Styling coffee tables that steal the scene
Coffee tables are the unsung heroes of our living rooms. Unknown to many, these are the furniture pieces that we, as interior designers, carefully study and select.
Generally, a coffee table has to be proportionate to your sofa—not too long and not too short, not too small and not too big. Depending on the room size, it should bring the space together without overpowering it. As the centerpiece of the living space, a coffee table should connect people and furniture.
I’ve chosen five coffee tables that I have used and would love to use again. Some are cute in size, while others are clusters of pieces. I usually like sculptural statement pieces—although practical, sturdy tables are good choices as well.
Iron tree coffee table from Roche Bobois
This can be purchased individually or as a cluster of two to three pieces in different sizes. I love how organic these tables feel—made of stainless steel wires. The workmanship is beautiful that it looks like a sculptural piece.
Pierre coffee table from Caracole
This is a huge square piece at 1.4 meters—meant for a bigger living room. The clear, ghostlike design makes it almost invisible to the eye, creating a floating illusion for the decor on top of it.
I love the irony of the table’s clear top contrasted with its massive size. The period details of its legs give it a classic appeal that won’t fade over time, while the acrylic and brass inserts lend a modern touch.
Sterling cocktail table from Ralph Lauren
This table is a classic piece that will go with anything. It is quite masculine and I can see it best in a gray or black interior space. It has the words “sexy” on it!
Ritzwell JK coffee table
This table is so versatile. It comes in different sizes, and you can choose your metal leg colors: rose, bronze, antique gray, hairline, and many more options. I love the solid walnut top, which curves upward slightly, resembling the shape of a traditional Japanese thatched roof.
Zebra skin coffee table
Zebra skin always goes with anything whether old or new. Since it’s an upholstered top, a tray is needed for drinks and food.
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The next step is to bring these coffee tables to life through styling. Here are a few tips on how you can create balance, add personality, and make your coffee table the true centerpiece of your living space.
Choose an accent color
Choose a color from your living space and capture that in your coffee table. You can have it on a spherical decorative piece or a lacquer tray or if you want to be versatile.
Trayscape
Get a nice tray to compartmentalize smaller objects on your table and to avoid clutter. A metal finish would be something clean to look at. Candles, tassels, snuffers and magnifying mirrors can be placed on these trays.
Coffee tables as bookshelves
Yes, your coffee table can double as a bookshelf. Layer your favorite hardbound books nicely, about three to four books per row to keep it neat. I don’t mind if they are a bit worn out as long as they are hard bound.
One thing that gets to me are unused books meant for display only, with luxury brands indicated on the side, with no depth or meaning, or just purchased for display.
Nothing is better than carefully selected books by the owner for his own reading enjoyment. Remember, your space is your personal touch!
Make your table a ‘catch all’
Use your table as a catch-all of all your trinkets. Get a collection of beautiful bowls, preferably with color that matches, and spread them around your table if they’re big. Use each bowl as a container of keys, candies, potpourri, and what-nots.
This is also your chance to show off your beautiful low bowls and plates. Better if you elevate them with acrylic stands or books.
Display your candle holders
Use your coffee tables to display your candle holders. This will depend on the size of your coffee table.’
Add a pouf or ottoman to layer some depth
Vicente Wolf, one of my favorite interior designers, usually adds an ottoman or a lower bench to an existing coffee table. Sometimes, he adds an upholstered piece to an oriental table.
The positioning is key for he makes the layout perpendicular or parallel depending on the play of the layout. Add in some throw pillows laid out flat, tied together with long tassels, to add some flair.
Keep it simple
If you like a clean look, just keep it bare and simple. This will make your table versatile for games, drinks, and entertaining.
The author is the founder of Chat Fores Design Studio, an executive director at the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID), and a member of the Advisory Board of the College of Architecture and Design of Enderun College
