Coffee Table Top Decorating Ideas

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why trust us?

20 Easy Coffee Table Styling Tricks to Try Now

Whether you're looking for something functional or flashy, these decorating ideas will take your living room to the next level.

Dominic Blackmore

If you've had enough of the blank canvas that's been in your living room for far too long, now's your chance to make a change. Your coffee table set-up deserves to reflect your style, regardless of whether you count yourself as a minimalist, a proud maximalist, or somewhere in between. Browse these tips for styling your coffee table with on-trend ideas that will make your space more Instagram-worthy.

1 of 20

Make it seasonal.

If you love nothing more than changing the throw pillows on your sofa from season to season, adopt the same approach for your coffee table. A simple arrangement of seasonally appropriate flowers, along with complementary candles and coffee table books, are all it takes.

Shop a similar look: vase, $20, anthropologie.com

2 of 20

Go for a woven coffee table.

Add texture and personality to your living room by opting for a handwoven coffee table that offers ample space to show off your accessories.

Shop a similar look: storage trunk, $213, overstock.com

3 of 20

Bring the outdoors in.

Showcase trinkets that remind you of your favorite outdoor hobbies (such as gardening or going to the beach) to bring you a little piece of joy every time you look at them indoors.

Shop a similar look: small watering can, $9, etsy.com

4 of 20

Experiment with vintage.

You can't go wrong with a vintage find, whether it's a unique coffee table or a vase that you snagged at your local flea market.

Shop a similar look: coffee table, $342, target.com

5 of 20

Embrace maximalism.

Craft a coffee table arrangement that's full of conversation starters, ranging from books to a tall bouquet of bold flowers.

Shop a similar look: ceramic cachepot, $74, potterybarn.com

6 of 20

Top stacks with tiny touches.

A table grounded by trays and books can carry little sparkly accents, like gemstones or candles, without the look seeming slight. Plus, candle colors and scents can be easily swapped out with the seasons.

See more at Handmade Mood »

Shop a similar look: candle, $17, wayfair.com

8 of 20

Use a two-tiered table.

Why settle for a table with one shelf, when you can choose an eye-catching design with two? Put your creativity to the test by arranging your favorite pieces of decor on a two-tiered coffee table.

Shop a similar look: coffee table, $125, homedepot.com

9 of 20

Treat yourself to fresh flowers.

10 of 20

Weave in a fruit bowl.

You won't forget your daily serving of fruit if you place a bowl of it (apples are perfect) right on your coffee table. Plus, it'll add a fun touch to your decor.

Shop a similar look: fruit bowl, $40, williams-sonoma.com

11 of 20

Display collectibles.

If you enjoy collecting items, like brass decorative objects, display your favorites on your coffee table. It's a great way to showcase your design aesthetic and add character to your table arrangement.

Shop a similar look: gold decorative object, $20, anthropologie.com

12 of 20

Incorporate a decorative box.

Yes, trays are great for storing everything from TV remotes to smaller items, but decorative boxes are another tasteful way to conceal things that lack visual appeal.

Shop a similar look: decorative box, $18, jossandmain.com

14 of 20

Accessorize wisely.

This bowl serves as a sleek detail when left empty, but can also be filled to celebrate the season. Toss in pinecones for fall or metallic ornaments for the holidays.

Shop a similar look: oval bowl, $40, bedbathandbeyond.com

15 of 20

Try a single statement piece.

Make your favorite piece the room's focal point by displaying it alone in the center of the table. With a pretty planter or interesting sculpture, the effect is understated, not spare.

See more at Golden Boys & Me »

Shop a similar look: lantern, $35, westelm.com

16 of 20

Add pops of color.

Here's an easy way to bring new life to your old coffee table: Lay painted wood planks on the bottom of a frame to create a bonus shelf and bring vibrant color to your room.

Shop a similar look: reclaimed wood planks, starting at $46, wayfair.com

17 of 20

Create varying heights.

Because trays and tabletops are horizontal, playing with the height of your accent pieces will add extra interest. Try a tall orchid or tapered candles to mimic this look.

See more at Bliss at Home »

Shop a similar look: potted orchid, $75, thesill.com

18 of 20

Go metallic.

Gold, brass, and silver have a way of instantly elevating any space, but metallics won't overpower your room when they're showcased on just your coffee table.

Shop a similar look: star sculpture, $48, jossandmain.com

19 of 20

Include natural elements.

This Dallas home's table feels bohemian and well-traveled thanks to natural stone pots with living succulents inside.

Shop a similar look: potted succulents, $27, etsy.com

20 of 20

Pile on pretty books.

They're called coffee table books for a reason. Pick ones with bright covers and bold lettering, and vary the height of the stacks for an effortless style that doesn't scream "a designer was here."

See more at House of Harper »

Shop a similar look: coffee table books, amazon.com

Monique Valeris Senior Home Editor, Good Housekeeping Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers decorating ideas, home tours, gift guides and more.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io