How to Decorate a Coffee Table

Written by Shubham Kushwaha

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Posted on September 22 2025

Your coffee table sits right in the middle of your living room. During conversations with friends it carries beverages. It has remotes and books near at hand. A properly ornamented coffee table will make the entire room appear together. Most people would wonder how to make a coffee table look good without having to do much. At Divano we assist the Australian households in seeking easy means to add style. This guide shares easy tips. You are going to know what to place on the coffee table and how to make it useful.

Why Your Coffee Table Matters

The coffee table is more than just a spot for your mug. It draws the eye when guests walk in. A plain table can make the room look empty. But one with thoughtful items adds warmth. Think about your daily life. Do you need space for coasters? Or room for a vase? These choices set the tone for your home. In Australia, where homes mix indoor and outdoor vibes, a styled table ties it all together. Start by picking a table that fits your space. Divano offers options in timber and glass that work for any room size.

Basic Steps to Style a Coffee Table

Start with a clean surface. Wipe it down and wipe off all the rubbish. Check our Guide to Black Coffee Tables for bold options. Next, think about balance. Put items together in three groups to have a natural appearance. This is a simple rule many use. A single tall, one medium, one small work well. Have the center open to drinks. Include height (a stack of books, or a plant). Combine materials such as wood, metal and glass. 

This makes it interesting. In case you are uncertain about how to style a coffee table, the following steps are to be followed. They need only several minutes, but they do it well.

Step 1: Choose a Focal Point

Pick one main item. It could be a tray or a bowl. This anchors everything else.

Step 2: Add Layers

Build around it. Place books under the tray. Add a candle on top.

Step 3: Step Back and Check

Walk away and look. Adjust if it feels crowded.

What to Place on a Coffee Table

Now, let's talk about items. What to place on a coffee table depends on your style. Start with books. Coffee table books on travel or art add color. Stack two or three. They hold coasters too. Next, try a tray. It groups small things like remotes or keys. Pick one in wood or metal to match your table. Plants bring life. A small succulent or faux fern fits well. They need little care. Candles add soft light. Go for unscented ones to avoid smells. Bowls hold fruits or nuts. They make the space feel lived in. Avoid too many items. Leave room to set down a cup. At Divano, our coffee tables pair well with these simple additions.

Here is a quick list of top picks:

  • Books: For reading and display.
  • Trays: To organize odds and ends.
  • Plants: Fresh or fake for green touch.
  • Candles: For evening glow.
  • Bowls: For snacks or decor.

How to Style a Round Coffee Table

Round tables need special care. They have no corners, so items can slide. How to style a round coffee table starts with a central piece. Place a round tray in the middle. It catches everything. Add books fanned out around it. Then, tuck in a vase off to one side. This creates flow. Use odd numbers like three or five items. It looks less stiff. For height, stand a sculpture or tall candle. Keep the edges clear. This makes the table feel open. Divano has round coffee tables in oak that shine with these touches. They suit small apartments in Sydney or big homes in Melbourne.

Tips for Round Shapes

  • Center a tray first.
  • Fan books outward.
  • Add one tall item for balance.

Ideas for Small Coffee Tables

Small tables are common in cozy Australian homes. Keep it simple. What to put on a coffee table here should be minimal. One book and a small plant do the trick. Or use a single tray with coasters inside. Skip big vases. They take up too much space. Fold a throw blanket nearby if you want texture. This way, the table stays useful. Measure your space first. Aim for items no wider than half the table. Divano's compact designs fit tight spots without crowding.

Seasonal Ways to Decorate a Coffee Table

Change things up with the seasons. In summer, add shells from beach walks. They bring coastal feels. For winter, swap in pinecones or a warm throw. Spring calls for fresh flowers in a vase. Fall needs earthy tones like orange leaves. These swaps keep your table fresh. Decorating a coffee table seasonally is easy. Just rotate items every few months. It shows your home's personality. Want to see how our tables look in your space? Visit our site now and find the perfect fit.

How Do You Decorate a Coffee Table on a Budget?

Budget doesn't mean boring. Shop your home first. Use old magazines as books. Fill a vase with branches from the yard. Thrift stores have trays for cheap. How do you decorate a coffee table without spending much? Layer what you have. Add one new item like a $10 plant. Mix high and low pieces. A free candle from a gift pairs with a book. Total cost stays low. Divano keeps prices fair so you can add a new table too.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Too much stuff crowds the table. Fix it by removing half the items. No height makes it flat. Add a tall vase. Matching colors bore the eye. Mix shades and materials. Dust builds up fast. Wipe weekly. Forgetting function blocks use. Always leave cup space. These fixes make how to decor a coffee table simple. Your room will thank you.

How to Decor Coffee Table with Functionality in Mind

Style meets use. Pick items that serve a purpose. Books for reading. Trays for remotes. Bowls for snacks. This way, guests grab what they need. In busy homes, clear space matters. Divano tables have built-in shelves for extra storage. Think about traffic flow. Keep paths open. Add coasters to protect the wood. Simple choices last longer.

Explore Divano's Coffee Tables

At Divano, we craft tables for real life. Our Sydney-made pieces use sustainable wood. They fit modern and classic rooms. Check our living room collection. From round to rectangular, find one that suits. Pair it with trays from local shops. We serve all Australia with fast delivery. Trade pros love our options too.

Bring Your Coffee Table to Life

Decorating your coffee table brings the room to life. Follow these tips on how to decorate a coffee table. Start small and build. Your space will feel welcoming. Ready to update? Visit Divano today. Browse our coffee tables and start styling. Make your home one you love.

FAQs

1. Why is a coffee table important in a living room?

A well-styled coffee table adds warmth, organizes essentials, and ties the room together, enhancing its appeal.

2. What should I place on a coffee table? 

Use books, trays, plants, candles, or bowls for style and function, keeping space for cups.

3. How do I style a round coffee table?  

Center a tray, fan books outward, and add a tall item like a vase, maintaining clear edges.

4. How can I decorate a coffee table on a budget?  

Reuse home items, shop thrift stores, or add a $10 plant, mixing high and low pieces.

5. What mistakes should I avoid when decorating?  

Avoid overcrowding, lack of height, uniform colors, dust buildup, or blocking functionality.