Styling a Functional Yet Pretty Coffee Table for Fall

Coffee tables can not only be functional but also pretty when you utilize the right elements.

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Today is our next installment in our Back to Basics monthly series. Last month, we shared ideas on preparing for Back to School. My Recipe Plan Book was a huge project to tackle but I'm so happy to report that it's still working out great! 

This month we are going to talk about coffee table styling. Almost everyone has a coffee table, but a lot of people only see them as functional and not for decorating. If you fall into that category, then you are missing out on this decorating opportunity!

Coffee tables serve a variety of needs including; a place to rest a drink, a foot rest, or even a place to harbor remotes and magazines. Before you begin to style your table, first figure out what needs and functions you want your table to serve. After establishing that, you can begin putting together your overall look that will be functional yet pretty.

How to Style a Functional Yet Pretty Coffee Table

Gather any of the following items:

  • Trays- metal, wood, or basket
  • Candles
  • Books
  • Greenery faux or real
  • Small Chkotkes
  • Seasonal Elements

It's nice to have options that way you can add and subtract things to achieve your overall look.

For my table, I wanted something that could easily be moved so if we want to put our feet up, play a board game, or set up our laptop, we could just pick it up and relocate it. A tray was an easy way to corral various decorative items and can be moved out of the way when needed. 

You also want to make sure that the elements you style with are pleasing to the eye. Vary your textures and heights to make it a unique vignette. Elevate object on books. Utilize a tall vase for fresh or faux flowers and add a unique item that will be sure to draw attention.

On my tray, I added a linen napkin to anchor the vignette, a vase of faux greenery, two books we picked up this summer in Africa with a pumpkin atop and two silver candlesticks. 

If you choose not to use a tray, I suggest either small symmetrical piles of books or one item centered in the middle of the table.

Have fun with it and try out different looks until you like what you see!

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{This post contains affiliate links, see full disclosure here.}

For a full look at my Farmhouse Living Room space, click HERE.

Are you ready to see how our other blogger friends styled their coffee tables this month?
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To life feeling like home!

XO,

 

  1. Jessica says:

    I don’t have decorations as nice as these ones, but I think I’m definitely going to have to steal the tray idea… it’ll make clearing off the coffee table so much easier when I need to move it! Wish I’d seen this post a long time ago 🙂

  2. CoCo says:

    Functional AND pretty! yes, yes, yes – you totally nailed this lady. I love all of your great tips. They’re spot on, as always. Hugs, CoCo

    PS: Your home is so cozy and relaxing it makes me want to just curl up and hang. Totally gorgeous!

  3. […] My coffee table got an update for fall with a galvanized tray, a white pitcher of greenery, candles, books, and a pumpkin.  These pumpkins from Kirklands are the perfect little fall addition to tuck into trays, bowls, or to even stand alone on their own.  I did a whole post on how to style a functional yet pretty coffee table which you can catch here. […]

  4. Emily says:

    Simple & so beautiful! Trays, books, and candles are my go-to items as well.

  5. Kristi says:

    Everything about this is perfect! And I’m totally drooling over that gorgeous tray!!!

  6. Amanda says:

    It looks beautiful! I love the tray!

  7. Your coffee table looks so pretty Amy! Love the tray you chose and so smart to put everything on a tray so you can move it easily!!!

  8. Amy – Love how you incorporate vacation mementos with your coffee table styling. And that tray is amazing! Love the label holder on the front! Thanks for sharing your fab tips!

  9. Stacey says:

    Your table looks so pretty, Amy. I appreciate the functional aspect of your thinking too. I can make things as pretty as can be here at our house but in the end, there has to be room for a drink, an Ipad, etc. on the tables.

  10. I love your coffee table and your tray is beautiful! I love all of the elements you included on your table too! Perfect collection of pretty things to add to it!

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