Leaving a coffee table bare is a missed decorating opportunity.

Howmuchshould you put on it?

And what’s the sweet spot between curated and cluttered?

Layered Coffee Table

Hulya Kolabas/Malka Helft

Its always helpful to see how designers and decorators zhuzh up coffee tables in their spaces.

Make a small plant the star of your coffee table.

This pared down approach is easy to maintain and it can breathe more life into your space.

Colorful Coffee Table Styling

Lauren Sakalarios

Jesse Vickers ofJLV Creativegave a coffee table this simple yet glamorous treatment inthis sitting room.

A tall arrangement works in this setting because its not obstructing any people or views.

This is a good solution for those of us with overflow from stuffed bookshelves.

Minimalist living room with coffee table decor and small plant

Photography by Marta Xochilt Perez (@martaxperez).

Use a Pretty Tray

Are you working with an ottoman that essentially doubles as your coffee table?

That doesnt mean you cant decorate it!

Its also incredibly inviting.

Boxes on Coffee Table

Martina Servos/Lemon Grass Design

Set Up Two Clusters of Accessories.

This will free up space for drinks, snacks, cell phones, etc.

(The books on either side have similar dimensions to the tray in the middle.)

Valentines Coffee Table Decor

Brianna Cacciatore

This collected look will give your space of character and a personal touch.

Bonus: The vases are super easy to swap out when you want a quick refresh.

Bonus: Scented candles can also function as room deodorizers.

Color Scheme Coffee Table

your_home_your_love

(Or, you might pick up some battery-operated alternatives for a long-lasting and mess-free option.)

Its also just plain fun.

Stick to a Corner

Things dont always need to be in the middle of your coffee table!

Floral living room with flower bouquet centerpiece on coffee table

Photography by AIR Design. Design by Jesse Vickers of JLV Creative.

Office reading room with coffee table and branches

Photography/Design by Julia Marcum of Chris Loves Julia.

Studio living space with coffee table and books

Photography/Design by Brittni Mehlhoff of Paper & Stitch.

Orlando Soria lodge coffee table

Photography by Sara Ligorria-Tramp. Design by Orlando Soria.

Cottage living room with board game on coffee table

Photography by Read McKendree. Design by Katie Rosenfeld of Katie Rosenfield & Co.

Jenny Komenda Studio Living Room with Coffee Table

Photography/Design by Jenny Komenda of Juniper Print Shop.

Liz Bachman Grey & Scout Living Room Coffee Table

Photography by Liz Bachman of Grey & Scout.

Living Room with coffee table and vases

Photography by Belén Imaz. Design by Mikel Irastoza.

Living Room and Coffee Table with Candles

Photography by Meghan Caudill. Design by Kara Haren of Along Came Lennox.

Living room and coffee table with glass orbs

Photography/Design by Diane Rath of The Rath Project.

Dabito Living Room with Coffee Table

Photography/Design by Dabito of Old Brand New.

Colorful living room with coffee table

Photography/Design by Natalie Papier of Home Ec.