Have you ever lusted over those beautifully styled coffee tables you see in glossy mags and wondered why your own table looks more like a hot mess rather than damn hot? Yes? Well, let’s change that - pronto! We’ve got some quick and easy tips for styling your coffee table that you can try right now. #dotrythisathome

1) CHOOSE YOUR HEIGHT

When you’re choosing pieces to style your table with, first think about the height. We usually go for one of two height options:

1) Choose objects that are different heights from each other to create some variation. For example, you might place something tall (like a plant) next to a mid-height item (like a large candle) and a low-lying piece (like a bowl or book).

2) Or you can style using objects of different shapes and textures that are the same height.

We’ve done both and both can look good.

2) MAKE A STATEMENT WITH Shape

Again, when it comes to shape, you have two options:

1) You can style using pieces that are the same shape to make a statement. For example, a decorative bowl next to a round candle on a round tray.

2) Or you can use objects with different shapes – say a mix of rectangular and round items – to create balance on the table.

We love both looks, so it comes down to personal preference.

3) Use 2 or 3 pieces

It will depend on the size of your coffee table but as a rule of thumb 2 or 3 pieces works well most of the time. As your styling confidence grows, you can add more, but this is a good starting place. A stack of books counts as one piece and a bowl filled with beads one piece. A few small items clustered together on a tray can also be one piece…. you get the picture.

We’ve seen coffee tables absolutely packed with styling items but we prefer leaving some breathing space on the table so it doesn’t feel too busy. And, of course, you also want the table to be practical, so there should be enough room to put a glass down or accommodate family activities.

4) Tie in with the rest of the room

We always recommend styling your coffee table last, after everything else in the room is in place. This way you can make sure that the colour tones, textures and materials used on the items on the table work with the rest of the room. This isn’t the time to get bored with your vision board and try something new! Stick with the theme and colour palette of your room and use objects that make sense in that space.

We’ll often also add a touch of timber for warmth or brass for a bit of bling depending on what we feel it needs.

5) IT’S ACTION TIME

Now it’s time to bring your pieces together. Once you’ve got your selection of items, pop them one by one in the centre of the table. The key when styling these pieces is to cluster a few objects together around the centre of the table. You don’t want everything sitting in a straight line. If you’re using more than one stack of books you might create a square or rectangle with your pieces to balance the shape of the books.

This part takes lots of trial and error when you’re starting out so don’t get too worried if it doesn’t look magazine-worthy on your first attempt. Successful coffee table styling comes down to grouping things that look good together and the more you practice, the better you’ll get! The beauty of styling is that you can change it up as often as you wish.

Once you’re happy with your layout, stand back, admire and send a pic to a friend for their feedback.