As you build your arrangement, it’s easy to fall into a few common traps. Here’s what to watch out for:
- The “Too Flat” Look: This is the most common mistake. Everything is the same height, and the result is flat and uninspired. Remember: vary your heights! You need a high, a mid, and a low point.
- Symmetry Overload: A perfectly symmetrical arrangement (e.g., a candle on the left, a matching candle on the right) can feel very stiff, formal, and dated. Asymmetry, using the rule of threes, almost always feels more modern, balanced, and natural.
- Over-Clutter: Your coffee table still needs to be functional. Don’t cover it edge-to-edge. You need to leave “white space,” or negative space. This visual breathing room is just as important as the objects themselves. Leave room for a guest to set down a drink or for you to put your feet up.
- Forgetting Practicality: Where do the remotes go? And the coasters? Don’t let practical items ruin your beautiful setup. Find a gorgeous decorative box or lidded basket to hide the remotes. Invest in a set of coasters that are beautiful enough to be part of the decor itself.
Styling for Different Table Shapes
The shape of your table will suggest a natural layout. Don’t fight it!
The Rectangular or Square Table
These angular shapes are perfect for “zoning.” You can visually divide the table into sections. A grid of two, three, or even four (on a large square table) works well. A common layout for a rectangle is to create two distinct groupings: one larger one on one side (like a tray with a vase and candle) and a smaller one on the other (like a stack of books). Or, you can have one long tray in the center. You have a lot of room to play with linear arrangements.
The Round or Oval Table
These tables, with their soft edges, don’t lend themselves to rigid grids. A central, unified arrangement is almost always the best approach. The “Rule of Threes” is your best friend here. Create a loose triangle of your three main elements (e.g., books, plant, bowl) in the middle of the table. A single, large round tray in the center can also look fantastic, mirroring the table’s shape and neatly corralling all your items.
Edit, Evolve, and Enjoy
Finally, styling is a process. Once you have all your items in place, stand back. Walk around the table. Look at it from where you sit on the sofa. Does it feel balanced? Does one side feel too “heavy”? Is it cluttered? The most powerful tool in your kit is the
edit. Often, the secret to a professional look is knowing when to stop, or what to take away. Don’t be afraid to remove one item. And remember, your coffee table isn’t set in stone. It should evolve. Change it with the seasons—add a pine-scented candle in winter or a bowl of seashells in summer. Swap out the books. Bring in new flowers. Play with it, have fun, and enjoy your new, beautifully styled, and perfectly personal living room centerpiece.
