teaming up with several other bloggers today for a coffee table decorating series, I’m putting my best foot forward.
Styling a coffee tables isn’t all that tricky. At our house, I like to keep it pretty simple, with nothing too tall or distracting. (Blocking the TV is not acceptable around here.) Personally, I don’t like to cover every inch of my table with stuff. I think it’s easiest to start by dividing the surface area in imaginary halves—or fourths, depending on the size of your table.
From there, I pretty much depend on the same basic accessories, switching out a few things, depending on the season:
(These are four of my favorite coffee table books to display and for framing.)
I prefer an odd number—either a few smaller pieces together or one larger accessory. Although I like to keep everything low overall, it’s important to vary the heights of what you use.
Because I like to actually be able to set my coffee on my coffee table.
Need a table to style? Ten of my top picks here.
Kris {Driven by Décor} says
February 20, 2015 at 8:33 amAs always, it’s beautiful Emily! One of the things that I love most about your style is how you consider functionality as much as looks. Love your tips for leaving empty space while still creating a beautifully styled table.
Pam @ Simple Details says
February 20, 2015 at 8:48 amIf this were a match the coffee table with the blogger post I could spot your fab style a mile away! Gorgeous, Emily!
Rose says
February 20, 2015 at 9:56 pmThat would be a fun game…
laura says
February 20, 2015 at 9:00 amBeautiful Emily and your photo of you is stunning! laura
Emily Clark says
February 20, 2015 at 4:13 pmThanks, Laura :)
My Notting Hill says
February 20, 2015 at 9:30 amYour advice on dividing the space into fourths is so helpful! Love all the versions of your table – beautiful and practical at the same time.
Taylor Greenwalt says
February 20, 2015 at 9:38 amLooks so pretty…thanks for the tips!
Kesha Cagle says
February 20, 2015 at 9:48 amEmily, thanks for even more inspiration. You’re my go-to blog every day and I love everything you do. I am always interested to hear though from other moms and how they decorate with very little ones. Or maybe my kids are just very “grabby” and stubborn. I recently took my coffee table décor off because my 15 month old picks everything off and drops on the floor or messes it up. It was honestly becoming a multiple times a day hassle, that I just decided to clear the deck and maybe wait until she’s a bit older. But she’s always had “crab hands” and takes everything off of shelves and tables (and climbs them too!).
How were your kids with décor when they were young toddlers. I’m envious that you can have several glass/porcelain type items on your coffee table and your kids will not break them. :-) ~Kesha
Emily Clark says
February 20, 2015 at 4:13 pmI promise mine isn’t “styled” like this every day. The twins are definitely grabby, too! I find that they eventually lose interest in most of what’s setting around and move on the next thing they can destroy…
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
February 20, 2015 at 9:53 amI’m glad I’m not the only ones with a pile of goldfish on her coffee table. :) Looks beautiful my friend.
Lesley Metcalfe says
February 20, 2015 at 10:00 amHi Emily,
I love how you’ve styled your coffee table! I appreciate how you don’t overlook functionality while managing to keep it beautiful looking. I was wondering if you have any tips you can share for styling a round coffee table?
Thanks!
Lesley
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
February 20, 2015 at 10:23 amHi Lesley! I don’t mean to but in, but check out the other blogs that are in this series today. There’s some great ideas for round tables!
Emily Clark says
February 20, 2015 at 4:10 pmButt in anytime :) Cindy–I also like the idea of stacks of books going around the outside of the round table with something bigger in the middle.
Maggie @Maggie Overby Studios says
February 20, 2015 at 10:05 amI think trays on coffee tables are great as well as functional. I have a round coffee table with a large square tray I use to arrange my goodies. When pizza night at the coffee table happens the whole tray just lifts away and we are ready to eat.
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
February 20, 2015 at 10:06 amBeautiful as always, Emily! Is that the same bird that’s in your Joss and Main sale? I love the size!
Emily Clark says
February 20, 2015 at 4:11 pmNot the same one–I found mine at a thrift store a while back.
Karena says
February 20, 2015 at 10:10 amEmily I love what you have created and that you use some of my favorites, a pretty tray and design/art books. Then whatever accessories you love fit right in! Beautifully done!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
The Centre Cannot Hold
classic•casual•home says
February 20, 2015 at 10:11 amThis is gorgeous…you crack me up about removing the toys first…we usually have five remotes that I put away. And you are so right about actually leaving space for coffee!!! REALLY fine job. Thanks for participating with us!!!
cindy hattersley says
February 20, 2015 at 10:18 amI totally agree about keeping the coffee table functional. I prefer mine with less rather than more. This is a great tutorial. I love how you styled the tray all of the elements bind together beautifully. You have such great style. Thank you so much for participating and inspiring us ! Gorgeous!!
Therese Long says
February 20, 2015 at 10:36 amI think you nailed it!
Space is important for the business of living!!!
Enjoyed your post :)
Carla Aston says
February 20, 2015 at 10:57 amLovely job. I love all the whites, it makes everything look so fresh. I’m so partial to cloches too. Great combination of pretty things that help tell a story.
Carrie says
February 20, 2015 at 11:15 amBeautiful! I like your formula and the idea of dividing the table into fourths. My favorite, besides the colors, is the bowl for holding your remote controls. :)
KATHYSUE says
February 20, 2015 at 12:13 pmLooks great Emily and I like the way you explained dividing it into quadrants, I think that helps a lot! Yes, open space is always needed for that cup of your favorite drink and of course the controllers I like the way you always keep it real, kudos to YOU!!
TwoPlusCute says
February 20, 2015 at 12:33 pmYour instructions are crystal clear and helpful – thank you. Now, how about sharing the gene of amazing inspiration? Glass bells over succulents – genius detail.
Your styling is perfect.
Carol @ CAD INTERIORS says
February 20, 2015 at 1:02 pmI love that most of what you use to style a coffee table is relate-able, easily accessible, and quite functional – not just decorative! Have a great weekend!
Gina says
February 20, 2015 at 11:30 pmGreat style
Kim says
February 20, 2015 at 11:38 pmBeautiful pieces put together and love the tips about doing the table in thirds and leaving an empty space.
sherry hart says
February 21, 2015 at 7:57 amStyling a coffee table is a lot easier than buying lettuce for sure:) You are a master and of course I love the mix of old and new with some pretty greenery thrown in! Hope you are staying warm….
Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says
February 21, 2015 at 7:19 pmGreat tips and I love seeing greenery.
Shelley
Holly says
February 22, 2015 at 8:31 pmI’m intrigued by that NY Botanical Garden cookbook! I’ll have to check that out. Nice tips on this post Emily :)
Mila says
February 22, 2015 at 9:05 pmSo helpful, pinning for the future. With toddlers on the loose (I have an extremely active 2 y.o.) it is not worth it to go into trouble to create a beautiful coffee table styling only to see it get strewn over the living room– because she “needs room” to sit on top of the coffee table.
Design wise everything speaks to me, except for the coffee table books. I find it really hard to use books as props, unless you do indeed like them and look at them from time to time.
Kim Macumber says
February 24, 2015 at 7:06 amLove your styling and that you keep it real with the remote controls … what would we do without a place to put those!?!? I used this photo to inspire a client over the weekend! Thank you!