Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
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Design

How to Style Your Coffee Table with Ease

A question I hear a lot is, “What should I put on my coffee table?” Well, here’s the deal: it’s all about what you like and how you use your space. Are you more into decorations, or do you prefer practical stuff you use every day? Maybe you’re all about games, books, or candles. Your coffee table is where the action happens – where people gather, chat, and relax. It’s your chance to let your style shine and maybe even start some cool conversations. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, but I’ll give you the lowdown Clouz Houz style – simple, chill, and totally inviting! So, let’s get into it and spruce up that coffee table, shall we?

Design: Clouz Houz | Photography: Zee Wendell

 

Source: Studio McGee

 

Source: Heidi Caillier

How to Style a Round Coffee Table

Alright, let’s break down how to style a round coffee table in a super simple way.

STEP 01:

Display items in a triangle, with three key areas to style.

STEP 02:

Pick something tall for one corner, like a vase with branches or flowers. It adds height and interest.

STEP 03:

In another corner, go for something lower, like a stack of books or a decorative box. It balances out the tall item.

STEP 04: 

In third corner, add a personal touch. Maybe a small sculpture or decorative objects that reflects your personality. Get creative!

Now, about those round tables – they’re cozy, right? With no sharp edges, they create a more intimate atmosphere in your living space. But because of those curves, you’ve got to be smart about how you style your table to ensure it looks balanced and cohesive.  By following this triangle approach, you’ll create a stylish and balanced look for your round coffee table. Easy, right? Now, let’s move on to styling a square one.


Source: Heidi Caillier
Design: Clouz Houz | Photography: Zee Wendell

How to Style a Square Coffee Table

Square tables are fantastic because they offer a more structured and defined look to your living space. Plus, they provide ample surface area for styling and functionality.

Pro tip: Here’s a trick I learned while styling a large scale square table in our old house — treat it like a grid. Imagine dividing your table into quadrants, creating designated spaces for each item you want to showcase.

STEP 01:

In one quadrant, you might place a stack of your favorite design books. They not only add visual interest, but also serve as a conversation starter for guests.

STEP 02:

Leave some empty space. This allows for flexibility and prevents overcrowding, giving your table a clean and balanced look. You can reserve this spot for a standout piece, whether it’s an architectural sculpture, a crystal accent, or a vase filled with fresh flowers from your garden.

The beauty of styling a square coffee table lies in its versatility. You have the freedom to play around with different arrangements and create a look that suits your personal style and aesthetic preferences.


Design: Clouz Houz | Photography: Zee Wendell

And hey, speaking of books, why not consider adding a new roundup of some of our favorites to your collection? They’re not only great for styling your table, but also offer endless inspiration and ideas for your home décor projects.

  1. The Garden Book
  2. Morning Noon Night: A Way of Living by Soho House
  3. John Derian Picture Book
  4. Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style
  5. This is Home: The Art of Simple Living

We hope you found these tips on how to style your coffee table both helpful and inspirational. Of course, if you have questions or need some ideas, we’re always here to help. And remember — have fun with it!

1

Taper Holders

Nordic Marble Taper Candle Holder in Wave Shape
2

Coffee Books

The Garden Book
3

Marble Bowls

Ruffled Marble Bowl
4

Pots & Vases

Artissance Large Vintage Oil Pot with Black Glaze
5

Large Scale Candles

Night Lily & Amber Oud
6

Woven Textures

Antonia Woven Vase
7

Decorative Objects

Calligraphy Brush
8

Sandstone Candles

Hand-Dipped Sandstone Taper Candle (Set of 12)
9

Trinket Boxes

Small Scallop Keepsake Box
10

Brass Accents

Anna Antique Brass Taper Holder
11

Elevated Classics

Green and White Marble Checkers Set
12

Organic Materials

Sandstone Dominos
13

Vintage Finds

Vintage Inspired Candle Snuffer
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This is one of those things I feel very strongly about.
Scale is one of the fastest ways to elevate a room... and one of the easiest to get wrong. I see it all the time: a space has beautiful pieces, but something still feels off. More often than not, it’s because everything is too small.

Our coffee table is a good example. It’s intentionally larger because it helps the whole seating area read as one zone. It visually connects the sofa and chairs, gives everyone an actual surface within reach, and creates one strong focal point in the middle of the room.

If it were smaller, we’d need extra little tables to make the layout function, and all of those pieces would start competing with each other.

One larger piece often creates more calm than several smaller ones.

Save this for your next room refresh, and share it with someone who’s trying to figure out why their space feels off.
Finally using our kitchen... and it feels so good 🥹

We don’t take this for granted for a second! Having a fully working kitchen again truly feels like such a gift. It’s always been the heart of our home, and after so many months without it, being back in this space feels extra special.

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know Derrick and I are major foodies.

And over the years, he’s become such an incredible cook... his recipes just keep getting better and better (lucky me ☺️).

There’s something about cooking at home, slowing down, and gathering around a meal that just feels like us again.

Would you guys want to see more of what we’re cooking, like we used to share?
5 stars. I wanted to make our guests feel comfortable and welcome and a hotel inspired bed seemed like the perfect idea.

All of this bedding is from @onequince , comment ‘BED’ and we’ll send you everything that’s linked on our LTK.

This look isn’t for the “anti-pillows” person - in fact it’s all about the layering for that plush, all-white and cozy hotel inspired look.

Here’s how to get this look in your home:
- Start with smooth, wrinkle-free sheets (a quick steam makes all the difference) I love the classic embroidered trim on these I used.
- Tuck your sheets tightly (especially the corners) for that tailored finish
- Layer in a plush duvet or comforter for that full, cloud-like feel (I like to stuff a duvet cover with an insert thats one size larger)
- And don’t skip the pillow layer technique (this is key!): I stacked four total for sleeping, two euro shams for structure, two decorative shams, and an oversized accent lumbar pillow (ours measures 18 x 42 in @LeeJofa fabric) to finish it off

Save for the next time you want a bed refresh!