One of the best ways to make your room look polished and magazine worthy is to style the surfaces to perfection. There are some tricks of the trade that we professional designers use to create those picture-perfect looks. It’s all about balance, symmetry, and a dash of personality! Here are my best tips for styling a coffee table.

Create a Base

Start with stacks of books, or with a tray, to create a strong base. I love to use books because you can also show a lot about your personality with the titles that you select. You want large-sized books - those perfectly named coffee table books. Create a couple of stacks of two or three books each. And bonus if the spines coordinate fabulously with your room’s palette!

Vary the Heights

You want to have varying heights on the table, not just a boring flat look. Stack things on top of each other, use a tall vase, and add interest with boxes or objects. I like to create at least three heights so the eye can travel and have things to look at.

Don’t Forget Texture

Use items that have different textures, like a woven tray, an onyx box, or a leather container. That creates a lot of visual interest, too, and it keeps things from being too cold and lifeless. Speaking of which…

Give Them Something to Talk About

Don’t be afraid to showcase unusual items on your coffee table, especially if they’ll spark a conversation. If it’s something you love, then definitely do not hide it away. This is again about showing who you are and what your personality is all about!

Keep Experimenting

Keep playing with the mix until you find a look that really works. You’ll know it when you see it - it will be fabulous to look at AND it will feel balanced and exciting.

Let me know what you think about these tips in the comments section below!

Warmly,

Beth