Cupcakes and Cashmere

How to: Style a Coffee Table

January 16th, 2013

We’ve had our coffee table (first seen here) for a while now, but it wasn’t until recently that I finally got around to styling it. At times I had it completely empty, but when a table’s not comfortable enough to put your feet up [note to self: don't make that mistake again], at least it should look appealing. It was hard to find a configuration that I felt good about – which books to include and how many, if I should keep remote controls corralled on a cute tray or hidden somewhere else, and how many trinkets would make it too busy? Here’s what I’ve decided on for the time being, in the form of a quick video.

Items featured:

Lucite Tray from CB2
White Tray from West Elm
Candle Snuffer from D.L. & Co
Matchstick Bottle from New Stone Age
Gold Playing Cards from A+R
Marble Coffee Table from Bludot
Geode from D. L. Rhein

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  • http://herphilly.com Emily {Her Philly}

    This was definitely inspiring Emily! I am currently looking at my cluttered coffee table with envy :)

    -Emily
    http://www.herphilly.com

  • Jen

    Love love love this idea. In fact, the post itself makes me want another “how-to” type video. How about one on styling a dresser? I have a pretty large dresser with drawers & nothing feels right/clutter-free/cozy enough. Would LOVE your take on it!

  • Jessica

    I love this and agree with the 3 book rule… The only thing I would add would be coasters! They can add to the theme, be changed often (for $ or $$$) & they help preserve your table. You can even stop (or call) a local art gallery and find great, unique versions or even find an artist you like and have commission them to suit your needs/wants/likes.

  • http://slidingdrawersblog.blogspot.com/ ellen

    So cute, love the video. Do more!

    http://slidingdrawersblog.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.thedreameryblog.wordpress.com Diana

    Love this how to! I’ve been having some trouble styling my coffee and the key is to keep it simple. I have a level underneath the top where I keep our books, but I need a change! Thanks for sharing…I love those matches!

  • http://www.savannahbleu.blogspot.com Jody

    So pretty. I need to see if something like that would make it through the ‘doggie test’!! lol

  • http://www.megyourpardon.com Meg Owen

    Love your cute ideas (I’ve got that Domino book on my table as well as the Vogue covers as well!) Always enjoy visiting your blog!

  • http://susanjane.com Susan McDonald

    great video and great tips!!!

  • http://www.asliceofglam.com Amberly

    Love this video! Great tips!

    Amberly
    http://www.asliceofglam.com

  • Andrea

    Inspired! I love looking at the books people showcase on their coffee tables :)

  • http://kirsteenormesher.blogspot.co.uk kirsteen

    Fab tutorial! Looks gorgeous!

  • Aida

    Hi Emily,

    I stop here almost everyday at my morning coffee and I really enjoy reading your posts.

    Your tray looks wonderful and interesting. I love it when I come to someone’s house and there is something intriguing at every corner. I prefer it to huge, expensive pictures or statues, the purpose of which is only to show off and intimidate the guest.

    Have a nice day,
    Aida

  • Glenda

    Have been following your blog for a few months Emily, enjoy it very much. You have a beautiful voice!

  • Alessia

    love this video!!

    TheChicolat

  • mars

    too cluttered.

  • http://magsmind22.blogspot.com/ Mags

    I love this video! You give such great tips and your coffee table looks great. I also loved your past post about your cradenza makeover and displaying jewelry in a tray from one of your five things post in the fall of last year. I referenced those 2 in my post yesterday (see link below) about my dresser re-vamp. I think I have some work to do still and my styling techniques need some work, so thanks for sharing all of your great tips.

    xoxo
    Mags
    http://magsmind22.blogspot.com/2013/01/dresser-re-vamp.html

  • Alex

    I loved the scene when you spread the gold playing cards and held them against your face, it was so lush and classy and was a very significant moment. I think that I am going to skip the whole coffee table makeover and just pose like that all day long. As always thanks for the inspiration Emily!

  • http://daydreamdelightful.com Kristina C

    This post really makes me want to reorganize my coffee table. The trouble is, we have too many remote controls as well as a keyboard and a mouse that my husband always wants to keep handy. Just that stuff alone takes up half the surface of the table. I wonder if you have any ideas how to stylishly store all these gadgets yet still keep them on the table?

    Kristina from Daydream Delightful

  • http://chelseaandthecity.blogspot.com/ Chelsea

    What a great video! You have such a gorgeous home, I would love to see how you style other areas like a nightstand or a desk.

    xoxo,
    Chelsea & The City

  • b

    Oh, I see. Putting the biggest book on the bottom solves a problem I’ve been having for years. Thank you.

    • Lawwwd

      yes, that tip really saved me as well! i’ve spent years watching in horror as my three decorative books kept falling off my coffee table because i had the largest books balanced on the smallest. silly me!

  • http://embellishedcoco.blogspot.se/ Jen

    Great tips! I plan on adding fresh flowers to my coffee table each week!

  • Bernadette

    Greetings from Sydney! Love this video!! I have just moved into a new place and needed inspiration to style my coffee table. Thank you :)

  • k

    I can’t believe I just wasted 1:38 of my life watching this video.

  • http://www.510.me/ anne

    love to see how people style their life.

  • Tulips

    Is this a joke? I used to love your blog Emily, but this is beyond patronising. Make sure you but the largest book at the bottom? Wow, I’d never thought of that.

  • http://chiccoastalliving.blogspot.com/ Desiree {CHIC COASTAL LIVING}

    That’s one thing I love to do is to style a coffee table! XOXO Love yours!

  • http://stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com sofia

    I just added on to my coffee table an Audrey Hepburn vintage book I bought. Filled with amazing pictures of her and her life.

    If you get a sec, check out my latest post. I would love to read what you think. Have a great weekend.

    XO
    Sofia

    stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com

  • http://mystylediaryblogspot.blogspot.com My Style Diary

    Love the video! You have great style :)

    http://www.mystylediaryblogspot.blogspot.com

  • Jennifer

    LOVE! I have been looking for ways to style my coffee table. Mine is HUGE and wooden (pottery barn style), and is so difficult to style. I did the books and tray and it was just perfect. I think the point is, thinking about your guests. Inviting, comfortable, clean, and engaging. LOVE!!

  • http://demureindiamonds.com Jenna @ Demure in Diamonds

    Emily,

    this is just darling! You are talented in so many ways. Love this, thanks!!

    XO Jenna
    Demureindiamonds.com

  • http://akabailey.blogspot.com Bailey

    Great idea for a post, I’m in the market for a coffee table and now I can make it look fabulous once I get it!

    akaBailey.blogspot.com

  • Eleni

    Great post! But I wonder why you never replied to dozens of us asking about the lipstick on the ‘Winter Sun’ post? Is it some deal you have with only promoting make up products of that particular company (you know)…? I hope you’re not that type of blogger as I really like your style and follow your blog regularly!

  • http://www.simply-nastya.com/ Simply Nastya

    Lovely inspiration and great tips! :)

    http://www.simply-nastya.com/

    Love, Nastya!

  • Helga

    That was great! Quick, simple and chic. I bought your book, and I really love that too. Keep up the good work and have a nice week!

  • http://thirstyrichmond.blogspot.com Shannon

    Love the video, great simple tips, more videos, please

  • Eva

    I love how every blogger has the same crap.
    Be original blahhgers.

  • Lupita Del Real

    Hi! Where are the geometric sunglasses from? I love the frame!

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