How to Style a Round Coffee Table

Styling a round coffee table can transform your living room and enhance the overall aesthetic of your space. Unlike rectangular tables, round coffee tables offer a unique opportunity to play with symmetry and balance in your decor. Whether your style is minimalist, eclectic, or traditional, understanding the principles of layering, scale, and composition is key to creating an inviting tabletop display.

How to Style a 
Round Coffee Table

In this guide on how to style a round coffee table, we will explore various styling techniques that will help you maximize the potential of your round coffee table and elevate your home decor.

Why Round Coffee Tables?

Round coffee tables are favored for their versatility and the flow they bring to a space. Their circular shape naturally complements a variety of seating arrangements, promoting easy movement and enhancing conversation among guests. Without harsh edges, round tables can soften the look of a room, adding a gentle touch to your decor.

They work especially well in smaller spaces, as they tend to occupy less visual space and can create an illusion of a more open area. Additionally, their timeless design allows them to seamlessly adapt to changing trends, making them a long-lasting investment in your home’s aesthetic.

Needed Materials

Before we dive into the styling techniques, here are some essential materials you will need to have on hand:

Round Coffee Table:

Choose a round coffee table that fits you and your space’s style. Consider the material, size, and color to ensure it complements your existing decor.

Decorative Objects:

Decorative objects such as candles, vases, trays, bowls, or books are essential elements for styling a round coffee table. Choose items that add visual interest and reflect your personal style.

Tray:

A tray is an excellent way to create structure on a round coffee table and group items together. You can use a decorative tray to add texture and color to the tabletop display.

Greenery:

Adding some greenery brings life and freshness to any space. Consider using small potted plants or fresh flowers in a vase to incorporate natural elements into your tabletop display.

Layering Items:

Layering is a crucial technique in styling a round coffee table. It adds depth and visual interest to the tabletop display. Consider using items of different heights, sizes, and textures for an interesting layered look.

Using Items of Different 
Heights Sizes and Textures

8 Simple Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Style a Round Coffee Table

Step 1: Start With a Clean and Empty Table

Before you begin styling your round coffee table, ensure that it’s completely clear of any existing items. This gives you a blank canvas to work with and allows for a fresh approach to your decor arrangement. Wipe down the surface to remove any dust or smudges, as cleanliness will enhance the overall aesthetic of the display.

A clean slate will help you visualize the arrangement better and make it easier to experiment with different decor pieces and positioning. Once your table is spotless, you’re ready to start the styling process.

Step 2: Choose a Focal Point

Selecting a focal point is an essential step in styling your round coffee table, as it draws the eye and sets the tone for the rest of your arrangement. The focal point could be a tall vase filled with fresh flowers, an artful sculpture, or a stack of your favorite books. The key is to choose one significant piece or a grouping of items that will naturally attract attention.

Position your focal point slightly off-center for a more dynamic composition. This deliberate placement encourages a sense of movement and balance, inviting the viewer to explore the entire table arrangement without overwhelming the visual space.

Step 3: Add Height With Layering Items

Layering is a crucial technique in styling a round coffee table. Adding items of varying heights will create depth and visual interest, drawing the eye to move around the display continually.

For example, you can place a tall vase on one side of your focal point and stack books or add a smaller decorative object on the other side. This creates balance while still keeping the focus on your chosen focal point.

You can also use a tray to elevate some items and create additional layers. This technique adds dimension and structure to the display, making it more visually appealing.

Place a Tall Vase on One 
Side of Your Focal Point

Step 4: Incorporate Decorative Objects

Once you have established a focal point and added height with layering items, it’s time to introduce decorative objects to enhance the style and personality of your round coffee table.

Choose pieces that complement the color palette and theme of your living space, such as candles for a warm ambiance or a bowl for a touch of elegance. Consider using a mix of textures and materials—like metal, glass, or wood—to add richness and diversity to the arrangement.

Keep in mind the principle of balance as you place these items; aim for harmony in both symmetry and composition to ensure the tabletop display is cohesive and aesthetically pleasing. Let each object tell a story or echo a personal style element, making the tableau uniquely yours while maintaining visual interest.

Step 5: Add a Tray for Structure

Incorporating a tray into your round coffee table decor is a stylish and functional way to add structure and organization to the display. A tray acts as a unifying element that corrals various decor items, preventing the arrangement from feeling scattered or haphazard.

Choose a tray that complements the color scheme and material of your table and surrounding decor—options range from sleek metal and rustic wood to vibrant ceramic or glass.

