40 Designer Secret Ideas (That Slay) for Coffee Table Styling
via Etsy: SugarKoatedSigns
Are you looking to add a unique, stylish touch to your living room or family room without having to completely revamp the entire space?
Creating a stylish, timeless coffee table can be the perfect way to add warmth and personality to your living or family room.
This article will give you a comprehensive overview of the essential elements of coffee table design, no matter your style.
With tips broken down into five different coffee table styles - vintage chinoiserie, collected French country, Rustic Bungalow, refined coastal cottage, and shabby seaside modern - you will be delighted with the design and functionality of your coffee table after utilizing the ideas in this post.
From traditional Parisian glam to modern Parisian glam to rustic coastal, there is something here to suit everyone’s style needs.
So let’s get started and find the perfect blend of style and design that will bring your room together!
Table of Contents:
Shop the look for the introduction photo above
Ideas #1-5: How to Style a Vintage Chinoiserie Style Coffee Table
Ideas #6-10: How to Style a Collected French Country Style Coffee Table
Ideas #11-15: How to Style a Rustic Bungalow Style Coffee Table
Ideas #16-20: How to Style a Refined Coastal Cottage Style Coffee Table
Ideas #21-25: How to Style a Shabby Sea-Side Modern Style Coffee Table
Ideas #26-30: How to Style a Parisian Glam Style Coffee Table
Ideas #31-35: How to Style a Modern Parisian Style Coffee Table
Ideas #36-40: How to Style a Rustic Coastal Style Coffee Table
MY SIGNATURE COFFEE TABLE STYLING FORMULA =
Table + Item of Height + Item of Whimsy
+ Tray + Item to Represent Life: Plant, Flowers, Greenery, Etc
+ (Stack of Books)
Don’t forget to add a stack of books! As this was an obvious item, I chose not to show books in my formulas below.
However, you can get beautiful vintage or hand stamped books on Etsy.
Let’s look at 40 Designer Secret Ideas for Coffee Table Styling…..
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Ideas #1-5: How to Style a Vintage Chinoiserie Style Coffee Table
Transform your coffee table into a vintage Chinoiserie statement piece with these unique styling hacks!
Perfect for couples who love Rocker Glam, Modern Victorian, Danish, Chippendale, Queen Anne, Hollywood Regency, Collected Global, and Romantic European Asian Styles, these styling tips showcase the functional yet individualistic, flamboyant, theatrical, exotic, and handmade characteristics that separate the vintage Chinoiserie look from the rest.
Be on the lookout for decor that is:
functional
individualistic
flamboyant
theatrical
exotic
handmade
THE DESIGN
Add some vintage chinoiserie style to your coffee table with a Corrina Cocktail Table.
Its graceful metal fretwork and white onyx top provide a sophisticated, airy look with a lavish touch of gold.
Assemble an elegant mix of chinoiserie, vintage items, and other decor to complete the look.
A temple jar, or ginger jar, is a must-have.
The distinctive, ornamental fishtail shape is a classic symbol of chinoiserie style.
Height is key too, so add some edgy style with glossy ceramic spheres that also aroun bounce lightd the room.
A bamboo serving tray provides a nod to the time period and completes the look.
To tie the design together, incorporate vintage books in colors that match the blue and white scheme.
For the finishing touch, arrange a stunning vase of silk white flowers, such as roses, lilies, anemones, and tulips.
With this mix of modern and traditional elements, the table will be a timeless addition to your living space.
“Vintage chinoiserie style is characterized by flamboyant, theatrical, exotic, and handmade elements.”
Vintage Chinoiserie Shopping Links
Hooker Melange Corrina Cocktail Table // Blue and White Porcelain Chinoiserie Bird Temple Jar //
Contemporary ceramic spheres, blue, set of 3 // Bamboo - 26” Serving Tray // Chinoiserie Anticipation of Spring>>>Alternative Click here
This style is for you if…
Vintage Chinoiserie Style: This style is for couples who love Rocker Glam, Modern Victorian, Danish, Chippendale, Queen Anne, Hollywood Regency, Collected Global, and Romantic European Asian Styles.
Follow Rocker Glam Style on Pinterest
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Follow Romantic European Asian Style aka Chinoiserie Style on Pinterest
Follow Modern Victorian Style on Pinterest
Follow Queen Anne Style on Pinterest
Follow Collected Global Style on Pinterest
Ideas #6-10: How to Style a Collected French Country Style Coffee Table
Love a rich collected look?
