Today I am excited to join some talented bloggers for a Project Design challenge. This episode is all about how to style the perfect coffee table. I personally love changing my table up seasonally and so this was a lot of fun. I have a few tips and you can click on the links below to see my fellow bloggers and how they style their coffee tables.
One of my favorite pieces in my home is the round coffee table I bought from the estate sale of my beloved neighbor Grace. It is a beige marble from the 1960’s and in amazing shape. It works as the perfect foil for my piles of books and found objects, plus it makes me happy to have something of hers in my home.
So where to start styling? The way I like to begin is…
-START WITH BOOKS!
I love showing off my favorite books on my table and they make a nice pedestal to create a tableau of varying heights. I change the books out seasonally.
In summer I have a stack of pool themed books.
–ADD SOMETHING NATURAL!
For me that is usually one of my treasured pieces of coral from a long ago trip to the tropics, a wooven basket, a Hawaiian bowl or beads, a quirky stick from a beach walk, or our big dish of rocks that we have collected from years of beach combing. Some kind of natural element gives the collected grouping an organic feel that seems very California to me.
-ADD ILLUMINATION
That would be a candle of some sort, usually something small like a votive. I have these lovely little Glow Bug votives ones from Fire & Light my favorite handblown glass place in Humboldt that I mentioned above. I also have a small collection of Glassybaby votives.
–ADD SOMETHING WITH HEIGHT
Sometimes I stop here and stay minimal, but if I want to add a little more, I’ll add a photograph or a plant like an ivy. Occasionally, a vase of flowers or greens from the yard. Taller candlesticks of varying heights look cool too.
Lastly,
-MIX IT UP!
I like to try moving items around in different ways until I get to something that feels pretty and not too staged. Your coffee table has to still have room to hold a drink or put your feet up. One different thing that you can try like I did here, is add a swath of fabric or a table runner for some variety. I tried it to add a little texture and a pop of yellow like my throw pillows. Try things you wouldn’t normally put on the coffee table, like the basket I used, a runner, a small sculpture – anything unexpected.
This runner is from the Joanna Gaines Hearth & Home Collection at Target, which is really very well done. So many cute things if your home needs a few fresh pieces. This runner which I did iron, has a bit of a rumpled natural look to it, which adds to the organic feel. My yellow pillow in the background is from Williams-Sonoma and I am crazy about it. (Right now their pillow collection is 20% off.)
I find it fun to change things out so I store my props in a special drawer or cabinet to change things up throughout the year- and so I can find them! I have some beautiful glass pumpkins, stone acorns, and pinecones that are just for fall, and Christmas accents as well.
In Springtime, if you’re bored with your table, go outdoors and find some interesting branches. I love clipped branches in a wide vase or canister with just a small votive. A small plant, especially ivy or a tiny boxwood or succulent looks good too.
Keep your tablescape current by changing it up every month or two so things don’t get staid. Your coffee table is like a small still life and you want it to add a little interest to your room and be beautiful.
Now go pop over to see what ideas these talented women have to share on their blogs:
Kim
Kim….so pretty and organic….I am glad to see someone else use stones in their decor!
This is so fabulous, Kim!!! I want all your books. Love your Glassybaby collection and the way you have displayed them. I have two and this makes me want at least one more. I have natural elements that I have collected in various places that I’m going to gather. Thanks for all the inspiration!
Mary Ann
Kim! I adore your table. How cool to have a mid century table and one with so much meaning having belonged to a friend/neighbor. Love your collection of books and ocean treasures. Your Glassybaby collection has to be the prettiest combination I’ve ever seen. It’s really beautiful!
LOVELY!
YOU ARE THE EPITOME OF THE CALIFORNIA GIRL!
BOOKS ON POOLS during THE SUMMER!!!!!!!
YOU know now I will be LOOKING OUT for OLD BOOKS on POOLS FOR YOU!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS on being PART of this DECOR TEAMS POST!
PERHAPS when YOU finish your CASA A NEW CAREER is in store for YOU???
XX
Elizabeth, Thanks so much! Yes keep your eye on the pool books. I have a few vintage Slim Aarons too! I am honored to be with all these ladies and not sure if I qualify. Thanks so much. Creating this house has definitely made me realize how much work goes into home design. So many details! Not sure if I am cut out for it! Hugs, xo Kim
Your simple style is stunning and I love the Glassy Babies and your book selection. Thank you for wonderful inspiration and sharing your beautiful home.
Gail, Thanks so much and for popping by!
I am also glad to be introduced to you via this great group of girls! Love your organic style…and the fact that you used some pretty pebbles. I did that once when I was staging a project for my daughter and she was truly perplexed….haha. She lives in Boulder, Co so you would think she would understand!
Sherry, Thanks and I am honored to be with you all as I am no where near a pro like you all. I am really enjoying your blog and all your staging ideas. You are amazingly talented. Looking forward to following you and hoping some of it rubs off on me.. LOL. I know are rocks the greatest? I have to say my whole family is obsessed with natural things and are always finding objects for our tray..Yes Boulder peeps especially need to embrace the rocks!! xo
Hello! I’ve been following your website for a while now and finally
got the courage to go ahead and give you a
shout out from Austin Tx! Just wanted to say
keep up the excellent job!
Hi Mikki! Thank you so much for reading and the note! Aw that means a lot. Happy New Year! xo