A Designer-Led Guide to Creating a Beautiful, Balanced Living Space with Olivia’s

A coffee table is far more than a practical surface. It’s the visual anchor of your living room. Whether your style leans contemporary, organic modern, minimalist or luxe, a beautifully styled coffee table can instantly elevate your entire space.

At Olivia’s, we believe styling should feel effortless, curated and personal. The secret is following a simple formula that creates balance, texture and visual interest without making your space feel cluttered.

Here’s our expert-approved 5-step formula for styling a coffee table like an interior designer.

Step 1: Start with the Right Coffee Table

Before styling begins, your coffee table sets the tone for the entire room. Shape, material and finish all influence the atmosphere of your space, so choosing the right foundation is key.

For a soft, organic aesthetic, the O&Co Lourdes Coffee Table in Calico introduces warm neutral tones and curved detailing that work beautifully in contemporary interiors.

If you prefer a statement look with architectural appeal, the Ashta Coffee Table offers bold structure and a sophisticated modern feel.

Organic silhouettes continue to dominate interior trends, making the Richmond Interiors La Cantera Organic Coffee Table perfect for creating a softer, more relaxed living space.

For darker interiors or monochromatic schemes, the O&Co Calla Coffee Table in Black delivers a sleek, elevated finish that instantly grounds a room.

Styling Tip:

Interior designers often recommend choosing a coffee table that contrasts subtly with your sofa. This creates depth and ensures your living room feels layered rather than flat.

Step 2: Create Structure with a Tray or Decorative Bowl

Every beautifully styled coffee table needs an anchor piece. Decorative trays and bowls help organise objects while creating intentional styling zones.

A tray instantly makes styling feel curated rather than cluttered. The Uttermost Wessex White Shagreen Tray adds texture and sophistication while acting as the perfect base for candles, books or smaller decorative pieces.

For a softer, organic aesthetic, the Zade Bowl Cream introduces warmth and sculptural simplicity.

If your home embraces darker accents or industrial touches, the Lunessa Bowl Black Iron adds contrast and depth effortlessly.

For a more luxurious layered look, the Uttermost Black Label Montana Tray creates a striking foundation with contemporary elegance.

Why This Matters:

Grouping smaller objects within a tray prevents visual clutter and creates a cohesive focal point. This is one of the most commonly used techniques in luxury interior styling.

Step 3: Add Height with Candle Holders and Lanterns

One of the biggest mistakes in coffee table styling is keeping everything at the same height. Adding vertical elements creates movement and draws the eye naturally around the space.

Candlesticks, lanterns and hurricanes are ideal for introducing height while also bringing warmth and ambience into your living room.

For a soft neutral aesthetic, the Alzira Set of 2 Candlesticks Cream offer understated elegance with a modern organic feel.

If you love timeless metallic finishes, the Gallery Interiors Linton Hurricane Antique Brass Finish introduces warmth and sophistication to contemporary interiors.

For moodier, atmospheric styling, the Daisey Hurricane Lantern Large Smoke creates a beautiful smoky glow that feels effortlessly luxurious.

Natural textures are also essential in modern interiors, making the Libra Interiors Amalfi Wooden Pillar Candle Holder 23cm a perfect addition for relaxed, earthy spaces.

Designer Styling Rule:

Use varying heights throughout your coffee table styling to create visual rhythm. Pair taller candle holders with lower bowls or stacked books for balance.

Step 4: Layer with Coffee Table Books

No coffee table styling is complete without coffee table books. They instantly make a space feel thoughtful, lived-in and design-led.

Coffee table books also help create height variation and layering opportunities. Stack two or three books together to elevate candles, sculptures or decorative objects.

When choosing books, focus on topics that reflect your personality and interior style. Fashion, travel, architecture, art and interiors books work particularly well in living spaces.

Neutral-toned books create a calm, cohesive look, while bold covers can introduce accent colours into your styling scheme.

Pro Styling Tip:

Interior designers often stack books in odd numbers, as asymmetrical arrangements feel more natural and visually appealing.

Step 5: Finish with Sculptural Decorative Objects

The final layer is where your coffee table styling truly comes to life. Decorative objects and sculptures add personality, texture and artistic detail.

For a refined organic look, the Liang & Eimil Amulet II Ornament Sandstone introduces sculptural elegance and earthy texture.

Functional decor can also become a design statement. The Richmond Interiors Gigi Hourglass Small adds both movement and sophistication to your styling arrangement.

For coastal-inspired or organic modern interiors, the Uttermost Hard Coral Sculptures Set of 2 create beautiful texture and visual interest.

If you prefer a glamorous, light-reflecting finish, the Uttermost Ellianna Crystal Spheres Set of 2 bring a polished, luxurious touch to contemporary living rooms.

The Key to Styling Decorative Objects:

Avoid overcrowding your coffee table. Negative space is just as important as the objects themselves. A few carefully chosen pieces will always feel more elevated than too many accessories.

The Perfect Coffee Table Styling Formula

To recap, the easiest way to style a coffee table beautifully is to follow this simple formula:

1. Start with a statement coffee table
2. Add structure with a tray or bowl
3. Introduce height using candle holders or lanterns
4. Layer with coffee table books
5. Finish with sculptural decorative objects

This approach creates balance, texture and dimension while ensuring your living room feels curated and effortlessly stylish.

At Olivia’s, our collection of luxury coffee tables, decorative accessories and home styling pieces are designed to help you create a home that feels timeless, elegant and personal.

Whether you’re refreshing your living room for the season or redesigning your entire space, these styling techniques will help you achieve a designer-finished look with ease.