A coffee table is often the centrepiece of the living room—a surface that brings both function and personality to your space. But beyond being practical, it’s also an opportunity to express your style. With just a few thoughtful touches, you can turn your coffee table into a beautifully curated focal point that enhances your entire room.
Whether you have a single table or a nested pair, this guide offers inspiration and practical tips for coffee table styling that works across a variety of spaces and decor styles. Featuring Boori’s beautifully crafted Coffee Table collection, we’ll explore different ways to dress your tabletop with style and purpose.
Start with the Right Foundation
Before adding decor, give the surface a quick tidy and decide on a clear purpose for your coffee table styling—whether it’s for everyday practicality, a relaxed layered look, or a seasonal refresh.
Boori’s coffee tables are crafted from European Beech wood and engineered timber with a natural finish, offering a warm, neutral base that works with both minimalist and eclectic interiors. Their soft, rounded forms and smooth surfaces provide the ideal backdrop for thoughtful styling.
Use a Tray to Create Structure
A tray is one of the simplest ways to organise your table while adding depth and contrast. It creates a defined zone for decorative items and helps stop the tabletop from looking cluttered.
Styling Tip:
On the Ballet Coffee Table (High), use a round or rectangular tray to anchor items like a small vase, coasters, or a candle. Choose a material that contrasts gently with the wood grain—like ceramic, linen or aged metal.
Layer Heights and Shapes for Visual Interest
A successful coffee table arrangement usually involves a mix of heights, shapes and textures. Think of styling in three layers: low, medium and tall. This adds balance and draws the eye naturally across the table.
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Low: Books, shallow bowls or a stack of coasters
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Medium: Candles, jars or small plant pots
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Tall: A vase with greenery, dried flowers or a sculptural object
On the Ballet Coffee Table (Low), a compact stack of coffee table books paired with a low bowl or dish creates an inviting, lived-in look—perfect for relaxed, informal settings.
Style in Groups of Three
The classic interior design rule of threes works especially well on coffee tables. Grouping three items together feels balanced and intentional, especially when you vary the scale and material of each object.
Example Grouping:
A ceramic vase, a stack of books, and a wooden bead garland or textured object create a simple, yet sophisticated trio.
Make Use of the Nested Table Set
Boori’s Ballet Coffee Table (Nested Pair Package) offers even more flexibility when it comes to styling. With two levels to work with, you can layer decor between the higher and lower tables to create movement and dimension.
Styling Idea:
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On the higher table, place your main display—such as a large vase and a decorative tray.
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On the lower table, add a stack of art books or a sculptural piece that tucks partially beneath the upper tier for a cohesive, layered effect.
This approach works beautifully in open-plan layouts where the coffee table needs to feel styled from multiple angles.
Add a Natural Element
Fresh or dried flowers, a potted plant, or even a small bowl of fruit can bring softness and life to your coffee table. Boori’s timber tables work especially well with natural materials—try pairing them with linen napkins, hand-thrown pottery or woven coasters to echo the organic feel.
Greenery adds texture and movement, and it’s easy to switch out seasonally to keep the look feeling fresh.
Leave Room for Living
While it’s tempting to fill the surface with beautiful things, it’s important to leave some empty space too. A well-styled table should be functional as well as decorative. Leave room for a coffee cup, remote controls or a child’s picture book. The goal is a balanced look that still works in daily life.
Rotate Your Decor with the Seasons
Coffee table styling is one of the easiest ways to update your living room throughout the year. In spring, try a bunch of fresh tulips or soft pastels. In autumn, bring in deeper tones, dried foliage or amber-toned glassware.
Because Boori’s coffee tables have a timeless look, they serve as the perfect canvas for seasonal refreshes. Swap out your centrepiece, switch the books, or add a different textile to change the feel with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
Coffee table styling is all about creating small moments of beauty and interest that reflect your personality and complement your living room. Whether you’re working with a single table or a nested set, a little thought goes a long way.
With Boori’s Coffee Table collection, crafted from sustainably sourced European Beech wood, you get the perfect foundation for styling. From clean and contemporary to warm and textured, these tables adapt to your aesthetic and evolve with your space.
Start with a few simple pieces, add in some personal touches, and let your coffee table become a quiet centrepiece that ties your room together—beautifully and effortlessly.
