How to Style a Circular Coffee Table

living roominterior design
Written By Lauren Bolshakov

When styling a coffee table, especially a round one, there are a couple of tricks we’ve found that are helpful to keep in mind.

1: Remember to take scale into account

Too many items, or too large of items, can overwhelm the table and loose it’s functionality. Too small of items of groupings and it’s stops looking styled. I try to follow the rule of thirds. This may seem tricky with a round table, but keep reading!

image of a wooden circular coffee table. On the top is a stack of two books with a wooden open hand sculpture on top. Next to it is a scalloped white bowl and a white vase of flowers.

2. GROUP YOUR ITEMS IN THE CENTER OF THE TABLE.

Place items into a square, triangle, or rectangle. This is helpful to think of as sections: single objects count as one section, trays with things in them count as one section, stacks of books count as one section. Arrange them into a grouping of one to four sections. One would work if it was a large centerpiece or a large tray.

The photo below is three sections: the tray, the object, and the pile of books. The photo below that is two: the stack of books and the tray read to your eye as two sections.

On a wooden coffee table is a wicker rectangle tray containing a small potted plant, a candle, and a stack of large books. Next to the tray is a gold geometric sculpture and a stack of two coffee table books.
A decorated coffee table is situated in a larger room. Behind the table is a room length side table adorned with plants, frames, books and decorative boxes. Above is a large framed print of a Paris map.

3. COFFEE TABLES ARE MEANT TO BE FUNCTIONAL

Boxes, trays and bowls are more than just beautiful things! Use them to hide your remotes, hold your glasses and coasters, and store the other odds and ends that you don’t want on display.

A round wooden coffee table has four objects on it. A white marble box, a clear vase with pink tulips, a stack of 2 coffee table books, and a wooden hand sculpture holding reading glasses.

4. Vary SIZES AND MATERIALS

Use objects of different sizes and materials, making sure to keep the arrangement anchored and balanced. If you’re using a marble box, try to find a wooden sculpture or bowl, fabric bound books and natural greenery. If you’re using a wicker tray, think of balancing that with a metal geometric object, and so on. Choose your anchoring object as the focal point and built out from there.

Two women sit on a couch, laughing and drinking wine. In the forground is a decorated coffee table with bowls. a vase of flowers, a candle and a stack of books.

And above all else, let your personal style shine through and have fun with it!

Lauren Bolshakov
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