Simple Ways to Elevate Your Coffee Table
At Riley James Interiors, we believe the details are what make a space feel thoughtfully designed. We pay attention to every element of our staging and design projects, and one of our favorite details to style is the coffee table.
A well-styled coffee table can add character, texture, and personality to a living room without feeling overly decorated. Here are a few of our favorite ways to create a coffee table that feels collected, intentional, and personal.
1. Vintage Matchbooks
Vintage matchbooks are probably our favorite way to style a coffee table. I use them in my own home, and they are always a conversation starter when we have guests over.
The ones in my collection come from my aunt, who has collected matchbooks from her travels over the past 50 years. They are such a fun way to bring a little history and personality into a space.
Etsy is one of our favorite places to find them, especially because there are so many bundles of vintage matchbooks available. We love placing them in a beautiful bowl, such as a large marble or wood bowl, for an easy styling moment that also gives guests something to look through.
2. Coffee Table Books
Choose the ones you actually want to read.
Most of the coffee table books in my home are related to interior design, but I also love incorporating books that reflect my personal interests. Books about a favorite band, nature, travel, art, or a hobby can make a space feel much more personal.
Coffee table books are one of our favorite staple accessories because they are both decorative and functional. They are an easy way to add height and layering to a coffee table, console, or bookshelf while giving guests something interesting to flip through.
3. Greenery & Seasonal Stems
Greenery and seasonal stems are an easy way to bring life into a space. For most of our staging projects, we use faux stems so they can stay fresh-looking throughout the entire staging period. When designing homes for clients or photoshoots, however, we love using fresh seasonal stems.
Trader Joe's is one of our favorite places to shop for them because they always have a great selection at a great price. We love placing them in vintage, thrifted, or handmade vases that add height and visual interest to the coffee table.
4. Sage or Palo Santo
Sage sticks and palo santo are another simple way to add texture and an organic element to a coffee table.
We love placing a few in a small decorative bowl or vessel. They add another layer to the styling while keeping the overall look natural and relaxed.
5. Games
Decorative games instantly add personality to a space. An aesthetic tic-tac-toe board, a set of dominoes in a decorative bowl, or another beautiful game can make a coffee table feel both styled and functional.
We especially love incorporating pieces like these into basement stages where the space is designed around entertaining or game areas. They help buyers immediately understand how the space can be used while adding a little personality to the room.
Make It Personal
There are so many accessories you can use when styling a coffee table, but these are some of the pieces we consistently come back to in our design and staging projects. The best coffee tables feel collected rather than simply decorated. They should bring personality to the space and include pieces that mean something to you. Since your coffee table is likely one of the most-used surfaces in your home, it should be layered with things you enjoy seeing every day and can actually use.
Some of our favorite places to find coffee table accessories are local thrift stores and Etsy. Whenever possible, we love supporting locally owned small businesses and incorporating handmade pieces, including ceramics I've made over the years. A coffee table doesn't need to be perfectly styled to feel beautiful. Start with a few pieces you love, layer different heights and textures, and let the collection feel like you.
