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Updated: Aug 22, 2022 by Kris Jarrett

Coffee Table Decor Ideas: My Fave Tips & Ideas!

I’m sharing all of my favorite coffee table decor ideas & tips in today’s post!

I’m a sucker for pretty coffee table decor! When I took a good look at the two coffee tables in our house, I realized that there are five decor essentials that I always use and I’m going to share each one of those coffee table decor ideas with you today! (post includes some affiliate links – see my full disclosure statement {here})

Coffee Table Decor Idea #1: Large Coffee Table Trays

I always use a large tray on my coffee tables. Always. I love that they keep everything neatly corralled and if you want to clear off your coffee table to use it for playing a game or setting out a spread of food, you can take everything off with the simple lift of a tray. Trays are also a great way to add some contrasting texture or color to keep things interesting.

For our family room coffee table, I went with a large 28″ square wood tray that takes up a large chunk of the coffee table but still leaves room for my husband to throw up his feet (we keep a designated “foot pillow” around for him to do that with – lol!):

Great post on coffee table decor with tips for styling your own!

Sources: White tasseled corner pillow cover  |  Textured gray pillow cover  |  Antelope pillow cover  |  Faux fiddle leaf fig tree  |  Rug  |  Pair of floor poufs  |  Acrylic coffee table (similar)  |  Black and white striped box  |  Brass cranes  |  White coral (similar)

I had the hardest time finding a large handled square tray that I liked but ended up finding the perfect one on Etsy. The shop I bought mine from no longer exists but you can find an almost identical tray at {this Etsy shop}.  They offer them in a wide variety of colors in a velvet matte or gloss luster finish. A tray this large is expensive but I’ll have mine for YEARS. I love that if I change up my color scheme in the future, I can simply repaint it rather than having to buy a new tray.

On our living room ottoman/coffee table, I mostly use light woven trays to add some brightness and texture. My favorite is {this large woven rattan tray} which is a nice size and a great price for a tray this large:

The perfect coffee table tray! Love this large whitewash rattan serving tray!

Other sources: White vase  |  Faux eucalyptus  |  Gold wishbone

FYI, be sure to add felt pads to the bottom of woven trays to make sure they don’t scratch your coffee table! These are a few other favorite coffee table trays that would also work beautifully (Scroll & Click/Tap to Shop):

Idea #2: Flowers & Natural Elements

I use flowers and natural elements throughout my home because they add life in a way nothing else can so it’s no surprise that one of my favorite coffee table decor ideas! During the summer when we have a ton of flowers blooming in our yard, I keep small fresh flower bouquets on our coffee table:

Flowers (both real and faux) are one of the six coffee table decor essentials I'm sharing in this post!

You can add even more life and personality by placing your flowers in something unique like this brass swan planter of mine (you can find similar planters {here} and {here}) that I’m pretty much obsessed with:

Beautiful coffee table styling! Love the brass swan planter!

If you don’t have blooms to clip from your yard, grab a $5 bundle of tulips at the grocery store or for even less maintenance, add a plant. This snake plant that used to be on our living room coffee table is the best – seriously unkillable:

A snake plant is one that you pretty much can't kill - great for coffee table styling!

And I love {this dried star anise pod} I have on the stack of books on the end of our coffee table too – it’s another way of bringing nature into this space.

There’s also no shame in going faux! I recently bought {this faux peony bundle} in raspberry and two of {these white hydrangeas} that make the prettiest little arrangement:

These faux peonies and hydrangeas in a simple white planter are beautiful as coffee table decor!

Get details on all the best artificial flowers {here}.

And after moving my snake plant upstairs, I’ve been using three of these faux eucalyptus branches (found {here}) in {this white vase} on our living room ottoman:

Simple coffee table decor I love! Tray, faux eucalyptus, and other accessories are linked in the post!

You can use other natural elements to add life too – a bowl of pinecones, feathers, or elements from the sea such as driftwood, shells, and coral are just a few ideas. The best thing about natural elements is that there are so many outside your door that you can find and use for free!

Idea #3: Coffee Table Books

Books are another of my favorite coffee table decor ideas. They’re perfect for adding a layered look plus it’s nice to have some interesting coffee table books that your family and guests can pick up and read. Being the design lover that I am, most of mine (big surprise) are centered on design. Books about the area you live in, your favorite state or country to vacation in, or a favorite hobby are other great choices.

You could also think about getting a bunch of your photos off of your phone and computer and into one of {these cute digital photo books} – that’s future coffee table goals for me! And if you want to add some color or pattern to your coffee table, a simple way to do it is to use a remnant from a favorite fabric:

Love the idea of using a favorite fabric remnant to cover a book as part of your coffee table decor!

Learn how to make fabric book covers {here}.

