A coffee table is one of the most-seen surfaces in your home, and it's also the easiest to either overdo or leave looking like an afterthought. Here's a simple formula that works on almost any table shape.
The rule of odd numbers
Group objects in sets of 3 or 5, not 2 or 4 — odd numbers read as more natural and less "arranged" to the eye, even though you did, in fact, arrange them.
Vary the height
Pick one tall item (a vase, a small sculpture, a stack of books), one low and wide item (a bowl or tray), and one small accent (a candle, a single object). The height variation is what keeps a flat table from reading as flat.
Anchor with a tray
A tray does two jobs: it groups smaller objects into one visual unit, and it gives you permission to actually use the table without disturbing the styling — move the tray, use the table, put the tray back.
Leave negative space
Resist the urge to fill every inch. A table that's two-thirds styled and one-third open space reads as considered; a fully packed surface reads as cluttered, no matter how nice each individual piece is.
Shopping for the table itself? Browse our coffee table collection, or take our style quiz for a full-room recommendation.