Coffee tables are an equal mix of form and function. They’ve become a centerpiece to living room design, but they also house some of the room’s most essential items (think: coasters, remotes, matches, and more). There’s definitely an art (and a science) to a great coffee table aesthetic, and I’m here to break mine down for you.
Keep reading to see how I mix and match items to marry design and utility, and to shop some of my favorite coffee table essentials.
Coffee Table Books
A staple for any well-designed coffee table. Here are some of my favorites at the moment. Pro tip: if you have existing coffee table books that aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing, take the cover off to see what the color of the book itself is—it may surprise you and elevate the space as most books are white or neutral colors!
Coasters
File this under: coffee table essentials. But, ditch the cork rounds for something a bit more design-focused.
Candles and Matches
I like to switch out my candles to seasonally appropriate scents, and I keep a cute match jar next to them for easy lighting.
Catch-All
I hate to see random items spread out over my coffee table, so for things like remotes and other odds and ends, place a catchall trivet or bowl on the table to keep these items tidy.
Greenery
A coffee table is a great place for an easy-to-maintain plant like jade, or a bowl of green moss. It brings an earthy element indoors and breaks up the hardscape of the coffee table. If you’re like me and LOVE to switch out decor for seasons, try a bowl of pinecones and other fall-focused items.