Follow this guide for decorating your coffee table in a classic French Country style that artfully combines Global, Rococo, Louis XV, Traditional, Modern, French Country, and Rustic elements.
Find distinctive pieces from around the world, such as handmade crafts from overseas, along with subtle accents that add grace and refined detail.
Unify your decor with a subdued, natural palette of neutral colors to create a look that is both elegant and inviting.
Be on the lookout for decor that is:
handmade
graceful
finely detailed yet less fussy
comfortable
relaxed
neutral colors
THE DESIGN
Bring elegant French Country style to your coffee table with a few simple touches.
Start with a tufted ottoman or alternative finds with cabriole legs for a classic touch.
Add a touch of sophistication with mercury glass candlesticks, whimsical but weathered heart prayer beads, and a mirrored tray with a silver leaf metallic finish for a hint of rustic glam.
Ground the look with vintage, painted, and handstamped books, and finish with a glamorous porcelain urn and a floral arrangement to give life to the vignette.
Collected French Country style is a beautiful blend of furniture and objects from different eras and styles.
Think French Farmhouse with French Country, Baroque, Rococo, French Provincial, French Cottage, Chateau, or Parisian Style, with your favorite style dominating 80% of the mix.
With this combination, you can achieve sophisticated elegance with a humbler rustic character.
“Collected French Country style is about gracefulness, fine details, yet in a less fussy way that is comfortable and relaxed.”
click on images below for more information
Maison Tufted Ottoman// Elegantly Charmed Glass Candlestick Holder, Silver (Alternative) //
Heart Prayer Beads (ALTERNATIVE) // Rafaela Silver Tray (Alternative) // Guiliette Porcelain Urn - White - Small
Collected French Country Style: This style is for couples who love Global, Rococo, Louis XV, Traditional, Modern, French Country, Rustic, French Farmhouse, Baroque, French Provincial, French Cottage, Chateau, or Parisian Styles.
Follow Global Style on Pinterest
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Follow Traditional Style on Pinterest
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Follow Baroque Style on Pinterest
Follow French Provincial Style on Pinterest
Follow French Chateau Style on Pinterest
Ideas #11-15: How to Style a Rustic Bungalow Style Coffee Table
If you're a fan of Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian, Boho, Arts & Crafts, Lodge, Farmhouse, Cottage, Vintage, and Rustic Styles, then the Rustic Bungalow look is for you. Think warm, natural tones, textured pieces, multi-functional decor that's unpretentious yet stylish.
It's a look that captures a sense of nostalgia, while embracing a democratic, casual aesthetic.
Get inspired to style a Rustic Bungalow Coffee Table!
You’ll gravitate towards decor that is:
democratic
multi-functional
casual
natural
earth tone
textural
nostalgic
warm
unpretentious
THE DESIGN
Invite easy warmth and charm to your living room with a rustic, bungalow-style coffee table.
Start by selecting a reclaimed, sun-faded, or distressed wooden table to set the foundation for the vignette.
Add a decorative basket that's great for remotes, small toys, and other clutter when guests arrive, as well as a fern candelabrum to provide a nature-based focal point – and a beautiful ambiance when lit.
For extra character, lean vintage books with hand-painted stamps against the table, and add an unexpected silver safety pin statue for personality and whimsy.
Finally, add a terracotta antiqued finial for a nostalgic finishing touch.
Shop the look below for the perfect rustic style.
Pulling it all together
“Rustic Bungalow style is democratic, multi-functional, casual, natural, earth tone, textural, nostalgic, warm and unpretentious.”
click on image for more information
Stratford Gray Washed Rustic Cockktail Table // Rustically Charmed Terracotta Finial, Brown (Alternative)
Decorative Aluminum Safety pin Statue, Small // HoffMaster Seagrass Basket With Handles // Mixed fern artificial arrangement
Rustic Bungalow Style: This style is for couples that love Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian, Boho, Arts & Crafts, Lodge, Farmhouse, Cottage, Vintage, and Rustic Styles.
Ideas #16-20: How to Style a Refined Coastal Cottage Style Coffee Table
Create a refined coastal cottage style coffee table and bring a sense of vacation to your home.
