Not sure how to style your coffee table properly? Here are 12 super simple small apartment coffee table ideas, coffee table decor ideas & coffee table styling ideas that’ll give you a big headstart in creating the perfect coffee table decor!
We know it, nobody’s ever showed how to decorate your coffee table properly -especially if you gotta make it work in a small space!
Even though it seems like it, it’s not that hard to create the coffee table decor of your dreams. For the perfect composition of items, you’ll sometimes have to go with minimalistic things, other times with bolder items.
Styling a coffee table is actually so much fun & lets you live out your home decor fantasies! Of course, only if you’re aware of the right tips & tricks, and know the basic principles of creating a harmonious table design that’s a perfect accessory to your small space.
If you keep reading, you’ll learn 12 super simple small apartment coffee table ideas that are so good, you’ll want to instantly start using them!
01. The right choice of tray is the foundation to everything
We’re starting off with one of the most crucial small apartment coffee table ideas: a decorative tray has always been & will always be the first step you should take in creating your coffee table decor. A nice choice of tray will lay the foundation to a strong, well-curated design & won’t take up too much space!
But there are a few simple tips you’ll want to keep in mind here!
First, go with a rectangular tray for round coffee tables, and a round tray for rectangular coffee tables. This contrast in shapes creates such a harmonious, yet exciting composition!
As for the design itself, try to avoid textured or patterned trays. This guide will help you introduce these into your design later on, so go with the most simple choice out there!
Generally, metal, acrylic & wooden trays will be the best fit for any interior design style you’re working with. So definitely prioritize these!
02. Scented candles provide that feel-good factor
A scented candle simply cannot miss from your coffee table decor, even if you’re short on space! Scents are often underestimated in home decor because of their lack of aesthetic value.
But they can actually enhance your decor more by creating a nice atmosphere around them! Choose candles with a neutral, but calming scent. Sweet scents are also super good. And this simple step will make you instantly perceive your coffee table decor as more appealing!
If you want to enhance things even more, get a simple plate candle holder, a metal wire candle holder or a candle lantern & put it on your decorative tray. The outcome will be a thousand times better!
03. Matches in a glass jar are not only essential, but can also look real good!
When you have candles, matches become an essential part of your decor. But did you know, that it’s not necessary to hide them?
With a little help, those unappealing matches can be turned into some serious eye-candy! Use a basic match holder if you want the most simple solution. But decorative glass or ceramic jars will also do they job -and they do it while being nice to look at as well!
04. Don’t forget to add some patterns!
To spice things up, you’ll need one item with a bolder pattern. Since you’ve been keeping things simple till this point, you’ll definitely want to create some excitement in your composition!
Create a trendy, vibrant coffee table decor using patterned decorative orbs or decorative jars with a lid! Preferably place these onto your tray to add something eventful to that clean, simple look. These look super good & also make sure that you have plenty of space left to work with!
And you’ve just created a great focal point for your composition!
05. Include something personal to create a warm ambience
Home decor is meant to personalize your space. That’s exactly what one of the most valuable small apartment coffee table ideas on here is trying to help you with!
Whether it’s a custom sculpture for your anniversary, a framed family photo or that one decorative item that you got from a loved one, they’ll all look super good on your decorative tray! Not to mention how they’ll make you bond with your coffee table decor, creating strong positive feelings in its proximity.
06. A set of decorative books will add more depth into your decor
So far, there’s essentially no depth & no dimensions in your design. But you can solve that quite easily with the help of one of the most effective small apartment coffee table ideas on this list!
That is, to buy a set of decorative books & go vertical! They provide you with a surface to decorate -but on a whole new level! Meaning that you’ll be able to save some surface space as well!
Here’s how to make the most of it: buy a set of decorative books. You’ll want to place them opposite of your decorative tray. This is because these two can frame your composition super nicely!
Then, you’ll use the following 2 ideas to create something magical from this elevated space.
07. Decorative bowls are natural focal points
First, you’ll need a simple decorative bowl.
Rounder outlines already draw more attention than rectangular ones, but their higher placement is guaranteed to turn them into an accentuated part of your coffee table decor! Go with wood, marble or ceramic for maximum cohesiveness!
08. Add a bead garland for some linearity
Now, you’ll want to tone down all that roundness with something more linear. And for that, bead garlands are the best fit!
Place a garland gently into the bowl & let some of it fall out onto the books. This will help achieve such a calm & continuous look that makes your whole design look like it’s effortlessly flowing!
09. Something feels off? Introduce a new perspective with an item of height!
Here’s one of those simple small apartment coffee table ideas, that’ll transform your whole design! To provide even more perspective for your coffee table decor, get an item of height! This could be a tall, abstract sculpture or a stick candle holder! With their slim designs, they barely take up any space, so you’ll be good!
Try not to place it on top of your books, since that creates a very unpleasant, tacky outcome! Keep in mind that what’s tall, doesn’t have to be elevated & accentuated further! Therefore, the absolute best place to put this item is either right next to your book set or on the decorative tray. You choose whichever you feel drawn to!
10. Structure your tablescape with something quirky
Now all that we miss is some quirky structure in our lives! In every home decor project, there has to be a “statement item”, that locks the eyes in instantly with its texture, shape, structure or all of these together.
A geometric decorative ball, small statues or a hammered metal container are just a few exceptional ideas. If you want to put more emphasis on your centerpiece, go ahead & place it on top of those books. But it will be just as eye-cathing on your tray, or even alone on your coffee table as well!
11. Decorative boxes are super trendy – make sure you have one!
Decorative boxes are an absolute dream to work with! That’s why they are one of the most recommended small apartment coffee table ideas out there.
Not only does a beautiful glass jewellery organizer box, a faux shagreen leather decorative box, a rustic wooden box or a patterned cardboard box look extremely surreal, but they also help in hiding clutter. Double win!
If you have a multiple tier coffee table, definitely place your box on a lower tier. This simple tip avoid making the top of your coffee table looking overcrowded. However, if you only have one tier to work with, either avoid getting a set of decorative books to begin with & work with your box instead, or buy a smaller box that can fit onto your books effortlessly.
12. The final touch: fresh flowers in a beautiful vase
What pulls together a decor project more than some fresh flowers?
Dried can work wonders too! Place your beautiful flower arrangement in a vase of your choice, and you’re good to go! Clear glass vases will always be a great choice, but colorful ceramic vases, mouthblown vases & origami design vases are top-tier as well!
As for the placement of your vase & vibrant flowers, a corner would be most suitable. This way, they have their own little spotlight -that they absolutely deserve!
Want more ideas like these? Check out our Home Decor section right here & browse all those good ideas!
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