Does anyone else agree that coffee table styling feels like peak adulthood? Us too. Balancing the needs of functionality and aesthetics has never been more key than in a living space that’s considered the hub of the home- the place guests visit as well as housing your daily bits, bobs and everything in between. Clutter but make it cool. Everyday essentials but make it edgy. It’s all the ‘stuff’ that’s worthy of public viewing. Nailing the balance of purposeful decor, whilst also leaving space for your actual coffee cups and snacks aplenty is a fine art, friends!
If you’re in need of inspo then think vases, coasters, candles, plants and our personal favourite: BOOKS. There’s something about buying a chunky, hardback coffee table book (aka an oversized visual book that possibly collects dust but looks fabulous doing so) too that feels 10/10 joyful. A book with no expectations or set reading time can be a welcome break from a heavy reading list or excessive screen time day. The key here is not to overthink. Much like shelf styling it can feel overwhelming to nail the fine line between intentional interiors and excessive ‘stuff’, but the more you play around with the space and switch things up seasonally, the more effortless it feels.
Charlotte
OOO I’ve never had a coffee table so this feels like a fun styling challenge. Obvs needs to have some of my personality involved so a Harry Styles candle is just a given. No questions asked. We have a Paul Mescal one on our kitchen table currently and the vibes are immaculate. This Amalfi book is also pure vibes and a lovely one to flick through on a rainy morning with a cuppa. Having fresh flowers in the house has been a lovely luxury in lockdown and this lilac vase is right up my street- perfect for some pastel Spring blooms!
*Amara, ASSOULINE Amalfi Coast Book, £70
*Bohemia, LILAC ENAMEL BUD VASE, £10
Lareese
I love tinkering around with functional spaces to make them look a little more considered and the coffee table is no exception. A mix of books, independent mags, candles and vases for fresh flowers always have a way of welcoming you into the room and creating a focal point to draw the eye away from the tv. I often add in a few secondhand purchases to make it look a bit more eclectic too.
*Amara, ASSOULINE St Tropez Soleil Book, £70
*Amazon, Louis Vuitton: The Complete Fashion Collections, £44.98
Zara, VASE WITH HANDLES, £69.99
Danielle
I’ve gone for some pink and green vibes for my coffee table set up because it would go fabulously in my living room. Starting things off with a lamp, fun to look at and lighting really changes the mood of a room, this might be better suited to a side table or windowsill but tbf. I love a fancy candle but I don’t tend to light them too much which is why I’ve also chosen a burner, they’re more cost-effective and I finally jumped on the wax melts bandwagon and I’ll be dammed if I’m getting off now. Love a cheeky coaster and something to read, most people I know wouldn’t be able to resist flicking through this because dogs are life.
*Selfridges, DIPTYQUE Graphic Collection Limited Edition Roses mini scented candle, £32
*Oliver Bonas, Ero Green Velvet Desk & Table Lamp, £55
*Oliver Bonas, Paradise Pink Ceramic Oil Burner, £19.50
*Trouva, Jonathan Adler, Set of 4 Cock and Tail Coasters, £88
Darcey
I’m really liking navy blue and pink at the moment so I’ve gone for this colour theme for my coffee table. Terrazzo coasters (terrazzo anything tbh) is super cute and these navy blue ones from Etsy are perfect! Always like to use candles to decorate and this curvy torso one is lovely, but I never like to burn them so instead I burn incense. Oliver Bonas have a little turtle incense holder which is so cute so that had to be on my list. Dried flowers are great for a coffee table too as minimal effort and money in the long run, but look really beautiful.
Kalon Candle Co, Curvy Midsize Goddess Candle, £15
*Oliver Bonas, Kauka Pink Glass Vase, £29.50
*Etsy, prettydriedblooms, Letterbox dried flowers PDB1, £13.99
*Oliver Bonas, Honu Blue Turtle Ceramic Incense Holder, £7.50
Holly
My coffee table is always a bit cluttered, it’ll have some nail polish and likely a ketchup bottle on it from the night before. But when I’m adulting well, it will have a nice array of pretty things on it. I brought a similar mirror tray for all my bits and bobs to go on because it looks cute. Then I’ll have an interesting book, candle burning and given the current climate, some hand cream and sanitiser!
Waterstones, Accidentally Wes Anderson, £25
*John Lewis, Heathcote & Ivory In The Garden Hand Cream & Moisturising Hand Sanitiser Set, £5.50
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