And if you’re a design lover like me and are on the hunt for some good coffee table books, these are a few that have great content inside and look pretty outside (Scroll & Click/Tap to Shop):

 

Idea #4: Book Toppers

Along with some stacked coffee table books, I always add a book topper or two. These can be just about anything from the large gold wishbone (similar one available {here}) I used on my fabric covered book above to a decorative magnifying glass like one of {these} or a small piece of coral like {this one}):

Lots of ideas for great coffee table decor in this post, including adding natural elements like coral!

Wood bead garlands or sea glass bead necklaces like {these} are other favorite toppers:

Gorgeous glass beads - one of the many ideas for coffee table decor in this post!

It’s a coffee table decor idea that you can have fun personalizing to reflect your own style and interests. Here are a few other ideas for fun book toppers (Scroll & Click/Tap to Shop):

 

Idea #5: Decorative Boxes

Decorative boxes are the best! There are so many beautiful options and they’re great for stashing things that you don’t want cluttering up your table. {This black and white pinstripe box} on our family room coffee table holds extra TV remotes, our lighting remote, and my photo flash drives I need every now and then while laptopping on the sectional:

Beautiful bone box for storing remotes on the coffee table!

And the smaller marble box on our living room ottoman tray holds a set of coasters:

Gorgeous decorative box holding coasters on the coffee table - gret idea that's part of this coffee table styling post!

These are some other beautiful decorative boxes that would work well on a coffee table (Scroll & Click/Tap to Shop):

 

Once you’ve got these essentials in place, then it’s time to have some fun and add a few quirky things you love! For me, that’s often brass animals (#obsessed) like this pair of brass cranes (similar ones available {here}):

A pair of vintage brass cranes used as coffee table decor

but for you it might be something related to your favorite hobby or a piece that simply has some history and special meaning. Put it all together and you’ll have a coffee table that’s the star of your space!

Sharing my favorite coffee table decor, including everything I have on our family room coffee table!

Sources: TV console (similar)  |  Chandelier (satin bronze)  |  Rattan chair  |  White tasseled corner pillow cover  |  Textured gray pillow cover  |  Antelope pillow cover  |  Faux fiddle leaf fig tree  |  Rug  |  Pair of floor poufs  |  Acrylic coffee table (similar)

Thanks so much for stopping by today! If you’d like to makeover other parts of your living room too, get my must-have tips on decorating your living room {here}.

If you’re new here and want to join the Driven by Decor crew in getting DIY and decorating inspiration delivered to your inbox, I’d love for you to subscribe by email – it’s typically only 2 posts per week and I share my weekly favorite finds in addition to all sorts of decorating tips! CLICK {HERE} TO SUBSCRIBE!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. CINDY hattersley says

    February 21, 2019 at 10:56 am

    Sooooo many good ideas here. You and Sherry have inspired me to be on the lookout for pretty coasters! I love that you have them stashed in a pretty container. Your have a knack for organizing your elements in such a stylish way. I am going to check out the boxes you have listed. Thanks so much Kris for joining us. You do such a great job with tutorials. You make it all sound simple!

    Reply
    • Kris Jarrett says

      March 25, 2019 at 12:28 am

      Thank YOU for having me! Always love doing a hop with you talented ladies!!!!

      Reply
  2. gail says

    February 21, 2019 at 10:57 am

    Room is absolutely lovely. Coffee table ideas…great. The only thing I would suggest is getting some fabulous spring pillows that pick up the raspberry color of the faux peonies! The room calls for just a wee bit more color in my opinion. Nothing overwhelming.. just a pop of color to keep it interesting!

    Reply
    • Kris Jarrett says

      March 25, 2019 at 12:27 am

      I’m still in winter mode here in Connecticut but I do always add more color for spring – stay tuned! 🙂

      Reply
  3. classic casual home says

    February 21, 2019 at 11:07 am

    This is so great, Kris…love all the links you have provided and it makes me want to start shopping right away! You can’t have too many trays, right? And for that matter…BOXES, too. You have such pretty inspiration here!
    Mary Ann

    Reply
    • Kris Jarrett says

      March 25, 2019 at 12:26 am

      Thank you so much for having me guest host! I enjoyed hopping around and seeing everyone’s beautiful work!

      Reply
  4. Lynn Coleman says

    February 21, 2019 at 2:06 pm

    Are faux plants or greenery OK from some spaces?

    Reply
    • Kris Jarrett says

      March 25, 2019 at 12:25 am

      Absolutely! I have a mix of faux and live plants in my home!

      Reply
  5. LA CONTESSA says

    February 21, 2019 at 3:34 pm

    There is definitely A THEME WITH ALL YOU DECOR LADIES!!!
    TRAYS, BOOKS and BEADS!
    A BEAUTIFUL ARRANGEMENT TO FEAST UPON!

    Reply
    • Kris Jarrett says

      March 25, 2019 at 12:24 am

      Yes!! Never enough trays, books, and beads! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Gail Storti says

    February 21, 2019 at 8:08 pm

    Hi Kris, I love all of the wonderful things you shared to make a coffee table look divine! Your house is always such an inspiration and your blog is in my top 5 favorites! Thanks for sharing your talents.