Combining elements of Coastal, French Country, Rustic, Traditional, Modern, and Cottage Styles, you can create a look that is both calming and sophisticated.
Bring a touch of the beach home with weathered finishes and earthy colors to achieve a look that is both timeless and beautiful.
You are drawn to:
a calming & peaceful atmosphere that may hold fond vacation memories
simplicity
sophistication
earthy beachy colors
weathered finishes
a touch of modern style
THE DESIGN
For a refined coastal cottage style coffee table, I chose an modern square cocktail table with Grey Elm veneer as the statement piece.
The 31” shell doubles as a playground for greenery, crystals, or other objects of interest.
To bring a unique flair, the Wooden Spike from the Chinook collection added simple yet one-of-a-kind sculpture.
Its avant-garde beauty is perfect for cozying up a cottage or an office.
Finally, I added a Wooden Tabletop Bird on Stand Figurine and a silk floral arrangement with a floral candle centerpiece alternative to bring in both life and texture.
“The elements of Refined Coastal Cottage style include a calming & peaceful atmosphere that may hold fond vacation memories, simplicity, sophistication. earthy beachy colors, weathered finishes, and a touch of modern style.”
click on image for more information
16. Tatum Square cocktail table // 17. sea bird figurine (ALTERNATIVE) // 18. wood spike sculpture
19. seashell decoration // 20. Blue Hydrangea Silk Centerpiece (Alternative)
Refined Coastal Cottage: Couples will love this style if they are into Coastal, French Country, Rustic, Traditional, and Cottage Styles.
Ideas #21-25: How to Style a Shabby Sea-Side Modern Style Coffee Table
If you're looking to master the shabby sea-side modern style for your coffee table, you'll need to create the perfect balance of Coastal, Modern, Victorian, Maximalism, Shabby, Classic, and Traditional elements.
Think distressed furniture with fine details and sophisticated touches that reflect a love of both the coast and homey comfort.
Embrace the mix of classic and coastal colors, and bring nature in through decor that features beautiful shells, starfish, and driftwood.
Enjoy the charm and coziness of this cozy, seaside style.
You’ll want to look for decor that is:
vintage
distressed
fine details
sophisticated
reminds you of the coast
THE DESIGN
This shabby sea-side modern style coffee table creates a charming blend of contemporary lines and antique-inspired details.
The eglomise nesting coffee table set provides a modern design with an aged look, while the reclaimed wood tray adds a coastal style with a distressed finish and color.
To prevent scratching the table, adhere a rectangle of felt to the bottom of the tray and any other items that you feel are necessary.
For a touch of nostalgia, add a vintage trophy for height, and a modern candle in a popular pink hue for a hint of whimsy.
Complete the vignette with some painted, hand-stamped vintage books for a homey feel.
“To create a shabby sea-side styled coffee table, look for elements that are vintage, distressed, fine details, sophisticated, and reminds you of the coast.”
click on image for more information
Nesting Cocktail Table // Antique Trophy (sold: Alternatives)
Ceramic Candle // Reclaimed Wood Serving Tray // Iron + Glass Cloche
Shabby Sea-side Modern: Couples will love this style if they are into Coastal, Modern, Victorian, Maximalism, Shabby, Classic, and Traditional Styles.
Ideas #26-30: How to Style a Parisian Glam Style Coffee Table
Spouses who love French Country, Glam Rock, Art Deco, and Hollywood Regency can create a show-stopping Parisian Glam coffee table.
To do so, mix geometric shapes and antiques with glamorous bling and unique extras for a style that exudes high-octane glamour.
Key Elements:
bling
geometric shapes
antiques
offbeat extras
high octane glamour
THE DESIGN
Create a Parisian-glam coffee table with this timeless design: start with a leather tufted bench-like coffee table, then add the sophistication of an ostrich eggshell tray, the glamour of crystal-accented candles, the charm of silk peonies for year-round life, and hand-stamped books for a touch of rustic.
Finally, add a spiky gold sculpture for an eye-catching finishing touch.
Create a Parisian-glam style that will be timeless.
“If you love bling, geometric shapes, antiques, offbeat extras, and high octane glamour - then Parisian Glam style is for you.”
click on image for more information
Rialto Coffee table in Rialto Ebony // Set of 3 Gold Pillar Candle Holders
Supernova Sculpture set of 2 // Ostrich Eggshell Rectangular Tray // Silk Peonies
Parisian Glam: Spouses who are into French Country, Glam Rock, Art Deco, and Hollywood Regency will find this style pleasing.
