Styling a Coffee Table with James Lane

 So, you’ve finally purchased your dream coffee table, it’s set up in your living room, and you’re ready to sit back and enjoy it, but there’s just one issue, how do you style a coffee table? If this sounds like you (or looks like your search history), you’re in the right place. Coffee tables are often a focal point within your room, so styling them correctly is essential. But with an extensive range of coffee tables in different sizes, shapes, and colours, there’s a million ways you could complete this task. This might feel a little overwhelming, but luckily, we’re sitting down with James Lane to explore some helpful styling hints that are sure to suit any coffee table, whether it's round, rectangular, or anything in between. 

1. Choose Your Styling Aesthetic 

Choosing your styling aesthetic is the perfect starting point. It allows you to decide on the theme of your décor before making any hard and fast decisions. We recommend choosing pieces that follow the same interior design style as the rest of the space, or at least complement it. For example, if you have a smooth contemporary marble coffee table, you might add pieces with a little bit of texture and organicness. This can work to bring some grounding warmth to your space while adding depth and interest. 

“At James Lane, our passion is to bring Australians the essence of luxury design and high-quality furniture at an accessible price point, refreshing their living spaces with the latest global interior trends. In recent years, our significant growth and expansion of stores underscore our dedication to making luxurious living affordable.”

 - Abbey Hart | Head of Product & Marketing

Mood board created by James Lane on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Mood board created by James Lane on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

2. Play with Heights and Shapes Using the Triangle Method

Speaking of depth and interest, another useful way of building this into your décor is by opting for items that are of different heights and shapes. For example, you might include a few candle sticks, a vase, and coffee table books. Each piece is completely different, allowing the eye to move over the objects with ease, especially when arranged using the triangle method. The method is pretty much how it sounds, arranging the items in a triangle shape (even if it’s roughly) to create enough space between the items while keeping the coffee table visually balanced. 

Tip: Leaving space is key to an uncluttered coffee table. We know you have so many beautiful pieces to add, but less really is more when it comes to styling a coffee table. 

3. Utilise the Style and Functionality of Books

Books are your best friends when it comes to coffee table styling. Not only are they great for their height, as discussed above, but they’re also functional. Plus, they’re a really good way of adding a personal touch to your space. Opt for coffee table books on subjects you love, such as interiors, travel, or fashion. This means you and your guests will be able to do so much more than just visually enjoy your décor. 

4. Incorporate Trays for Organisation 

Trays are a great way of sectioning off your coffee table and keeping décor organised. If you have smaller items, trays can help to add a bit of structure by grouping these in one spot, rather than having them overwhelmed by the rest of the table. 

5. Don't Forget Functionality

While style is one of the most important elements of decorating your coffee table, it’s always important to remember the practical aspect of your furniture. Make sure you leave enough space for coasters for those morning coffees or, if you like entertaining in your living room, space for serving dishes. Remote controls and other everyday items can sometimes clutter the space, but they still need to be considered. Storage solutions, such as baskets or boxes, can also be a stylish addition that helps with the functionality of your coffee table. 

6. Add a Touch of Greenery

Flowers and greenery can work to brighten your living room and really bring your coffee table to life. They’re also incredibly versatile thanks to the range of different indoor plants and seasonal flowers available. However, if you haven’t yet mastered a green thumb, you could always opt for high-quality artificial flowers or greenery. They still achieve the same aesthetic, just without the added maintenance. 

Styling your coffee table is about finding a balance between form and function. With the right coffee table and décor pieces, you can completely transform and elevate your space. Explore the entire range of coffee tables, décor, and more from James Lane, or use their products on our mood board tool to start testing out different styling options.