How to Style Your Coffee Table Like a Design Pro

Your coffee table isn’t just a surface for remote controls and half-drunk cups of tea—it’s a statement piece. A well-styled coffee table brings cohesion to your living space, balancing function with aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re starting fresh or simply refreshing your setup, these styling tips will help you curate a coffee table arrangement that looks effortlessly put together.

Modern coffee table styled with books, plants, and candles

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Start with a Clean Slate

Before diving into decor, clear everything off your coffee table. This blank canvas will help you see the space with fresh eyes. Wipe it down, assess the size, and take note of any features—like a lower shelf or a glass top—that could influence your styling decisions.

Work in Layers

The secret to a visually pleasing coffee table? Layers. Introducing different heights and dimensions creates a more dynamic and considered look. Think of your table as a microcosm of the rest of your home—texture, colour, and proportion all play a role.

1. Establish a Base

A tray is a foolproof way to create structure. It groups smaller objects together, making the table feel organised rather than cluttered. Opt for a material that complements your existing decor, whether it’s marble, wood, or rattan.

2. Add Height and Volume

Stacked books or a sculptural vase can create height, drawing the eye upward and preventing the arrangement from looking flat. If your coffee table is particularly spacious, consider layering a large bowl over books for added texture.

3. Introduce an Organic Element

A touch of nature instantly softens a space. Fresh flowers, a potted plant, or even a simple sprig of eucalyptus in a vase will bring life to your coffee table. For a low-maintenance option, opt for dried florals or sculptural branches.

Curate Thoughtfully

Your coffee table is a reflection of your style, so choose pieces that feel personal. If you love travelling, display a small keepsake from your favourite destination. If books are your thing, stack a few with spines in complementary tones.

Books That Belong on Every Coffee Table

The best coffee table books are as beautiful as they are interesting. Choose titles that reflect your passions—art, fashion, interiors, or photography. Some universally loved options include:

  • The Kinfolk Home by Nathan Williams
  • Live Beautiful by Athena Calderone
  • This is Home by Natalie Walton

Stack them in sets of two or three, topped with a decorative object or a small dish.

 coffee table featuring stacked books and a vase

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Strike a Balance Between Form and Function

A coffee table should be both practical and beautiful. If you use it daily, ensure there’s enough space for essentials like coasters and a spot to place your mug.

Consider Storage Solutions

  • A decorative box can discreetly hold remotes.
  • A stylish catch-all dish keeps small items from looking like clutter.
  • If your coffee table has a lower shelf, use it to store extra books or a woven basket for miscellaneous items.

Play With Contrast

Mixing materials creates visual interest. Pair smooth ceramics with a rustic wooden bowl, or balance the crisp edges of books with the softness of a linen-covered tray. If your coffee table is glass, warm it up with textured accents like a woollen coaster or a terracotta candle holder.

Embrace Negative Space

Resist the urge to cover every inch of your table. Leaving some areas unfilled makes the overall composition feel intentional rather than overcrowded. If you have a particularly striking table—like one made of marble or reclaimed timber—allow it to shine by keeping the decor minimal.

Refresh Regularly

Your coffee table shouldn’t feel static. Rotate items with the seasons—a ceramic bowl filled with shells in summer, a cluster of candles in winter. Even swapping out books or adding a new decorative object can keep things feeling fresh.

The Coffee Table Collection That Will Transform Your Living Room

Mode: Sleek Storage Meets Contemporary Design

A coffee table that does more than just sit pretty. The Mode coffee table is an exercise in modern design and practical living. Crafted with precision from premium American Oak, this piece doesn’t just add to your space—it works for it.

Features:

  • Generous storage with two soft-close drawers for a clutter-free living area.
  • Custom sizing available to perfectly fit your space.
  • Choose from a variety of stain options or satin paint finishes to suit your interior.
  • Designed and handcrafted in Melbourne.

💰 Price: $3,890

Upgrade your living space with a coffee table that combines aesthetics with function.

Enquire now to customise yours.

Wooden coffee table with a sculptural centrepiece and magazines

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Moray: A Bold Statement in Circular Design

For those who want their furniture to be a talking point, the Moray coffee table is a contemporary masterpiece. Its round silhouette, contrasted with striking vertical lines, brings both balance and movement to your living space.

Features:

  • Solid American Oak construction ensures durability.
  • Playful vertical detailing for a unique aesthetic.
  • Available in custom sizes to suit your home.
  • On display in our Melbourne showroom.

💰 Price: $4,450

Step up your living room game with a coffee table that’s equal parts modern and timeless.

Visit our showroom to see Moray in person.

Modern round wooden coffee table with geometric slatted base design on white background

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Canopy: Light, Airy, and Effortlessly Stylish

A design that challenges expectations. The Canopy coffee table creates a floating illusion with its deep shadow line, offering a sleek yet grounded presence in your home. The slim top and bold legs strike the perfect contrast, making it a subtle but powerful centrepiece.

Features:

  • Crafted from American Oak, offering strength and longevity.
  • Available in various stain and satin paint finishes to complement your decor.
  • Custom sizing options available.
  • Handcrafted in Melbourne with attention to detail.

💰 Price: $4,350

Transform your living space with a coffee table that redefines modern sophistication.

Customise your Canopy table today.

coffee table with contrasting textures and elegant details

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Final Thoughts

A beautifully styled coffee table isn’t about following rigid rules—it’s about creating a look that feels natural to you. By layering thoughtfully, incorporating personal touches, and leaving space to breathe, you’ll craft a coffee table arrangement that effortlessly enhances your living space.

Local Employment

1 in 5 furniture makers in Australia are employed in Melbourne

Craftsmanship

Handcrafted by skilled artisans, ensuring attention to detail and quality

Materials

High-quality materials used, ensuring durability and comfort

Warranty

Melbourne-made sofas come with a 10-year warranty

Get in Touch

📞 Call us: Contact us at 1300 052 495 (Monday to Saturday, 9am-5pm AEST)
📩 Email us: enquiry@momu.com.au
🏡 Visit our showroom: 12 Ardena Ct, Bentleigh East VIC 3165
Opening hours: Thursday to Saturday, 10:00am - 3:00pm (Appointments available outside these hours)

Find the coffee table that fits your style—custom, handcrafted, and designed for modern living.

Easily accessible from nearby Brighton, Hampton, and Sandringham. It's a straightforward drive south from Richmond and South Yarra, and the journey from Kew, Balwyn, and the northern suburbs, including Fitzroy, Thornbury, Ivanhoe, and Northcote, is a breeze. Visit the MOMU showroom at 12 Ardena Ct, Bentleigh East VIC 3165. You can find MOMU here in  Google Maps.

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