☕ Coffee Table Styling: How to Create a Chic, Functional Centerpiece
The coffee table is often the heart of a living room—it’s where we set down our drinks, rest our books, gather around for conversation, or showcase our personal style. But styling a coffee table can feel intimidating. Add too much, and it looks cluttered; add too little, and it feels unfinished.
The key is balance. With the right mix of height, texture, and personal touches, you can create a coffee table display that’s both functional and beautiful. In this post, we’ll walk through a step-by-step approach to styling your coffee table using five carefully chosen pieces that work in almost any home.
1. The Foundation: Decorative Styling Book
Product Spotlight: Home Sweet Heaven: Oversized Decorative Book
Books are the foundation of coffee table styling because they add structure and instantly make a space feel curated. The Home Sweet Heaven oversized decorative book is both beautiful and functional, with an aesthetic cover that works in any interior style. Beyond its looks, it’s also practical—featuring blank numbered pages inside, it can double as a daily journal or reminder book.
How to Style:
Use it as a standalone centerpiece or stack it with one or two other neutral books.
Place the candle or chain link on top for a layered effect.
Position it off-center to create asymmetry and visual interest.
📖 Tip: Oversized decorative books make a bold statement while also leaving space for smaller accents to shine.
2. The Glow: A Luxe Candle
Product Spotlight: Focus-Eucalyptus & Lime, 3 Wick Refillable Wellness Candle
Every coffee table deserves a warm, glowing element. A candle provides light, scent, and mood all at once. This candle is hand-poured with essential oils and comes in a ceramic vessel, making it both a décor piece and a wellness accent.
How to Style:
Place the candle atop a book for height.
Keep it centered in a tray or bowl to define its space.
Light it during gatherings for a cozy, welcoming vibe.
🕯️ Tip: Because this one is refillable, it’s also a sustainable choice—meaning you can enjoy the vessel as a long-term décor piece.
3. The Texture: Sculptural Chain Link Decor
Product Spotlight: Wood Chain Link Decor, Hand Carved, White
Coffee table styling thrives on contrast—hard versus soft, smooth versus textured. The Hanlin hand-carved wood chain link brings a sculptural quality that feels modern and artistic while adding visual weight.
How to Style:
Drape the chain over stacked books for a relaxed, intentional look.
Place it inside a decorative tray or bowl as a statement filler.
Pair with the eucalyptus candle to balance organic and sculptural textures.
🔗 Tip: Use chain link décor in light tones (like white) to avoid overwhelming the table, especially if you already have darker books or bowls.
4. The Function: Stylish Coasters
Product Spotlight: Diatomaceous Earth Coasters
Practical items can be beautiful too. Coasters are a must for protecting your coffee table, but that doesn’t mean they can’t double as décor. This set of modern diatomaceous earth coasters in a sleek grey aesthetic absorbs moisture quickly and adds a clean, contemporary element to your setup.
How to Style:
Stack them neatly in the decorative tray for easy access.
Place one under your candle or small vase to tie the look together.
Keep them slightly offset to show off their stone-like design as a styled accent.
💡 Tip: Neutral-toned coasters like these blend seamlessly with wood, stone, or glass tables, making them versatile for nearly any living room style.
5. The Anchor: Decorative Tray or Bowl
Product Spotlight: Wood Hand Carved Tray, Washed White, 10"
Finally, a tray or bowl anchors everything together. This carved wood tray brings rustic charm and softens the overall look with its organic shape. It also provides function—holding remotes, coasters, or small snacks.
How to Style:
Center the tray on the table, then layer the candle and wood chain link inside.
Leave some space empty to keep it practical for daily use.
Use it seasonally to display ornaments, pinecones, or fresh flowers.
🍂 Tip: Round bowls and trays break up the square or rectangular lines of books and tables, making the vignette more dynamic.
Pulling It All Together
When these five pieces are styled together, they create a balanced, polished coffee table display:
Book → form the base.
Candle → adds glow and scent.
Chain link → introduces texture and artistry.
Coasters → keep the table protected while adding a clean, modern accent.
Tray → anchors everything and provides function.
The result is a setup that feels intentional, stylish, and usable. You don’t have to overstuff the table—with these five categories, you achieve everything you need: layers, light, texture, practicality, and organization.
Extra Styling Tips for Your Coffee Table
Think in odd numbers: Arranging décor in groups of three or five feels more natural than even groupings.
Vary height: Stack books, add taller vases, and keep smaller accents low for visual interest.
Leave negative space: Don’t cover every inch—guests need room to set drinks or plates.
Mix materials: Wood, stone, ceramic, and paper complement each other and avoid monotony.
Refresh seasonally: Swap succulents for pine sprigs in winter, citrus branches in summer, or dried florals in fall.
🛒 Shop the Look
Here are the exact products featured in this coffee table styling setup:
Final Thoughts
Styling a coffee table doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on just five well-chosen accents—a book, a candle, sculptural décor, coasters, and a tray—you can achieve a layered look that’s both chic and functional. This approach works for every style, from modern minimalism to cozy farmhouse, and it keeps your living room feeling lived-in yet elevated.
Next time you glance at your coffee table, think of it as a canvas. With a little layering, balance, and creativity, you’ll turn it into a statement piece that reflects your style and makes your living room feel complete.
HOME
AUGUST 21, 2025