• About
    • About Me
    • Press
  • Style
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Fall
    • Winter
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Makeup
    • In My Bag
  • Travel
    • Do in Dallas
    • The Packing List
    • Travel Diaries
  • Ashley’s Picks
  • Shop my Instagram
  • Contact

The Teacher Diva

March 30, 2016

How To Style a Coffee Table

Coffee Table Style Tips

If I had to pick my favorite piece in our house, it would have to be our coffee table. It is exactly what I hoped for when envisioning our living room and was the perfect size. I’ve received quite a few comments and questions on my snapchat [username: the teacher diva] regarding our coffee table and the accessories I use for decorating, so I thought it would be fun to share a whole post dedicated to coffee table styling!

West Elm Coffee Table

Here are 5 easy steps I follow when decorating my coffee table:

Create Sections

So first and foremost, I like to utilize any trays or decorative bowls to make sections on the coffee table. I found this tray at Home Goods (similar white tray) and I love how it’s big enough to hold a few books and candles, yet doesn’t overpower the table. This is a great way to organize and display your favorite trinkets.

Coffee Table DecorCoffee Table Books

Stack Your Favorite Books

One of my favorite gifts to give (and receive) is a good coffee table book. We have them used throughout our entire house, and I still find myself looking to add more to our collection. Stacking your books on your coffee table will create contrast and a pop of color to an otherwise neutral palette. If you’re on a budget (books can be expensive) try stacking your favorite magazines. They can still create the same feel, but be careful, too many can look “junky”.

Baies Candle

Create Levels

This is a trick our friend (and decorator) shared with us last Fall. She told us that making levels will  create balance to our table. You can see that I like to use books, but I also add a tall vase (with or without flowers) to add height to our table. I try to keep the rule of three by adding a Diptyque Candle and my Pineapple Matchbox (thanks, Katey!)  with the vase.

Coffee Table Style

Utilize your Candles

So I know this may seem like candle overload, but I’ve actually grown to like this look. I obviously don’t light them all at once, but it is nice to have a variety to chose from depending on the day or mood. If you are going to use candles or candle jars in your tray, be sure to find some with variety. I mixed a few votives and textured candle jars to add some color and contrast to my tray. I also love the idea of using a candle jar to hold matchsticks (especially, if it’s pricey like the Diptyque Candle). What a great way to reuse your favorite jar!

leopard pillows living room

Know Your Colors

Choosing a color palette is key. I like to keep things pretty neutral, but we do have pops of color throughout the living room. I wanted my books and trinkets to compliment those colors. When decorating your coffee table, be conscious of the colors used throughout the room.

Coffee Table Tray

Thanks so much for stopping by! Let me know what you think and if you would like to see more home posts on The Teacher Diva. xx Ashley

ROOM DETAILS: coffee table //Pottery Barn Brooklyn Sofa (we went with the Grand Sofa in White Twill. This has been the easiest to keep clean and care for. Obviously we are very careful since it is white, but we have been very impressed with the quality) //  spike sea urchin // kate spade book // fashion book // matchstick holder // various knick-knacks found at Home Goods // Diamond Shag Rug // Leopard Pillows // white faux fur pillows (24 X 24) // Black Pillows // Gold Lamps (we found those on major sale, here is a similar lamp) // Wall Art // frames are from Ikea // Chanel Book Set  

 

CLICK-TO-SHOP




Related

  • The H&M Home Finds You Need to SeeThe H&M Home Finds You Need to See
  • Everything You Need to Organize Your HouseEverything You Need to Organize Your House
  • FALL STYLE GUIDE: HOMEFALL STYLE GUIDE: HOME
  • 5 Home Items Worth Buying at The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale5 Home Items Worth Buying at The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

15 Comments Filed Under: For the Home

Comments

  1. colemanle says

    March 30, 2016 at 8:00 am

    I really needed these tips! I am in the process of updating my space and love your tips! Your coffee table is gorgeous!!!

    http://www.lesleyandeve.com

    Reply
    • Ashley Robertson says

      March 30, 2016 at 10:04 pm

      Thanks exciting! I love doing home updates 🙂 Good luck with everything! xx Ashley

      Reply
  2. Jessica What To Style says

    March 30, 2016 at 8:41 am

    This is amazing!! Great tips and pictures! =D

    whattostyle.blogspot.com

    xoxo,
    Jessica

    Reply
    • Ashley Robertson says

      March 30, 2016 at 10:03 pm

      Thank you, Jessica!

      Reply
  3. shendrixson says

    March 30, 2016 at 11:43 am

    LOVE your space!

    Reply
    • Ashley Robertson says

      March 30, 2016 at 10:02 pm

      Next time you’re in Dallas you need to come over! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Sharan says

    March 30, 2016 at 1:51 pm

    Thanks for sharing! I’m always looking for ways to decorate my home!

    xoxo
    Sharan
    http://www.MyGoldenBeauty.com

    Reply
  5. Anonymous says

    April 2, 2016 at 12:34 pm

    Where do you buy your long matches? I can only find normal and extra long ?

    Reply
  6. Bayres Design says

    June 6, 2018 at 2:17 am

    Wow! It is really good info! Thanks for sharing this post 🙂

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      June 7, 2018 at 10:07 am

      Glad it was helpful! Xx

      Reply
  7. Abigail Lopez says

    December 16, 2018 at 8:36 pm

    HI, I have a question regarding one of your books specifically on the Glamours Rooms. I noticed that the book cover has leopard print did you add that to book or did it come that way. Love the coffee table.

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      December 20, 2018 at 11:38 am

      Hi Abigail! Thank you for asking that’s a great question. The leopard print is a part of the hard cover! Isn’t it darling?

      xx, Ashley

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. The Best Scented Candles According to our Experts - Camille Styles says:
    December 20, 2016 at 6:01 am

    […] featured image via The Teacher Diva […]

    Reply
  2. Tips Mudah Dekorasi Meja Kopi Ala Designer – KANA Blog says:
    January 11, 2019 at 2:58 am

    […] Credit: http://www.theteacherdiva.com […]

    Reply
  3. Cómo elegir la mejor mesa de centro para el salón says:
    January 20, 2019 at 9:52 am

    […] Fuente: The Teacher Diva […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Bayres Design Cancel reply

Topics

  • Beauty Talk
    • Hair
    • Makeup
    • In My Bag
  • Domestic Diva
    • For the Home
    • Food & Drink
  • Out & About
    • Travel Diaries
    • The Packing List
    • Do in Dallas
  • Style
    • My Looks
    • Maternity Outfits
  • The Teacher Diva
    • Wear To Work
    • Classroom
  • Fall Style Guide

THE SUMMER SHOP

Monthly Newsletter

SUMMER BEAUTY PICKS


POPULAR POSTS

HOW I GET LOOSE WAVES
AMAZON SWIMSUITS
6 WAYS TO STYLE A BLAZER WITH JEANS

© 2025 The Teacher Diva. All Rights Reserved. // Policies