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Home and Garden Writer
Yes, a coffee table exists for function more than anything.

You need a place to put your drinks, after all. But the table is also an opportunity to create a vignette in your living room

Well a coffee table is many things: a place to set your drink, a footrest, somewhere to stash the remote and — of course — a beautiful decorative addition to your living room.  Or, at least, it has the potential to be all of these things.  Your coffee table can also become a cluttered mess if you aren’t careful, or a drab disappointment if you’re scared to get a little creative.

As in so many other areas of design, keep in mind that there are also rules when decorating your coffee table.

Use books as a base: There are diverse items on this artfully styled coffee table, but the look is still neat and orderly. That is because the items are given a sense of structure from their placement on stacks of books, once again creating that distinction between three individual groups. Beautiful books (or other flat items like serving trays or even stylish magazines) are a great base for layering. For the easiest approach, start with three books of roughly the same size, and stack smaller and smaller items on each.

Circles and squares: Books add smart structure, but if every piece is rectangular, the look can feel a little stuffy. This is where the circle comes in. Playing elegant curves against crisp rectangular corners mixes up the look for a classic combination. Try a circular vase, bowl, candle or paperweight either on or between squarer items to break up the lines and add visual interest.

Play with heights: Another way to add energy to your coffee table look is by playing with the heights of items.

Try to achieve three different heights, using items of different sizes or by stacking them higher. Putting the tallest piece in the middle can create a pleasing symmetry. But sometimes a little intentional asymmetry can be captivating as well. As long as you add some height, the whole grouping will feel more dynamic and interesting.

Candles and flowers: Flowers and taper candles are two design standbys that will help your coffee table style reach new heights. Additionally, flowers add a pop of color, while candlesticks can add a flash of glam metal, so they’re even better together. If you have multiple candlesticks, try slicing an inch or two off the bottom of one candle to vary the heights, adding even more interest.

Easy being green: Plant life also adds energy, introducing organic lines that contrast manufactured pieces. For a simple 1-2-3 formula, decorate your coffee table with a plant (flowers, a leafy planter or even an exotic cactus), a simple book (take off the jacket if it’s too busy) and a sleek metal or glass bauble.

Simple asymmetry: It is worth noting at this point that these styling suggestions so far are just one approach. If all of these rules and formulas seem overwhelming, try the easiest approach of all: one item (or stack) placed asymmetrically almost all the way to one end. This is very useful when decorating a long coffee table that would be hard to fill. Use that extra room to put up your feet.

Glass tables: Don’t forget when decorating a glass coffee table that it’s not just about what goes on top, but also what goes below. A see-through table practically demands a graphic rug. Try a black-and-white rug and use similarly stark accents in differing shapes, or leave the top completely undressed and let the rug be the star of the show. – https://www.houzz.com