Is Decorating A Round Coffee Table Different Than Rectangular?

If you are struggling to decorate your coffee table, you're not alone. (Should you add a candle? Maybe that fake plant is too much.) It's hard to strike the right balance, but if you think the shape of your coffee table is the issue, it's probably not. Sarah Bilotta, Design Historian at House Digest, explained in an exclusive interview that when decorating, focus on a less-is-more approach, and keep in mind that the "dimensions, scale, and style of the coffee table [matters] more so than its shape."

"For example, a rectangular coffee table that spans the entire width of a three-person sofa could comfortably accommodate a stack of books and a flower vase, while a shorter rectangular table might look cluttered with two objects so close together," Bilotta stated. While less might be more when it comes to decorating your coffee table, if you are looking for more tips on how to strike the right balance, we have them.

You can use coffee table decor and still live practically, but there is plenty to keep in mind. To strike the right balance between too much and too little, Sarah Bilotta said, "I avoid placing one object centered on a square or round coffee table, simply because I feel it looks too manicured. I would rather pair two objects, off-center, which balance each other out: like a tall pillar candle and a short, round fruit bowl."

Additionally, there may be some small differences to consider when working with different shaped tables. Speaking exclusively to House Digest, Bilotta added, "On a rectangular coffee table, you have to work with horizontal space without simply layering objects across the table. Use the vertical space as well, to create dimension. One large accessory, like an over-the-top potted orchid in the center of the table, could be all you need."

While Bilotta stated these guidelines apply whether you have a round or rectangular coffee table, she added that it's important to, "be aware of how the shape of the table affects its scale in the room and in relation to the objects you place on it."

Unless you're a very serious maximalist or you are taking cottagecore to the next level, overcrowding your coffee table probably is not the goal. Bilotta explained exclusively to House Digest that your coffee table "should be a surface that, when it's not in use, has one or two objects on it at maximum. The coffee table itself, in my opinion, should largely stand alone."

Even if you keep your table clear of decor, you likely have everyday items you need to keep handy. Your table is not just about being beautiful, after all; it also serves a purpose. That does not mean, however, that it should become cluttered. Our expert suggested that instead of storing items on top of the coffee table, find other (preferably hidden) locations, perhaps underneath the table. Whether you need a place to put a remote or that stack of magazines you have been meaning to read, finding a way to keep it contained is useful. Trays are a popular way to do that, but do not go overboard. "Layers can look cluttered, so use trays and cloths mindfully," said Bilotta. Perhaps the most crucial piece of the puzzle is picking the right coffee table to start. If your table fits your space, it will be easier to make it look great.