    Reply
    • Kris Jarrett says

      March 25, 2019 at 12:23 am

      That’s so sweet to hear – thank you Gail!

      Reply
  7. Jill says

    February 21, 2019 at 8:11 pm

    Love your tips! I’m a tray junkie which is kinda crazy since we just got our first coffee table a few months ago. I switch them out every few weeks and now I have some new looks to try; thanks for a great blog post.

    Reply
    • Kris Jarrett says

      March 25, 2019 at 12:23 am

      You and me both! You can never have enough trays! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Anonymous says

    February 21, 2019 at 11:09 pm

    Coffee Table is Beautiful. I love it help make it easy for me to get some ideas. Good job!!!!

    Reply
    • Kris Jarrett says

      March 25, 2019 at 12:22 am

      Thank you!!

      Reply
  9. sherry hart says

    February 22, 2019 at 7:31 am

    Beautiful Kris…..I couldn’t get a wide shot because my house was such a mess and I didn’t want to clean it up…..haha. You always get it right:)

    Reply
    • Kris Jarrett says

      March 25, 2019 at 12:22 am

      Sherry you always kill it no matter how you do it! Love your work so much!

      Reply
  10. Kerri says

    February 22, 2019 at 2:02 pm

    Such a great post, love all of the items you have sourced! Adding this to my Pinterest Baord stat!

    Reply
    • Kris Jarrett says

      March 25, 2019 at 12:21 am

      Thanks for stopping by Kerri – glad you enjoyed the post!

      Reply
  11. kim says

    February 22, 2019 at 7:12 pm

    Hi Kris, Loving your blog. My first time visiting. The tables are gorgeous ! I love all your ideas and what pretty boxes. Such a great idea to store the remote and coasters too! I think I need to shop for both of those things.
    Fun doing this with you all! Kim

    Reply
    • Kris Jarrett says

      March 25, 2019 at 12:20 am

      Thank you Kim! Fun doing this hop with you – loved your post!!

      Reply
  12. Karen Bunch says

    February 24, 2019 at 4:41 pm

    Kris,
    Great ideas and I particularly appreciate your links to sources or similar items. Your family room is a favorite of mine.
    xo,
    Karen

    Reply
    • Kris Jarrett says

      March 25, 2019 at 12:19 am

      Thank you so much Karen!

      Reply
  13. Rosemary O'Kieffe says

    March 15, 2019 at 3:08 pm

    Hi Kris! What do you suggest for a round coffee table. What shape of tray? I recently bought this one from Target and am struggling with decorating it? Thanks! Your home is beautiful!

    Reply
    • Kris Jarrett says

      March 25, 2019 at 12:18 am

      I actually haven’t ever had a round coffee table but check out my friend Pam’s post – she has some really great ideas on how to style them here: https://simpledetailsblog.blogspot.com/2019/02/3-simple-steps-for-styling-chic-coffee.html

      Reply
  14. Jackee says

    June 01, 2019 at 3:55 pm

    Hi,

    LOVING your blog! and your taste in decor! Have purchased quite a few of your suggestions and am so happy with them all! Can you tell me-how many inches tall is your the brass swan?
    The proportion looks great.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  15. Cheryl Gray says

    June 10, 2019 at 10:01 am

    I have been noticing acrylic coffee tables are back on the rise…Is acrylic furniture back in style…I really like them.

    Reply
  16. Sharad Kumar Daksha says

    February 14, 2020 at 7:00 am

    Dear Sir / Madam,

    We want to introduce ourselves as a leading manufacturer and exporter of Coffee Table furniture in Moradabad, India by the name of our company “Shahjahan Export”

    Shahjahan Export is a contemporarily designed factory with the capability of manufacturing, polishing, finishing and packaging facilities under one roof and the factory is qualified with social compliance through Omega Compliance as well.

    We are pleased to let you know that we are providing our services with a vast range of good quality steel furniture in extremely competitive prices to our customers for last 25 years.

    So, you are requested to please give us an opportunity to work for your company and advise if you have any product requirement or any developments of your designs you are looking for.
    We anticipate for a positive revert from your side

    Best Regards.
    Sharad Kumar Daksha
    SHAHJAHAN EXPORT
    7 km Stone, Village Mohammadpur Bastaur,
    Sambhal Road, Moradabad – 244001
    Contact us : mailto:merchant1@shahjahanexports.com

    Reply
  17. Jamie says

    February 14, 2020 at 9:35 pm

    Hi Kris,
    Can you share where you purchased the white lumbar pillow in your living room? It’s visible on your couch in one of the photos.
    Thank you!

    Reply
  18. Donna says

    March 07, 2020 at 8:54 am

    Love your coffee table look! Very simple yet elegant. Can you tell me where I can purchase the marble box and coasters?
    Thank you

    Reply
  19. EVELYN JORDAN says

    July 16, 2020 at 11:35 am

    LOVE SEEING YOUR IDEAS.

    Reply

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