How to Style Your Coffee Table Like a Designer

Your coffee table is more than just a place to rest your morning coffee—it’s the heart of your living space, an opportunity to showcase your home's style, and an anchor for the entire room. But styling it can be harder than you think. 

If you’ve ever admired a perfectly curated coffee table on Instagram or in a magazine and wondered how to recreate that effortless elegance at home, we’ve got you covered. Here are three easy styling tips to transform your coffee table into a chic, layered masterpiece—no professional decorator required.

1. Coffee Table Books Are Your Friend

A well-styled coffee table almost always includes a thoughtful stack of books. Not only do they add color and height, but they also serve as a foundation for layering other décor. Choose books with beautiful covers, rich textures, and subjects that speak to your interests—whether it's travel, fashion, or interior design. Stacking two or three books creates a natural pedestal for decorative objects, like a sculptural accent or a beautiful candle.

2. Add Height for Visual Impact

A flat coffee table can feel uninspired. To bring depth and dimension, incorporate elements with varying heights. A tall ginger jar or a vase filled with faux stems instantly elevates the space—both literally and visually. This trick not only draws the eye upward but also adds softness and movement.

3. Bring Your Table to Life with Objects

Books and vases set the foundation, but the final layer of objects truly make a coffee table feel inviting. Sculptural accents, woven trays, decorative coral, and collected treasures add warmth and personality. These pieces tell a story, spark conversation, and make the space feel curated rather than staged.

Start Your Styling!
The secret to styling a coffee table like a designer is all about balance—playing with height, layering textures, and curating a mix of books, vases, and objects that feel collected and thoughtful. With these simple styling tricks, your coffee table will go from an afterthought to a statement piece in no time!