How to Style a Coffee Table for a Classy Living Room Look

By Usha Balasubramanyan- July 21, 2025

If you thought your coffee table was just a piece to put down your empty coffee cup, you’ll need to revisit that idea! That’s only just one of the many, many functions of this versatile piece of furniture. Yes, it’s a space to put down cups, magazines and remote controls. But it’s also a key element in interior design that breathes personality into your room and can elevate your décor to the next level. How so, you ask? Read on for pro tips that will transform your coffee table into a statement piece!

Lighten Up with Candles

Candles are a value-add to any space, but look especially pretty on a coffee table. We love the way this designer has played with shades of yellow and white to tie the look together.

Bright coffee table design with yellow cushions and daisy flower arrangement — Elegant coffee table design adds charm to cozy living spaces

Go Vintage

This innovative designer has transformed a vintage leather suitcase into a coffee table. A lovely idea, that scores high on the sustainability quotient! Wouldn’t you agree?

Vintage coffee table design with flowers beside a brown leather couch — Rustic coffee table design for warm and inviting living room vibes

Double Up on Storage

It’s always a good idea to double up on storage, and with this lovely table, you can do just that. A drawer below the tabletop can be used to tuck items out of sight, while the rest of the lower level can be used for magazines and knick-knacks.

Minimalist wooden coffee table with storage space in a beige-toned living room — Functional wooden coffee table with built-in drawer and shelf design

Metallic Accents

This stunning centre table is sheathed in shimmering silver, and is quite the conversation starter! An easy-to-create DIY project, all it takes is a silver acrylic paint that is sprayed evenly on all sides of a circular wooden drum.

Elegant round coffee table in a chic living room with bold decor and lighting — Bold round coffee table adds charm to a cozy, modern living room setup

Group High and Low

To create an interesting grouping on your coffee table, use décor items of differing heights and materials. If all the elements are neatly stacked up, you will find that it looks flat and boring.

Elegant glass coffee table styled with vases, candle holder, and dried flowers — Elegant glass coffee table styled with floral decor and accents

Rustic Centrepiece

Hewn out of logs that are left au naturel, this tiny three-legged coffee table is the epitome of perfection and fits right in with this modern farmhouse vibe.

Boho-style wooden coffee table with minimalist decor and macrame wall hanging — Chic wooden coffee table styled in a cozy bohemian living room setup

Upholstered Coffee Table

Here’s a coffee table that can make good as an extra bench when you need more seating! Upholstered in a lovely yellow fabric that picks out the best of the colours in the room, this table is the cynosure of all eyes.

Charming coffee table design with books and florals in a sunny living room — Warm coffee table design creates a cozy, inviting lounge area

Upcycling Done Right!

This lovely coffee table uses pallets of reclaimed wood, put together to create a table on wheels. Sustainability meets functionality!

Minimalist wooden coffee table with decor in a cozy, casual lounge setting — Functional wooden coffee table adds charm to your modern living space

Glass Top Table

A glass coffee table does not visually cut into your space, and creates the illusion of a room that appears to be larger than it really is.

Minimalist glass coffee table with plants in a modern living room setup — Glass coffee table adds a touch of class to your living area

Go Retro

This retro coffee table dates back to the sixties, ‘anything goes’ style of décor. Team this table with some vintage chairs and some paisley wallpaper for an interesting living room!

Elegant modern coffee table with teardrop wood top and black metal legs — Sleek modern coffee table with unique design for stylish interiors

Nested Tables

Short on space? These nested tables can be pulled out when guests arrive. Use the smaller tables as functional side units to parking snacks and drinks.

Cozy round coffee table styled with book, roses, fan, and scented candle — Beautiful round coffee table styled with flowers, fan and reading vibe

Playing with Levels

This table is really three units in one, as it uses three circular table tops grouped together to create an interesting composition.

Creative latest coffee table design with three-tier circular wooden tops — Unique latest coffee table design with stylish tiered round tops

A Table that Tells Time!

Here’s an interesting twist on keeping time! This coffee table uses an oversized clock as the tabletop. You’ll never be late for anything ever again.

Cozy glass coffee table styled with books, clock dial top, and a coffee mug — Glass coffee table styled with books, clock face, and cozy reading setup

An Eye on Sustainability

If you’re in tune with natural and organic décor styles, this lovely little table that is crafted out of bamboo and cane will be right up your alley. Imperfections in the finishing add to the charm.

Natural wooden coffee table with glass top styled with plant, books, and mug — Wooden coffee table with cozy styling of books, plant, and hot drink

Tips and Tricks to Get It Right!

Keep these tips from our designers in mind, and you can’t go wrong!

When you are displaying any objects on the coffee table, remember to keep them balanced. Add a tall element, like a floral arrangement in a vase, next to horizontal elements such as coffee table books. Try to create interest through the way you group the items together, and vary the height and scale of your display.
Use contrasting colours, textures or materials for added interest. For interest, a metallic vase and a bunch of soft blooms would go well together, or a light wood table top would look good against a set of blue and green pottery jars.
Don’t clutter up the top of the table. Leave at least one half of it bare, so that whatever you are displaying does not get lost in the clutter.
Plants in small pots or cut flowers in pretty vases are a lovely addition to your coffee table and breathe life to any space.
If you wish to group small decorative objects together, corral them together on a wicker tray or a shallow basket. This also makes it easier to clear the tabletop if you are serving snacks and drinks to your guests.
While many people like to showcase pictures on a coffee table, this doesn’t always work as some of your guests will end up looking at the back of the frame!
Choose intensely personal items to display on your coffee table, that tell a story and spark conversation. If you are choosing to display some books, perhaps you can even leave a book open to a favourite page.

We hope that our styling tips have helped you rethink your coffee table decor! For more home décor and design ideas, the HomeLane team is always at hand.

FAQs

1. What is the best way to style a coffee table?

The best way to style a coffee table is by mixing décor elements of varying heights — like candles, vases, and books. Keep half the table clear for balance and avoid clutter. Add a touch of greenery or flowers to make your modern coffee table more inviting.

2. How can I decorate a round coffee table?

To style a round coffee table, group items in triangles or clusters — such as a vase, candle, and a decorative bowl. Avoid sharp edges and keep the design symmetrical. These tips enhance the look of a wooden coffee table or glass coffee table equally well.

3. What are some modern coffee table design ideas?

Modern coffee table designs focus on minimalism, mixed materials, and functionality. You can try glass tops for an airy look, metallic finishes for luxury, or upcycled wooden tables for a sustainable touch. Choose designs that match your overall décor style.

4. How can I add storage to my coffee table design?

Go for coffee table designs with drawers, shelves, or dual layers. They provide space to store magazines, remotes, and coasters, keeping your living room clutter-free. A wooden coffee table with hidden storage combines beauty with practicality.

5. What are the latest coffee table design trends?

The latest coffee table designs highlight mixed materials, organic shapes, and multifunctional features. Styles like nested tables, upholstered tops, and metallic finishes are trending in 2025, combining elegance with everyday practicality.