*Image via Laurel Bern Interiors.
The coffee table has long been one of my favorite sites for home styling and aesthetic expression. Over the years, I have constantly re-configured this surface, adding new objects and books, zhushing with flowers, etc. Nowadays, I often keep the coffee table more or less clear because it’s just the right height for the prying eyes and hands of my two children, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have grand intentions for it in the near future. (And, occasionally, I will trot out the votives, transfer flowers hosted elsewhere in the apartment, and style my coffee table just for my evening enjoyment.). Below, a few of my favorite coffee tables followed by some ultra-chic coffee table adornments.
Chic Coffee Tables.
OUR MARBLE-TOP COFFEE TABLE (CURRENTLY 30% OFF! — LOOK FOR LESS HERE)
IF YOU LIKE THE UPHOLSTERED LOOK ABOVE, CONSIDER THIS OR THIS
BUNGALOW-CHIC WOVEN STYLE WITH DRAWERS ($230!)
HAVE ALWAYS LOVED THESE ACRYLIC WATERFALL COFFEE TABLES — ESPECIALLY HANDY IN A SMALL SPACE (KEEPS THINGS LIGHT/UNCLUTTERED-FEELING)
ULTRA-DRAMATIC BONE-INLAY SITUATION
CLEAN + NEUTRAL-TONED, BUT WITH PERSONALITY (AND $200)
TULIP STYLE (SO ELEGANT)
IVORY LACQUERED LINEN — WOW!!! MAJOR POP
Chic Coffee Table Decor.
TRAYS // A great way to break up and organize the space so it doesn’t feel like you have a bunch of floating objects. Depending on your aesthetic: lacquered, woven ($25!!), antique silver (Etsy always has great finds along these lines, too), grained wood, and this hand-painted tole style.
BOOKS // I love to stack pretty coffee table books on the tray (or in two or three tidy piles alongside one another on a shelf beneath). A few favorites, listed by color/aesthetic, most of which I own: pink glam, black + modern, neutral/linen, blue, white, and graphic, elegant foliage in blue and green, tropical green (perfect with rattan/woven coffee table), primary colors, sky blue and funky, neon pink statement, ladylike pink flowers, rustic Ralph Lauren.
By the way, any and all of these would also look INSANE on top of this acrylic bookstand.
GREENERY // I love having something live — or green, at least — on a coffee table, whether moss balls (great in a pedestal bowl — see next), preserved boxwoods, a wintry cedar or potted amaryllis for the holidays, trio of succulents, or small posy in a pretty vase or julep cup.
PEDESTAL BOWLS // An easy way to create dimension. I like these stacked on top of books or alongside them. You can fill with decorative matchbooks (also love the chic ones from St. Frank), moss balls, fresh citrus fruit, or a cluster of objets, like these gilded pears. Favorite pedestal bowls: this marble style, this modern style (great if your scheme is black and white), and this mercury glass variation. Not a pedestal style, but love this footed brass find!
DECORATIVE BOXES // Another approach to decorating the expanse. Bonus points: you can hide the remotes inside. I like this caned style, these lacquered ones, this blue geometric Jonathan Adler, this dramatic graphic one.
COASTERS // A functional and stylish accessory to layer on top of a stack of books or nest in the corner of a tray. I own and love these; a couple other favorites: this monogrammable set, the cheeky styles from Jonathan Adler, this chinoiserie set, and a splurge but a treasure in the form of this card suits set from John Derian.
OBJETS // Le coup de gras. Love this match strike, this succulent sculpture (I own this and have given this as a gift, too!), this perched bird, a glass cloche for showcasing something special, a Herend bunny, this steer horn, vintage Wedgewood jasperware dish, vintage Fitz & Floyd dalmatian, wood link set (look for less from Target), gold urchin (I own this!).
P.S. Are you hosting anyone for the upcoming holidays? Here are some thoughts on stylish at-home entertaining.
P.P.S.
How do you get your kids not to knock items off the table? Mine are terrors!
Ah yes! We have that issue in these parts. I do simplify our coffee table when grubby fingers are in close proximity…although strangely (!) I have always kept our bookshelves styled exactly as I like them and they’ve just never taken much of an interest in them. I have no idea why, and have had many friends stop by and ask how I’m able to maintain them. Maybe it’s because their toys are elsewhere in the room? The coffee table, though, because of height and centricity, is trickier to keep them away from.
xx
Just wondering, have you ever posted photos of your own apartment? I always think it’s so interesting to see a writer’s home environment! Like we’re seeing the interesting background bookcases of journalists while they broadcast from home!
Hi Patti! I know – I love those kinds of behind-the-scenes glimpses, too. I have been thinking about how to do this for awhile. I often share snaps on Instastories, but will try to share more little moments here, too. xx