If you want a living room that feels welcoming, pulled-together and still works for movie night or a casual arvo with friends, start with the coffee table. According to Houzz’s 2024 U.S. study, one in five homeowners tackled living-room updates—prime timing for coffee table refreshes. A quick styling round instantly lifts your space and everyday function with minimal effort.
Establish Visual Balance
Spread out visual “weight” so one side doesn’t feel heavy. Pair a hero item (like a vase or decorative jar) with two lighter accents such as a candle and a small sculptural piece. And always keep a clear landing zone—no one wants to navigate around décor just to put down a cuppa.
Plan a Grid / “Rule of Nine” Layout
Imagine a 3×3 tic-tac-toe grid on your tabletop. It’s the same visual principle photographers use to create balanced, interesting images.
- Hit a power point: Position your tallest or most striking piece at one of the four intersections—not dead centre.
- Give smalls a lane: Place a tray in another “third” to hold candles, matches, or a lidded box.
- Let it breathe: Keep one third intentionally empty for mugs, snacks or the odd laptop.
- Link the story: Use a small stack of books to bridge your feature piece and the tray.
Why it works: The grid gives your table clear sightlines, a focal point, and balance that looks relaxed rather than staged.
Use the Odd-Numbers Rule
Australian stylists lean heavily on odd-number groupings because they look more natural. Try sets of 3 for smaller tables, and 5 for larger surfaces. Recent styling trends spotlight the “3-5-7 rule” as a foolproof way to keep décor dynamic and approachable.
Stack Books, Add Vertical Accents
Start with your base—often a tray—then build upward. A stack of 2–3 hardcover books adds mid-level height and creates a clean platform for small décor.
- Aim for a soft low–medium–high rhythm across the table.
- Keep stacks 2–3 books high.
- Mix book textures (linen, matte, glossy) for a curated look.
- Choose books that reflect your interests—travel, design, photography—so the styling feels personal.
Tip: If your table sits near the TV, shift the tallest item away from the screen to keep the view clear.
Use Trays for Zoning and Easy Tidy-Up
A 30–45 cm tray (round or rectangular) helps group smaller pieces, protects the tabletop, and can be lifted away when you need more space. For ottomans, a sturdy tray makes the soft surface functional.
Contrast Colours and Create Palette Echoes
Pick up colours from your sofa, rug, or artwork. If your room is mostly neutral, add a bold hit—deep green, navy, or rust. Australian interiors continue leaning toward natural hues, earthy tones, and muted greens, making them great choices for effortless harmony.
Offset / Side-Weighted Arrangements for Movement
Don’t centre everything. Shift your main cluster to one side and balance the opposite side with one slim accent. This asymmetry brings energy and keeps things feeling less “decorated” and more lived-in.
Bring in Greenery or Florals for Life and Scale
Plants soften hard edges and add a natural, fresh feel. On a standard 40–45 cm coffee table, a 15–25 cm arrangement looks balanced; on larger tables, go a bit taller.
Easy Aussie-friendly picks:
- Pothos, ZZ, and ferns for low maintenance
- Eucalyptus, olive, or magnolia branches for height and shape
Let Books Do Double Duty
Coffee-table books can add texture and colour. Stack two or three, angle one slightly, or leave a book open to a striking full-page image for an inviting, relaxed look.
Add Scent & Candlelight
Scent sets the mood and soft candlelight adds instant warmth.
- A single medium candle suits most living rooms.
- In open-plan homes, opt for a larger three-wick candle or mirror the look with a second candle.
Keep candles 15–20 cm from greenery or fabrics, and sit them on a heat-safe mat to protect timber or stone surfaces.
For homes with kids or pets, reed diffusers or LED candles offer safe alternatives.
Mix Materials & Textures
Layer matte with glossy, smooth with woven. Think marble bowl, linen box, brass accent. Mixed materials help light bounce across the surface—especially effective in Australian rooms that get strong natural daylight.
Showcase a Small Collection
Display a tight trio from a collection—vintage cameras, ceramic pieces, coastal finds from summer holidays—grouped closely so they read as a single moment rather than clutter.
Tie in Natural Elements
A bowl of seasonal fruit, a piece of driftwood, or a stone object adds organic warmth. Natural textures feel right at home in Aussie interiors, especially in coastal, contemporary, or modern spaces.
Make It Practical
If your coffee table has drawers, face them toward the sofa for easy access. Use a lidded box for remotes and keep coasters handy. Always leave a usable space about the size of a dinner plate for snacks or laptops.
Do Seasonal Swap-Outs
Rotate 2–3 pieces each season.
- Winter branches → spring florals
- Citrus → summer shells
- Warm timber pieces → autumn earthy tones
A small “styling box” in the cupboard makes refreshes quick and painless.
Examine from Every Angle
Stand, sit, and walk past the table. Adjust anything blocking the TV sightline or foot traffic.
Match the Table Type & Scale
- Height: Aim for sofa-seat height or slightly lower (around 40–45 cm).
- Length: Around two-thirds of your sofa length feels balanced.
- Spacing: Leave 30–45 cm between sofa and table—about 40 cm is ideal.
- Shape: Round/oval softens boxy sectionals; square suits symmetrical layouts.
Try an Ottoman-as-Table with a Tray
Perfect for family rooms or relaxed spaces. A large upholstered ottoman plus a firm tray delivers comfort and functionality in one.
Encourage Interaction
Add a compact game set, a deck of cards in a leather case, or a small portable speaker on a book stack. Interactive pieces make guests linger—and look great styled.
Add a Personal Signature Piece
Finish with something meaningful: a framed snapshot, a travel memento, or a handmade ceramic. Nothing makes a coffee-table setup feel more Australian than pieces that tell your story.
Quick Styling Recipes
Modern rustic:
Round timber tray + marble beads + matte black candle + eucalyptus stems in a stoneware vase
Glam:
Mirrored tray + two coffee-table books + crystal accent + brass candle snuffer
Family-friendly:
Upholstered ottoman + 45 cm rattan tray + lidded box + low faux greenery + card deck
Small spaces:
One tall vase + medium book stack + small bowl; nudged to one side for practical space
FAQ
What Do You Put in the Middle of a Coffee Table?
Start with a low tray to keep things tidy. Layer a vase or greenery, a candle, and a small decorative piece—keeping heights varied. Add a stack of coffee-table books and refresh seasonally for an easy update.
Do Drawers on a Coffee Table Face In or Out?
Face the sofa. It’s the most practical for accessing remotes, coasters, chargers, and everyday essentials.
What Colour Should a Coffee Table Be in 2025?
Earthy, nature-inspired tones are leading Australian living-room palettes—warm browns, muted greens, soft beiges and natural timber finishes. They pair beautifully with the textured neutrals popular across Aussie homes.
