Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
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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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One thing I wish we talked about more: you’re allowed to change direction.

At 20, I thought by this point in life I’d have everything figured out. Very funny. Turns out some of the best decisions I’ve made came after plans changed, things got uncomfortable, and I had absolutely no idea what was next. There’s something really freeing about getting older and caring a little less about what your life is supposed to look like.

So if you’ve been quietly thinking about doing the thing, changing the thing, starting the thing... maybe this is your nudge. You don’t need to have it all figured out first. 

I certainly didn’t. Thanks for following along on our journey as I figure out this little thing called life. The support, honest conversations, and encouragement from this community mean more to me than you probably realize.
This was such a strange full-circle moment. I could immediately remember being 30 years old, standing in those rooms with Derrick and trying to figure out what the heck we were doing!! We had ideas. We weren’t afraid of a project. I had loved design long before it became my career. But I didn’t have a process yet.

Now, after 15 years of designing homes for other people, I can see exactly what I was missing: a way to make the decisions as a whole instead of one at a time (and on my own).

That’s probably why The Design Suite feels so personal to me. It’s built for someone who reminds me a lot of myself back then—the homeowner who appreciates beautiful spaces, is happy to execute, but wants an experienced design team to establish the vision and work through the decisions before the orders are placed and the contractor needs answers.

And you don’t have to do it all tomorrow. Having the plan means you can implement it at the pace that makes sense for you. I would’ve loved to have that roadmap in this little Portland house.

If you’re standing in your own version of it right now, wondering where to begin, I’d love to hear about it.
🤎 Send me a message or head to the link in our bio to inquire about The Design Suite.
September always does something to my design brain.
These are 5 things I can’t stop pinning right now as we head into fall. Some were already working into our own home and some are showing up in client projects.

I’m going much deeper on all five in today’s Design Board Pinnings—how I’d actually use them, the ideas I’m saving, pieces I’ve sourced + a few things we’re doing at Sixth Street.

It lands in inboxes later today. Comment ‘LIST’ (or link in bio) and I’ll send you the link to subscribe so you don’t miss it.