In a living room, you can create a striking focal point with a coffee table. However, when it comes to a round version, your styling needs a little more consideration. Rectangular coffee tables are more traditional in design, whereas square can add a modern touch. Curves are trending for interiors regardless. So, a round coffee table is an easy win if you want to add style to your living room.
Both of these options tend to be easier to work with in terms of styling; this is because you’ve got a lot more room and a defined frame in which to play with. Circular tables instantly add a contemporary edge to any living room. They can also anchor your room design especially when placed in the centre of your space. I love circular coffee tables because they add a softer sculptural centrepiece to any living room. So, follow my tips on how to update this piece of furniture in your home this autumn.
Back to basics with coffee table decor
The best place to start is with a clean slate so clear everything from the top of your coffee table. The key is to create a focal point, which complements your room design. Think about the shape and size of your coffee table before you pick any decorative accessories. Also, consider which items may reflect your personal style. Make sure you’ll have room for functional pieces, such as a cup of tea and some sweet treats (well, the latter are more of an indulgence but I’m a big fan of comfort food at this time of year). Why not consider coffee table books, which will create a platform for decorative items too?
Your coffee table from every angle
Different coffee table sizes accommodate different styling techniques. You’ll also need to produce a design, where the table top looks good from every direction. This is important for every coffee table shape – don’t design your table with everything facing forwards. Once you’ve cleared your coffee table clutter, you’re ready to begin the best part!
How to add interest and texture
Introducing natural elements to your coffee table can add a sense of warmth. For example, think plants and pine cones. At this time of year, seasonal blooms, such as cyclamen, can also make a perfect addition to your decor. I love pine cones because they are a great way in which to switch up your space from summer vibes into relaxed autumn cosiness. I’ve chosen long natural versions here, because they suit my style and my coffee table.
Textural decor
Mixing textures can add more depth to your coffee table decor too. So, use a large ceramic bowl, such as mine from Oliver Bonas, for your cones. Place a cyclamen into a dedicated planter picking colours from your living room to tie in the look you want to achieve. Adding a combination of smooth and rough texture also adds visual interest.
Switching up coffee table decor with lights
I love a candle or three in my home; you can add more depth and natural ambience to your design with flickering candlelight. Other options include placing battery operated fairy lights in a vase. Or simply add a candle lit diffuser, which will fill your room with essential oils to create a calming ambience.
Decorative tea lights
I personally prefer tea lights on a coffee table. However make sure you place them in votives or they may melt your furniture. Odd numbers are good for interior design so pick three for a visually appealing display. And don’t forget to blow the candles out when leaving your living room. Or simply buy LED lit versions, which will add soft light and relaxing vibes without safety concerns.
How to style your coffee table with a tray
If you’ve got enough space, a tray can add ground your design. I really like the look of a rectangular tray on a round coffee table for contrast and this will provide the base within your display. From a practical perspective, these are also easy to move out of the way when more space is required for drinks and nibbles. You can choose circular or square rectangular trays for a round coffee table – the choice is yours.
Considering the finer details for your coffee table tray
When choosing your tray, think about your material carefully. Are you looking for a luxurious finish such as marble? I’ve got a beautiful nest of marble topped tables from MM Furnishings in my living room which would create a more cohesive scheme, for example. But make sure you contrast the material you use with your coffee table top. The tray size you pick will be important too. Don’t choose one which is too large because it will fill your space if you’re working with a round surface. However, an oversized tray can look stunning on a rectangular table if you position it at one end. You just don’t want your tray to cover the entire table. And, if you add one which is too small, this will be overlooked by other pieces on your coffee table. Trays should ultimately complement the colour and style of your coffee table. The key is to use this accessory to keep your table top clutter-free. If you don’t have room for a tray (I don’t in my living room), you can still fill your space with creative coffee table decor.
Introduce books to your coffee table decor
If you’ve got a rectangular coffee table, stack books together in more than one section. For round coffee tables, space usually comes at a premium. I suggest picking a couple of thick books with stylish covers, which you can pile together in one stack. When you’re adding a few items, such as these, it’s good to use them to showcase parts of your own personality. Consider which theme really appeals to you. I’ve chosen fashion for my coffee table books in my autumn display because this category and interior design are intrinsically linked.
Adding personality to your coffee table
Coffee table books can create contrast in and add height to a display. You could use stacked books to position personal items on top – think family photos or a prized mini sculpture. This kind of artwork can look stunning and it tends to be a real conversation starter. If you’re a keen traveller, placing a prized possession from a memorable trip on your coffee table could create a more meaningful space. Decorative pieces, from handmade boxes in mother-of-pearl to trinkets in metal or glass, can all add to the look.
Add greenery to your coffee table decor with houseplants
Now that all your garden summer planting is fading away, it makes sense to add a sense of this season indoors to your coffee table. One way in which to do this is with the right houseplants. Cyclamen is one of my favourite autumn plants; the flowers are gorgeous and you can choose from a whole host of colour-ways. You can buy hardy cyclamen for your garden. But there are plenty of varieties to choose from, which will suit indoors perfectly – I find many of the larger versions tend to be indoor only, so check the labels first.
Greenery style matters
If you’ve got a large round coffee table, this would suit a bigger plant. Or, for a smaller space, a small indoor cyclamen would be best. When it comes to coffee table styling, a plant or some flowers in a vase can provide a great way to add height to your display. Either way, the vessel you use should complement the rest of your room design.
Choosing your container
Picking colours for pots or vases on your coffee table should always match your overall room colour scheme. So pick an accent shade and work with that. In my living room, I’ve chosen a yellow and white striped planter. This complements the yellow in my curtains, blinds, cushions and neon sign, while the white works with the white on my coffee table stacked books and the rug below.
Styling tips to enhance your coffee table decor
When it comes to styling your coffee table, it’s all about creating a sense of balance. You’ll want an eclectic mix of items. Think functional pieces, such as coasters, and decorative objects, like a coffee table book or two with beautiful covers. These will create a harmonious finish. These also add a touch of personality to your to your coffee table.
The rule of three for coffee table decor
Consider using a few big objects, such as a large bowl or vase, which will anchor your design. One way in which to distribute the weight on a round coffee table is to choose three clear sections in a triangle formation. I’ve used this layout in my living room and I’ve added three tea-light votives in the centre to create a cohesive finish. The rule of three in interior design is the way in which you can group three main objects/sections together to create an interesting feature.
Also, use different shapes on your coffee table and create clean lines with clearly defined areas. For example, I’ve allocated space on mine for a drink and nibbles in one section and a couple of extra coasters. So, empty spaces can be filled with glasses, cups or mugs if necessary when guests visit.
Admire your work
Once you’ve finished designing your key piece of furniture in your living room, step back and enjoy your round coffee table arrangement! View it from all angles to ensure it complements your room’s decor and reflects your personal style.
