A coffee table is more than a functional surface — it’s the centerpiece of your living room. It grounds your seating area, adds visual interest, and reflects your design personality. But the difference between a cluttered table and a beautifully styled one comes down to a few key design principles.

If you're looking for how to decorate a coffee table, or need specific styling ideas for round, glass, or square coffee tables, this full guide walks you through every step — including balance, layering, shapes, height variation, and décor curation.

We’ll also highlight stunning coffee tables from SICOTAS, known for clean lines, warm wood tones, and modern silhouettes.

Explore SICOTAS coffee tables:
https://www.sicotas.com/collections/sicotas-coffee-tables

The 5 Golden Rules of Coffee Table Styling

No matter your table’s shape or material, these universal rules keep your décor balanced and elevated.

Use the Rule of Thirds

Divide your table visually into three sections:

• One for a stack of books
• One for a decorative object
• One for a tray or centerpiece

It keeps things organized yet stylish.

Add Height Variation

Balanced décor uses:

• Tall item (vase, sculpture)
• Medium item (candle, bowl)
• Low item (tray, books)

This creates pleasing visual movement.

Mix Textures and Materials

Examples:

• Wood + metal
• Glass + ceramic
• Rattan + matte objects

Texture = depth and sophistication.

Keep It Functional

Leave open space for:

• Drinks
• Remotes
• Snacks
• Guests

Stylish doesn’t mean crowded.

Add Something Organic

Plants, flowers, or branches bring life to the table.

How to Decorate a Coffee Table (Step-by-Step Guide)

Let’s break down the process.

Step 1: Choose a Base Layer

Your base layer sets the tone.

Options:

• A tray
• A low stack of books
• A shallow bowl

This grounds everything else and keeps clutter under control.

Step 2: Add Your “Anchor” Object

This should be the most visually prominent item:

• A sculptural vase
• A candle arrangement
• A ceramic centerpiece

Step 3: Add Height + Texture

Use:

• Candlesticks
• Plants
• Taper holders
• Branches

These add character and dimension.

Step 4: Add Something Personal

Examples:

• A special book
• A decorative souvenir
• A framed mini photo

Step 5: Balance It Out

Step back and ask:

• Is one side too heavy?
• Is anything too tall?
• Is the table cluttered?

Adjust until the table feels natural and effortless.

Best Coffee Tables from SICOTAS for Designer Styling

Here are some of SICOTAS’ most versatile and stylish models:

Stria Round Coffee Table

• Smooth curved silhouette
• Perfect for balanced, flowy layouts

Great for: round and minimalist styling.

Stria Coffee Table (Rectangle)

• Modern lines
• Perfect for layering trays + books

Savanna Coffee Table

Colors: Black Oak, Caramel Oak, Light Oak

• Works for rustic, Scandinavian, boho, or modern spaces
• Neutral tones match any décor palette

Shop the full collection:
https://www.sicotas.com/collections/sicotas-coffee-tables

How to Decorate a Round Coffee Table

Round tables feel softer, more modern, and more fluid. Their styling should reflect that.

Use a Triangle Layout

Instead of three straight sections, create a triangular composition:

1. Tall vase
2. Stack of books
3. Decorative bowl or candle

Use Circular Objects

Round trays or bowls repeat the table’s shape.

Add Layered Height

Because round tables don’t have corners, height variance adds structure.

Choose Soft Materials

Ceramics
Rattan
Curved objects

Keep the Center Light

Avoid overcrowding — round tables look best airy, not heavy.

How to Decorate a Glass Coffee Table

Glass tables feel elegant and open. Their transparency requires thoughtful styling.

Focus on Sculptural Items

Because you can see through the table, bold shapes stand out beautifully:

• Metal sculptures
• Modern vases
• Architectural candles

Add Texture to Balance Glass

Pair with:

• Wooden tray
• Linen or woven coaster set
• Ceramic decorative pieces

Keep It Minimal

Glass looks cluttered fast. Choose fewer objects.

Use Contrasting Colors

Dark objects → dramatic
White + beige → airy

Keep Cords & bottom shelf clean

Everything is visible.

How to Decorate a Square Coffee Table

Square tables are bold, structured, and anchor large spaces.

Use a 4-Quadrant Layout

Divide your table visually:

• Top left: plant
• Top right: tray
• Bottom left: books
• Bottom right: candle or sculpture

Balance Symmetry

Square tables look amazing with symmetrical décor.

Combine Hard + Soft Shapes

Break up the straight lines with:

• Round bowls
• Curved vases
• Organic branches

Fill the Surface More Than a Round Table

Square = more structure
Round = more openness

Coffee Table Styling Based on Design Style

Living Room Style	Recommended Décor	Best SICOTAS Coffee Table
Modern	Glass vase, clean lines	Stria Rectangle
Boho	Rattan tray, dried palms	Savanna (Natural)
Scandinavian	Neutral candles, minimal books	Stria Round
Industrial	Metal accents	Stria Black
Rustic	Wood bowls, greenery	Savanna (Caramel Oak)
Contemporary	Sculptural objects	Stria Round or Opus pieces

 

Seasonal Coffee Table Decorating Ideas

Spring

• Fresh flowers
• Light ceramics
• Pastels

Summer

• Woven textures
• Seashell accents
• Soft neutrals

Fall

• Amber glass
• Warm-toned branches
• Rustic bowls

Christmas

• Mini trees
• Brass candle holders
• Evergreen garland

Advanced Styling Tips (Designer Level)

Mix heights

3 levels: tall, medium, low.

Leave breathing space

Don’t fill the entire surface.

Use odd numbers

3 or 5 items look more natural.

Combine décor families

Example:
Books + candle + bowl = cohesive trio.

Match your table’s undertone

Warm wood → warm décor
Cool wood → neutral or metallic décor

Coffee Table Styling Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding

More is not more.

Oversized décor

Keep proportions balanced.

No height variety

Flat décor looks messy.

Using only tiny items

Creates visual clutter.

Ignoring table shape

Round tables need softer layouts.

Final Thoughts: Coffee Table Styling That Elevates Your Living Room

Learning how to decorate a coffee table is easier than it seems. Once you understand shape, balance, height, and texture, your table becomes:

• A stunning focal point
• A functional surface
• A designer-inspired part of your home

With SICOTAS coffee tables offering versatile shapes, warm tones, and modern finishes, creating a polished look is effortless.

Explore top coffee tables:
https://www.sicotas.com/collections/sicotas-coffee-tables

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I decorate a coffee table simply?

Use a tray, a plant, a candle, and a small decorative object. Keep it minimal.

How to decorate a round coffee table?

Use a triangle layout, curved objects, a tall vase, and layered heights.

How to decorate a glass coffee table?

Choose sculptural décor, mix textures, and keep items minimal to avoid clutter.

How to decorate a square coffee table?

Use a four-quadrant layout with books, trays, plants, and a centerpiece.

What items look best on coffee tables?

Books, candles, vases, trays, greenery, bowls, and sculptures.

Should coffee table décor be symmetrical?

Symmetry works well on square tables; organic placement is ideal for round tables.

Which SICOTAS coffee table is best for modern décor?

The Stria Round and Stria Rectangle Coffee Tables fit modern and minimalist interiors perfectly.