Ideas #31-35: How to Style a “Modern” Parisian Style Coffee Table
For homeowners looking for a glamorous, modern style with a French twist, Modern Parisian Style is the perfect option.
This luxe style is ideal for couples who love French Country, Glam Rock, Art Deco, and Hollywood Regency.
When styling your Parisian Glam coffee table, you can create a striking look with a few select pieces.
The key elements to this style are gold accents, unique materials, and a touch of edginess.
Create an atmosphere of luxury and contentment by pairing sleek metallic pieces with glass accents.
A few well-curated accents will make your coffee table the centerpiece of the room.
Characteristics of this style include:
hints of gold
individualistic
edgy
sleek materials
metallic contrasted with glass
THE DESIGN
This glassy gold-finished, modern coffee table exudes sophistication.
For added drama, antique gold finials offer both height and whimsy, while an urchin tray with its textural surface and glossy black finish offers an interesting edginess.
To complete the look, vintage books provide the perfect place for the urchin tray to rest, and a faux peony in a glass vase punctuates the space with its stylish and simple charm.
Curate a modern Parisian glam coffee table that strikes the perfect balance between elegance and edge.
Bonus: How to Protect Your Glass From Scratching for tips to prevent and protect from scratches
SHOP THE LOOK HERE and Below
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“Hints of gold, individualistic, edgy, sleek materials, and metallic contrasted with glass to convey both luxury and contentment make up Modern Parisian style.”
31. Gold Finished Glass Coffee Table // 32. antique gold finials set of two //33. hands on base //
34. urchin tray (alternative) // 35. Peonies in Glass Vase
Modern Parisian: If Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco, and French Country fill you with glee, then you and your partner will find joy in Modern Parisian style.
Ideas #36-40: How to Style a Rustic Coastal Style Coffee Table
Rustic Coastal Style is a beautiful blend of Farmhouse, French Country, Coastal, and Rustic designs, creating an effortlessly elegant look.
Incorporate vintage accents like wrought iron, soft aqua blue colors, and weathered finishes to achieve a classy yet cozy rustic coastal style coffee table.
It’s the perfect combination of timeless and modern, that will instantly add character to your living room.
You are drawn to:
vintage
wrought iron accents
soft aqua accents
weathered finishes
a hand-crafted look
THE DESIGN
Create a rustic coastal style coffee table with a unique and inviting look.
I used an industrial table with casters and sandblasted oak veneers as the base.
Then, the natural turquoise and bone tray adds a unique touch – perfect for books or evening cocktails.
For an extra element of whimsy, I added a bisque octopus.
The armillory table statue with an antique white base and iron sphere with an arrow draws inspiration from the coast.
To finish it off, a silk arrangement of lavender, wild asparagus, mint and rosemary in oval metal planter brings life, reminiscent of a beach-side field.
The result is a completed coffee table that will make you feel like you are right by the sea.
“Look for vintage, wrought iron accents, soft aqua accents, weathered finishes, and a hand-crafted look if you desire a Rustic Coastal style.”
click on image for more information
Darrington Rectangular cocktail Table // Armillory Table Decor // 6” L Bisque Octopus
Fantasy Turquoise and White Decorative Tray (alternative) // Silks Lavender, Wild Asparagus, Mint and Rosemary in Oval Metal Planter
Rustic Coastal: You are drawn to Rustic Coastal Style if the two of you love Farmhouse, French Country, Coastal, and Rustic Styles.
Final Thoughts
With these 40 style ideas, you have all the ingredients to make a beautiful and unique coffee table.
Whether you have a vintage chinoiserie style, a collected French country style, a rustic bungalow style, a refined coastal cottage style, a shabby seaside modern style, a traditional Parisian glam style, a modern Parisian glam style, or a rustic coastal style, you can create a stunning coffee table to fit your interior design.
Don’t forget to check out the related articles to help you take your coffee table to the next level.
Now it’s time for you to get creative and make a coffee table that you’ll be delighted with and your guests will admire.
As the saying goes, “the devil is in the details” - so go ahead and style your coffee table with passion and enthusiasm!
Here are related articles that you will find helpful:
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