How to Style Your Coffee Table Like a Designer

Whether you’re entertaining or just hanging out, make sure this prime spot is fully stocked with both pretty (and practical) items

Updated 03/07/18

The coffee table is command center of your living room. It's the place you and your fiancé kick back and relax after a long day at work, and more often than not, it's also where you'll be serving up appetizers and cocktails when your friends come over. Add in a cozy sofa, some soft lighting, and a stack of good books, and you'll never want to leave. Here’s how to style it to show off your personality and favorite things.

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Invest in a Chic Table

We love this brass and marble combo in this table—it feels both classic and modern and still provides ample room for all the accessories.

Small Slab coffee table with brass base, $349, available at CB2

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Stack Some Books

Yes, you guys are deep into bingeing Black Mirror—but your TV habit isn’t the first thing you want to broadcast to guests. Stash your remotes in a hollowed-out vintage book or a decorative box.

Canvas Book Boxes in Natural, $99 for a set of 3, available at Mothology

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Add Decorative Accents

Aim for about six decorative accents on your table, including something old (Grandma’s bud vase) and something new (a geometric sculpture). On a pale marble surface, we like metallic finishes for contrast.

Small brass Max sculpture, $10, available at CB2

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Throw in Some Coasters

Make sure to have a stack of coasters on hand to protect surfaces from moisture.

Harlequin coasters, $78, available at Jonathan Adler

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Sprinkle in Something Unexpected

Unexpected objects like a magnifying glass or other desk accessory may seem out of place on a coffee table but can come in handy (or just act as conversation starters).

Small snake magnifying glass, $50, available at L'Objet

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Display Special Books

Display your beloved books and magazines with the best-looking covers. Go for lots of color and pattern, and make sure there’s still room for your cheese plate and wine glass.

Cabana Magazine, $40, available at Magazine Cafe

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Add Flowers or Plants

A petite bud vase with a fresh or faux bloom is key when styling your table. If the area gets enough light, a small plant like a succulent can be a pretty addition to the mix.

Vintage-Inspired Brass Bud Vases, $80, available at Food52

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