A well styled coffee table is a marvellous thing. And an absolute essential in the interior decorating caper. We’ve all seen those stunning coffee tables in magazines, maximalist masterpieces literally groaning with a rich bounty of gorgeous little things.
But wait, there’s no room for anything else…like my wine. Extremely limited studies show* that if you have to sit and hold onto your glass whilst binge watching Netflix you drink 2-3 times more.
* me. at home. alone. don’t judge.
The good news is, it’s pretty easy to combine beautiful style AND functionality in this area. And I really don’t get to say that often. Here’s how to create your dream coffee table:
1) Layout: When I’m putting together a vignette (fancy designer term for putting stuff on a table), I usually will start with the shape of the coffee table itself. If it’s square, I layout items to fill a square foot print. Rectangle table, a rectangle foot print. Round? Anything goes! I usually then pick a large book and build from there. Adding a decorative tray, magazines and a trinket box (more on this later) leaving gaps for other items like candles and vases….It’s like a glamorous game of tetras…
2) Height: Height is very important. Whilst a mix of high and low items is essential, anything too high and it will just get in the way of conversation or (most importantly) the TV. I generally won’t go much higher than 30-40 centimetres, including floral arrangements. To achieve different heights, a really simple way is adding another coffee table book or magazine to the pile.
3) Layering: Now you have your general layout, what ties it all together is the sprinkling objet d’art or layering. Little glass bowls full of sweets, small sculptures, a scented candle (a must in my household) and of course a vase of flowers or a small plant can be nestled in around things. There’s really no rule here, just be prepared to have a play to see what works. If you get really stuck, grouping items into 3’s is a go-to design rule.
I mentioned a trinket box earlier? A decorative box is essential for a coffee table. You’ve spent all this time creating a masterpiece only to have your significant other dump car keys and a fist full of change slap bang in the middle of your fabulous styling moment. A decorative box is the answer to store all those ugly bits and bobs associated with real life along with the inevitable wood pile of remote controls we all seem to have these days.
Still a bit unsure? All of my homewares have been selected to work within this very framework, so creating your own coffee table masterpiece is super easy. Of course, if you need some advice I’m always here to help! Now, get to styling and remember to tag me on insta (_dmpcreative) or use the hashtag #dmpcreativeinteriors so I can check out and share your handy work!
Happy styling Peeps!
Dave xx