Hello friends,

Last week, I shared with you some of my favorite coffee tables. This week, let’s talk about how to style that all important piece in your home. While I don’t really believe in rules, per se… there are guidelines and formulas that just work and can be employed again and again.

Below is my formula for a great coffee table every time!

xoxo,
Melinda

P.S. Are we connected on instagram? If not, why not? Follow me @melindabrowning

1. Start with Books

The first items I start pulling together are coffee table books. I mean, there’s a reason we call them coffee table books, right? The general formula I use is just two or three books to a stack, except when I don’t. It really depends on the look you’re going for… more books that are stacked higher is going to give you that ‘English Country House Library’ feeling, fewer books stacked more deliberately will give a more sleek minimalist feel. 

2. Organize with Trays

Use trays to corral smaller items like remotes, coasters or a small bowl with matchbooks for your candles.

3. Add Something Organic

Bring your table to life with something green like a great Jade plant or some orchids. I also love cut flowers in a vase for a pop of color. 

5. Add Personal Elements

On your stacks of books, add in bowls, small boxes, decorative items picked up from your travels, or other personal items that mean something to you. 

4. Divide and Conquer

For a larger square coffee table, I like to divide the space up into quadrants, and then add an element in each quadrant. Say, two quadrants with stacks of books, the third with a tall plant, and in the fourth quadrant some decorative bowls.

5. Pay Attention to the Topography

Make sure that you have objects of varying heights, and that you create different levels to keep it all interesting and capture the eye!