12 Ways To Add Decor To A Coffee Table Without It Looking Cluttered

Coffee tables come in various sizes, shapes, and materials to fit any design aesthetic you can imagine. These low tables often become a centerpiece of any living room space, which means they are a great spot for highlighting décor that adds a touch of personalization and helps define your design style. The danger is that the balance of functionality and beauty can lead to these spaces becoming too cluttered — unless done right. There are a few ideas to keep in mind, including placement, the types of items you put on the table, and questions of scale and balance that can help guide you as you add décor and style the table without it becoming overly cluttered and visually overwhelming.

Most of these approaches to decorate a coffee table cost nothing to implement, and can be done with items that you already have in your décor arsenal that can help create a unique coffee table. Even better, some of these tips can be applied to other tables in your home, including end tables, nightstands, and consoles, which can also appear cluttered at times.

One key thing to keep in mind as you add décor to your coffee table is balancing beauty with functionality. Consider how you use your coffee table. Do you use it for entertainment? Meals? Work? If you have a smaller table and want to prevent the look of clutter, consider adding only items that serve a function and avoid those that are solely decorative. Good options that are functional include books for guests to page through or a deliciously scented candle to freshen up the space. If you eat there often, make sure to have placemats and coasters ready. If you work at your table, get some pretty containers to hold pens, pencils, and other things you'll need close at hand. 

When placing décor on our table, many advise dividing the surface into areas, which will vary according to the table. For square or rectangular tables, divide them into quadrants and focus on making each of these quadrants an arrangement of its own. For a circular table, gravitate items in the center radiating outward. Dedicate each zone to a specific kind of décor. For example, one quadrant can focus on items related to watching television, like a tray or box for remotes, game controllers, etc. Use the second for your to-be-read pile or magazines. Use another quadrant for something purely decorative, like a pretty bowl or vase. Finally, leave a quadrant free for activities you need more open space for.

Utilizing multiple textures can be a great way to make the décor you add to your coffee table stand out on its own. If your decor has enough interest, you can use less items and decrease the visual clutter. So, if your coffee table is wood, for example, use the surface to bring in other elements, like woven baskets, stone vases, sleek and shiny books, or glass pieces to create variation. If your coffee table is chrome or glass, consider adding a large wooden or stone bowl, plants, and natural elements to create balance.

Coffee tables can often become home to a lot of things that aren't the cutest, but need to be kept within reach, such as remotes, batteries, and tissues. Using some pretty boxes or lidded baskets for these items can not only hide them out of sight and give you somewhere to quickly stash them when entertaining, but can also be used to add texture and layers to your décor.

If you have a large table, the first inclination may be to keep adding more and more decor on the surface until it's full. Rather than placing your item separately, consider ways to place them in small groupings, which can give each collection their due and allow you to see the table surface for a visual rest. Small items, like figurines, crystals, and miniatures often have more impact in a group than alone.

The rule of three is great to follow if you have limited space. Not only does the number feel more harmonious, but it can help keep you from going overboard and adding too many items. If you have more decor than three items, consider swapping out items throughout the year in line with the seasons or periodically. This will give you a chance to fully show off and enjoy your collection and will draw more attention than a large number of items.

Keeping your coffee table items clean and dust free is also important, so make sure the items you place there can be wiped down quickly and easily and aren't cumbersome to move around while cleaning. Figurines and items with a lot of crevices may not be great for a high traffic area — especially fabric items that require frequent laundering. Choose smooth and easily cleaned dusted accents for the table to keep décor looking its best and less cluttered.

Creating visual levels can make any size table seem less cluttered and harmonious. A great coffee table styling hack is using books in stacks, which can serve as risers for other items. They can also help formulate small triangle shapes, which are a great way to organize both tables and shelves to help draw the eye from object to object, rather than focus on a pile of decor.

Creating proper balance and scale for both the table and the contents on it can go a long way toward making it look uncluttered, neat, and unified. Mix large, medium and small items effectively on the surface. Too many large items can overwhelm a table, while two many small pieces can make the table look more cluttered and feel unfinished. You should also consider the balance between height and scale, which can help determine what items may be too tall to use on a short table. 

If you have limited room for décor, consider just adding a natural element like a plant or a vase of flowers. They can easily be scaled to the size of your table. Plants can also set an aesthetic that reflects the rest of the room, from unruly ferns and lush vines to more subdued mini succulents that bring a desert-feel. if you want to use up a lot of space on the table, but not have too many pieces, a large sprawling plant with tendrils and vines can be all you need. Or using a trio of smaller plants in the center of a table can look polished and cohesive.  

If you use your coffee table for entertaining, dining, or drinking, keeping the surface clean will help your focus remain on its décor. It's important to be able to add elements without the surface being marred by heat damage, water marks, or scratches, which can lead to a cluttered and messy look. This means using coasters, placemats, and other protective things to protect the surface of the table so it stays looking its best.

Sometimes, the best décor to add to your table is no extra décor at all, leaving the surface clean and clear for a minimalist look. But that doesn't mean you can't add beauty to the table. Consider adding something simple, like a mosaic , decorative paper, or hand-painted details to the top of the table to add beauty and interest.