With the latest modern coffee table decor ideas, it’s easy to turn your table into a stylish centerpiece that adds charm and function to your space.
Don’t let your coffee table sit bare and boring in the middle of the room. Instead of piling it with papers and coffee cups, give it the attention it deserves with some modern decor.
You can decorate with a mix of items, such as candles, flowers, books, and ornaments, to showcase your unique style. Or, if you prefer a simpler look, just use one bold piece like a unique vase.
Either way, it’s a quick way to refresh your living room—and now’s a great time to check out the trendy coffee tables we love.
Transform your lounge from drab to fab with just a few added styling details, courtesy of our modern coffee tables.
1. Zone your coffee table
Make your coffee table more interesting by grouping items of different heights, materials, and textures.
Interior designers Oshri Adri and Jillian Dahlman suggest creating small zones on the table to organize your decor. You could place one larger group in the center, two smaller ones in opposite corners, or four small groups in each corner.
Use items with different heights and layer them—like stacking a few books with a bowl or decorative box on top. Also, try adding some greenery, like a small plant, to bring in a fresh texture that works with any style.
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2. Add a serving tray
A tray is a useful and stylish piece to add to your coffee table. You can pick a round, rectangular, or unique shape in a design or natural finish that fits your space.
Interior designer Anna Franklin says a tray not only looks nice but also helps keep things organized, like coasters, remotes, or books.
She recommends using a tray made from natural materials, like a round rattan tray, and adding flowers on top to complete the look.
3. Create a centerpiece with details that anchor your entire scheme
A coffee table is often the center of a living room and a great place to tie the whole space together.
You can match colors from your rug or cushions with flowers in the same shade, or go for a modern look with unique vases and textured pieces that fit your furniture style. It’s all about layering details that make the space feel interesting.
Nathan Scheuer, a designer at Spacejoy, says that even though we usually focus on big furniture, it’s the smaller touches—like coffee table decor—that really make a home feel complete.
Your coffee table should mix useful things, like coasters, with personal touches that show off your style. Nathan likes to start with a stylish tray, such as a rustic gold tray from Pottery Barn, which adds texture and is easy to move when you need extra space for games or snacks.
To add height and interest, he recommends a vase like the Lyman scratched vase from Crate and Barrel. Its handmade shape and vertical lines give it character, and adding dried or faux plants like pampas grass or eucalyptus gives the space color and texture.
He also always includes candles to create a cozy, welcoming vibe. A multi-wick candle, like the Alura candle from West Elm, not only smells great but also looks like a decorative piece on its own.
With just a tray, a vase, and a candle, you can quickly style your coffee table. Add a few personal items like books or small decorations, and you’ll have a space that feels both stylish and uniquely yours.
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4. Narrate your personal style through collected treasures
Your home should tell your story and be filled with special items that hold memories. One way to do this is by learning how to upcycle an old coffee table—turning something old into something personal and meaningful.
Cindy Ngo, founder of Ink + Porcelain, says a home should reflect who you are. It’s a way to show your style, your travels, and what inspires you through colors, shapes, and textures.
She suggests decorating your coffee table with books that remind you of your travels. Since it’s a spot where people gather, make it cozy and meaningful.
Add a vase with fresh flowers or branches for texture, and include handmade touches like a vintage tray, a candle, or unique coasters to protect the table and add charm.
5. Add color pops with fresh flowers
A simple bouquet of seasonal flowers is an easy way to refresh your space and make it feel brighter. For a clean and modern look, choose a low arrangement with just one type of flower, like roses.
If you want something more creative and eye-catching, try Freakebana—a fun, modern take on traditional Japanese flower arranging.
6. Create ambiance with candles
Bring warmth and comfort to your space with the soft glow of candlelight. The Driftwood candle from Amazon is made from carved mango wood, smells like tobacco bark, and looks great on any table.
Once the candle is finished, you can reuse the tray to store small items or keepsakes.
