Our living room is my favorite room of our apartment. It’s where everyone gathers to talk about their day, watch a movie together, and where I love to cozy up on the weekends! I’ve recently started to redecorate and purge some things as I think about how I want our new unit to look. I. Can’t. Wait!
I took the picture above last week as a ‘sneak peak’ of what our living room will incorporate! It’s definitely a different vibe then my previous styling (see pictures below). Then that led me to want to share some tips on styling your own coffee table. Of course these tips are based on my opinions, so no scientific methods here! 🙂
1| Add something living. Whether you love tulips, succulents or just like pretty leaves, add some life to your table! This gives your table an organic element rather than just solid objects. A vase of gorgeous pink peonies will brighten your table and will be the first thing your guests notice!
2| Pick out a tray for your coffee table. You’ll want to find one that compliments your coffee table in your own personal style. For my table, I used to have a marble rectangular tray that added a different shape and material to the mix. I was going for a modern glam look then, but I’ve recently switched to a more modern-rustic look and bought a new wood and chrome square tray that compliments my table and new media console! Overall, a tray helps divide your coffee table into sections for a neater look and is a great way to display smaller decor pieces so they don’t look so random.
3| Grab some coffee table books. You don’t have to go all out and get expensive designer books such as the Chanel or Dior Collections but grab some that at least compliment the style you’re going for (preferably some with appealing covers)! Don’t over-stack, 2 or 3 books is usually enough. And if you have a large enough table to do multiple stacks, put a stack on the lower shelf to draw the eyes around the table. I’ve gotten quite a few of my coffee table books from thrift stores if that interests you!

| Photo from ISpyDIY.com |
4| Find decor that stands out. I love finding decor that’s different and odd! As you may know, pineapples are my favorite to decorate with. But I’ve got unusual things like spikes (or here) and skulls.
5| Incorporate some color! While you’re picking out your decor pieces, be sure to look for your favorite color, a color that pops, or one that fits the color scheme of your room. Adding this small detail will help draw your guests’ eyes to your coffee table, usually one of the main focal points of your room!
6| Utilize air space. Decor with height can help add more dimension to your coffee table. A tall vase with flowers or pedestal spike like mine keeps your table interesting.

| Photo from ChroniclesofFrivolity.com |
7| Appeal to more than sight! Light a candle and place it on your book stack to keep your living room smelling fresh. I always get compliments on how great our apartment smells. And I like to think it’s because we frequently light candles in almost every room haha. Even when one isn’t burning when guests arrive, they smell the lingering pineapple scent or some other flavor!
8| Place a set of coasters on your coffee table. You won’t regret it. I hate a dirty table, especially cup rings (they drive me nuts). Fun coasters will interest your guests, they’re usually great conversation pieces and they help keep your table clean!
9| Put together groupings. Gathering items of different heights in groups can make your table more dimensional and also help divide your table for an organized look.

| Photo from MyDomaine.com |
10| Style with your personality. Not all of these tips will be for you but my best tip is to style your coffee table with items you love and show your personality. But just be sure to take into consideration adding height, different composite materials, and sticking to your theme!
How do you style your coffee table? Post a pic and tag me! I’d love to see how you decorate yours. I’ve rounded up some great coffee table items from Nordstrom’s big sale below in honor of the last day to enter a huge giveaway for you guys! Read below to enter!!
| Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Gift Card Giveaway |
Enter below up to 101 times for a chance to win a $1225 gift card to Nordstrom just in time for the big sale! Just think of what you could buy with this, seriously. Complete 1 entry or 101 entries but the more time you enter, the better your chances!
**Giveaway ends on 7/13 and winner will be announced on 7/14 (the first day of the early VIP access to the sale.) Must be 16 years or older to enter. International entrants welcome. Please keep in mind that you cannot complete more than 101 entries, and that we can tell if the same person uses multiple emails to enter. ALL ENTRIES WILL BE VERIFIED, so make sure to hit ‘FOLLOW’ or ‘LIKE’ to complete each entry!!!
Enter asap and good luck!!!!
xo, N
These are great ideas as I head into buying a couch and a new coffee table.
Thank you! I am so glad I could help out! When you start decorating, if you have any styling questions feel free to email me at info@nickieanddime.com! Or if you want to send pics, I'd LOVE to see your style! 🙂
Great decor ideas..!!! Will DEFINITELY going to add this to my coffee table