The coffee table is one of the most visible elements in the living area, yet it is often overlooked in interior design. In reality, this piece of furniture can become a true focal point of the space—bridging function and style—and asserting itself as an authentic expression of the home’s identity.
Whether in a modern or classic setting, knowing what to place on the coffee table can transform the entire space, giving it personality and making it feel welcoming, elegant, and consistent with the surrounding décor.
From art books to scented candles, from decorative trays to symbolic objects, each element can help enhance the living room with a personal touch. In this article, we’ll share tasteful ideas for decorating your coffee table, showing how a few well-chosen items can create harmonious and refined arrangements.
How to Style the Coffee Table: Function and Style
Before choosing what to place on your coffee table, it’s essential to consider the function you want it to serve in the room. For instance, it could be a practical surface for remote controls and magazines, or a scenic spot to express your personal style.
In modern design, clean lines and minimal compositions are preferred: a few carefully selected objects that play with contrasting textures, materials, and colors. A coffee table by Molteni&C, such as the “505 Up” model, is perfect for hosting a marble tray with sculptural candles, perhaps accompanied by a photo book or a small ceramic plant pot.
In a more contemporary setting, choosing how to furnish a coffee table means finding a balance between aesthetics and functionality: alternating tall and short elements, using decorative items that reflect the room’s palette, and—above all—avoiding a cluttered look.
Decorative Objects for the Coffee Table: Books, Candles & Small Details
A simple and refined way to decorate the coffee table is to use decorative objects that combine beauty and meaning. There are many possibilities to explore:
- Coffee table books: Photography, art, or design volumes with eye-catching covers that perhaps reflect your passions, neatly stacked, can serve as decorative pieces on their own.
- Scented candles: They add a sensory touch to the space. Chosen in neutral tones or glass containers, they help create ambiance and harmony.
- Small vases or sculptures: Perfect for visual movement in the composition. Products by Vitra, like the iconic Wooden Dolls designed by Alexander Girard, add a playful yet sophisticated touch.
Other possible decorations for the coffee table include seashells, natural stones, antiques, or travel souvenirs—anything that tells part of your personal story. The key is to maintain color and stylistic coherence, avoiding the “messy showcase” effect.
Classic Coffee Table Ideas: Harmony and Traditio
If you’re wondering specifically what to put on a classic coffee table, remember that the goal is to enhance the elegance of the style without becoming excessive. Classic living rooms favor symmetry, noble materials, and objects with formal elegance.
Some ideas for decorating a classic coffee table include:
- Floral centerpieces: A bouquet of fresh or dried flowers in a crystal or artisanal ceramic vase adds grace and life to the space.
- Tea sets or silver trays: These evoke a sense of hospitality and ritual that pairs well with traditional interiors.
- Storage boxes: Covered in leather or fine fabrics, they’re ideal for hiding small items while maintaining impeccable aesthetics.
In such settings, styling the coffee table requires attention to detail and an eye for balance between fullness and emptiness, avoiding a visually overwhelming effect. Choosing materials like solid wood or polished marble also enhances the sense of solidity and warmth typical of classic styles.
Accessories and Decorative Trays: The Perfect Centerpiece for the Living Room
A frequently underestimated yet highly functional item is the decorative tray. It not only helps visually define the composition but also makes it easy to move items if needed.
A coffee table centerpiece might include:
- A brass or dark wood tray
- A cylindrical candle, perhaps on a stone base
- A small bouquet of fresh flowers
- A miniature or designer sculpture
This type of setup works well in both modern and classic living rooms and can easily be updated with the seasons. The key is to remain consistent with the rest of the décor and always leave some empty space on the table to lighten the visual load.
Decorative trays come in a wide range of materials and finishes: wood for warm, rustic settings; glass for more airy compositions; marble for a luxury touch. Paired with coffee table accessories like candle holders, fragrance diffusers, or small lanterns, they stylishly complete the arrangement.
Final Thoughts: Expressing Taste, Personality, and Harmony
Knowing how to decorate your coffee table is an opportunity to express your taste, personality, and sense of balance. Every item—from the most practical to the most symbolic—contributes to creating a cozy atmosphere that’s consistent with the character of the entire home.
At the SAG’80 showrooms, you’ll find top brands like Molteni&C, Vitra, and many others to help you select the ideal decorative objects for your coffee table, guided by expert consultants.
Discover what to place on your coffee table: elegant ideas, decorative objects, accessories, and trays to furnish your space with modern or classic flair.