Interior designer Anna Franklin says candles in pretty containers do more than just smell good—they also look stylish, even when not lit. And when the candle is gone, the container can still be used for storage or decoration.
7. Curate your tabletop with a less-is-more approach
No matter what type of coffee table you have—small or an ottoman-style—try not to overcrowd it. You don’t want it to turn into a messy spot for papers, toys, or snack bowls.
Instead, follow the Scandinavian idea of “lagom,” which means having just the right amount.
Ellora and Esben Rasmussen from Lucie Kaas share these simple styling tips:
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Add one or two standout pieces, like a colorful vase, sculpture, or candleholder (such as the Fumario vase or Marco candleholder).
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Don’t overfill the table—less is more when everything is chosen with care.
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Place large coffee table books at opposite corners to add height and balance.
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Choose a coffee table with storage to keep clutter hidden but close by.
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8. Coffee tables as art
A black coffee table can make a bold statement all on its own, thanks to its shape and finish.
Ben Hyman, co-founder and CEO of Revival Rugs, says modern, simple, and sculptural coffee tables are very popular right now. They look stylish without taking attention away from the rest of the room—and they’re practical too.
He recommends the Sama and Kanyon Coffee Tables from Revival Rugs, which are inspired by the look and feel of the Mediterranean.
9. Create a tabletop jungle with trailing houseplants
Bring your space to life with spring decor trends by adding a fresh display of houseplants and tapping into the popular “jungalow” style.
Mix different types of plants in a range of textures and shades of green—let some trail over the edges for a wild, natural feel.
If you prefer something more tidy, try making a DIY terrarium or a small garden of grouped succulents.
10. Add flexibility with a nesting design
Nesting coffee tables are great for small modern living rooms—they add style and can be separated to create extra surface space whenever you need it.
For a stylish touch and a mix of textures, go for a design that uses different materials, like the Lahja nesting tables from Amazon, which feature brass and marble.
Add a statement crystal on top for a bit of sparkle and a magical, mineral-inspired vibe.
11. Get playful with luxe-look board games
Turn your favorite board games into stylish table decor for a fun and classy conversation starter—much more eye-catching than a regular coffee table book.
Enjoy game night in style with the Scrabble Giant Deluxe Edition, which features large solid wood tiles and a natural wood finish that looks great on display.
Or choose the Monopoly Luxury Edition, with a wood and faux leather design, gold-stamped board, and a beautiful wood cabinet with burled veneer and metal details that make it feel like a true collector’s piece.
For a touch of sophistication, go for the Chess and Checkers Maple Luxe Set—a two-in-one game with a solid maple cabinet, inlaid wood board, classic wood chess pieces, and a sleek metal drawer pull. All these upscale versions are available from the WS Game Company.
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12. Style a ‘shelfie’ on a split level design
Make your oval coffee table more interesting by creating small, styled groupings (or vignettes) using books, decorative pieces, and personal items at varying heights.
Think of it like a “shelfie” that works on any flat surface. Place larger items, such as stacked magazines, on the lower shelf, and experiment with sizes and arrangements on the top level.
A lift-top coffee table is also a great option—it hides clutter or books inside, while still letting you decorate the top with your favorite items.
What do you put on top of a coffee table?
Nathan Scheuer, senior designer at Spacejoy, suggests starting with three key items to style your coffee table: a simple, elegant tray to add texture, a stylish vase with fresh or dried flowers for height and interest, and scented candles in pretty containers to create a cozy mood.
He says these pieces can quickly change the look of your table, and because they’re so versatile, you can easily make the space feel personal by adding a few books or small decor items you love.
How do you arrange things on a coffee table?
Divide your coffee table into sections—either with one main centerpiece or smaller groups of items, using odd numbers for balance.
Mix things up by using different heights, like placing objects on stacked books, and try combining various materials, textures, colors, and patterns to tell a visual story. Just remember to keep it neat—don’t overcrowd the space.
