The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

How to Style a Coffee Table

Lucite coffee table inspiration / how to style a coffee table

Each week I'm sharing budget decor tips to help you achieve the look of the stylish abodes seen in our favorite design magazines. This week, it's all about decorating a coffee table (on the cheap!). Check out my blog, A Vintage Splendor, for more decor tips and advice.

I change up our coffee table décor on a weekly basis. I enjoy swapping out books, magazines, adding fresh flowers or new succulents, and adding new vintage treasures into the mix. A coffee table is one of the key places in every home, whether it’s where you sit and watch TV, enjoy morning coffee with your family, or entertain guests for cocktails. Styling a coffee table is a reflection of your home’s style and personality, in other words, it's the outfit your coffee table wears daily...so don’t let her sit naked!
If anything in the décor world has a formula, styling a coffee is it. All you need are four key items and you are styled (and your coffee table dressed!). These pieces include a tray, flowers, trinkets, and books. Throw them together and you have a fabulous look that can be changed up as often as you like.

Imagine the pieces like you do your wardrobe: The tray is your LBD; it’s a closet staple that can be paired with anything. The flowers are your favorite statement necklace, while the books are your classic pumps. The trinkets are those treasured pieces (a vintage scarf, vintage brooch, or that cocktail ring you saved up for) that sum up your personality. Each of these items can be paired with other pieces in your closet – or home – and together, they are your go-to outfit.

I find that most people fall into three style categories – eclectic, glam or modern – when it comes to decorating so I’ve created a simple go-to style guide to help you identify your style, envision what you want your coffee table to wear, and then start shopping.

I’ve scoured the web for the most stylish picks at a budget to help you get styled in time for your next get together, even if it’s just you, The Game of Thrones and a glass of wine.


How to style a coffee table (budget-friendly picks!)

Eclectic
Rattan Tray, $34 | Ranunculus in Pot, $12 | Silver Jewelry Box, $6 | Taschen 4 Cities Book Set, $59


Glam
Gold Mirrored Tray, $34 | Orchid in Vase, $29 | Agate Coaster (set of 4), $39 | Style Book: Pattern & Print, $30


Modern
Format Tray, $39 | Grass in Wood Planter, $39 | Stainless Steel Spheres, $14 - $29 | Color Chart, $32


Inspiration Photo Credit: Lonny Mag
Comments
I LOVE having fresh flowers in the house. I think it instantly adds a special something to the place, extra bonus if they smell amazing... Tube Roses are my favorite!
#1 Style Athletics (Homepage) on 2014-06-13 17:05 (Reply)
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