Once you’ve selected your tray, use it to group items such as candles, small vases, or decorative figurines. The tray not only helps to define a specific area on the table but also adds an element of texture and visual interest.

Experiment with placing the tray either centered or slightly off-center on the table to achieve the desired balance and flow in the overall composition. A thoughtfully curated tray will enhance the aesthetic appeal of your coffee table, making it both attractive and organized.

Step 6: Bring in Some Greenery

Adding a touch of greenery to your round coffee table decor is an excellent way to incorporate nature and texture into the arrangement. A small potted plant or fresh flowers in a vase can bring life and freshness to the display, creating a welcoming and cozy ambiance.

Consider using plants with varying sizes and textures for added visual interest. You can also place them in decorative containers that match your chosen color scheme or theme, such as metallic pots for a modern look or woven baskets for a bohemian vibe. Placing greenery on opposite sides of the focal point or layering it behind other objects adds depth and balance to the display. 

Using Plants 
With Varying Sizes

Step 7: Use Books as Decorative Elements

Books are versatile and functional decorative elements to include in your round coffee table styling. They add color, texture, and height while also serving as a conversation starter or reflecting personal interests. You can stack books vertically or horizontally to create visual interest and balance on the table display.

Consider using books with attractive covers or colorful spines that complement the overall color palette of your living space.

To add more dimension, you can place a decor object like a small figurine or candle on top of the book stack. This creates layers and breaks up the flat surface of the tabletop, making it more visually dynamic.

Step 8: Add Personal Touches

Finally, don’t be afraid to add personal touches to your round coffee table decor. This could include sentimental objects or family heirlooms that hold special meaning to you. Incorporating personal elements into the arrangement adds character and makes your coffee table unique and meaningful.

You can also switch up the decor seasonally or for special occasions to keep the display fresh and interesting. Have fun with it and let your personality shine through! Remember, there are no specific rules when it comes to styling a round coffee table; it’s all about finding a balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal. So trust your instincts, experiment, and enjoy the process of creating a beautiful and inviting centerpiece for your living space.

Keep the Display Fresh 
Round Coffe Table

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I Use a Round Coffee Table in a Small Living Room?

A: Absolutely! A round coffee table can be an excellent choice for a small living room as it takes up less visual space compared to a square or rectangular one. Its curved shape also allows for better flow and movement in the room, making it feel more spacious. You can also choose a round coffee table with storage options to maximize space in a small living room.

Q: How Do I Choose the Right Size Round Coffee Table for My Space?

A: When choosing the right size round coffee table for your space, consider the proportion of your furniture and the size of your living room. As a general rule, aim for a coffee table that is two-thirds to three-quarters the length of your sofa and sits at least 14 inches away from it for comfortable legroom. Also, make sure there is enough space around the table for easy movement and functionality.

Q: Can I Use Different Shapes in My Round Coffee Table Decor?

A: Yes, you can! Mixing different shapes and sizes in your round coffee table decor adds diversity and visual interest to the arrangement. However, make sure to maintain a balance between symmetry and composition for a cohesive look. You can also use rectangular or oval trays on your round coffee table for added structure and contrast.

Q: Do I Need to Stick to One Color Palette for My Round Coffee Table Decor?

A: Not necessarily! While sticking to one color palette can create a more cohesive and harmonious display, using contrasting colors can add vibrancy and energy. Just make sure to choose colors that complement each other and tie into the overall theme of your living space.

With these steps on how to style a round coffee table, you can create a beautiful and functional centerpiece for your living space. Remember to have fun and let your personal style shine through in the arrangement!

Sticking to One 
Color Palette  Round

Conclusion

Styling a round coffee table can transform your living space, making it both functional and appealing. By carefully selecting and arranging decorative elements such as trays, greenery, books, and personal touches, you can create a centerpiece that reflects your personal style while enhancing the room’s ambiance.

Remember that flexibility and creativity are key—there’s no right or wrong way to style your coffee table. Whether your approach is minimalist or eclectic, the goal is to create a balance between practicality and aesthetics, crafting a space that feels inviting and uniquely yours. Thanks for reading this article on how to style a round coffee table.

Photo of author

Adrian Green

Adrian is a woodworking hobbyist and has loved Woodworking since he was 10 years old. Back then in childhood, his father used to have a furniture shop. He used to help his dad and learned a lot from him about how to fix woodworking furniture, basic carpentry knowledge and also about how to work hard and take care of business. He enjoys woodworking as a hobby. He loves the feeling of creating something with his own hands, and the satisfaction that comes from seeing his finished products used by others.

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