Your coffee table might seem like a small detail—but it’s prime real estate in your living room. From cluttered surfaces to mismatched styles, these all-too-common mistakes can unintentionally date your entire space. Let's refresh your design with simple, thoughtful changes.
1. Going Oversized
An overly large coffee table can dominate your living area, disrupt traffic flow, and overwhelm your seating arrangement. It’s best to choose a table proportional to your sofa and seating layout—letting the room breathe and feel inviting again.
2. Overcrowding with Decor
Packing your table with candles, trinkets, and picture frames may feel charming—but it often reads as cluttered. Instead, select just a few meaningful pieces to let each element shine.
3. Staying at One Height
Decor that’s all the same height creates a flat, uninteresting look. Mix up the visuals with items like a tall vase, low stack of books, and a shorter decorative accent for depth and dynamism.
4. Using a Dated Style Table
Some coffee table styles—like overly ornate bases or bulky dark wood—can anchor your room in the past. Swap them for sleek, timeless designs with clean lines for an instant modern lift.
5. Sacrificing Function for Looks
A beautiful table that doesn’t work for your lifestyle is a missed opportunity. Consider options with hidden storage—drawers, shelves, or lift-top designs—that stay stylish and practical.
6. Skipping the Tray Trick
Loose remotes, coasters, and candles can scatter easily. A simple decorative tray organizes these items, enhances the aesthetic, and makes clearing the table effortless.
7. Mismatched Shape or Scale
Choosing the wrong height or shape for your seating area disrupts balance. Ideally, your coffee table should be about the same height as your sofa cushions—and its shape should complement your seating layout. Rectangles offer structure, while round or oval forms soften edges and improve flow.
8. Leaving It the Same Year-Round
A static coffee table can feel stale. Refresh the look seasonally—a floral piece in spring, a cozy candle in winter—to keep your space lively and inviting.
9. Clashing Colors
Your coffee table decor should harmonize with the room’s palette. Clashing hues can disrupt cohesion—while accents in complementary tones elevate the overall aesthetic.
10. Skipping Personal Touches
Too-polished or generic styling doesn’t feel like you. A coffee table should reflect the people who live there. Incorporate a favorite book, meaningful souvenir, or unique object to give your space warmth and authenticity.
At Imaginations Design Studio / Cheri Brichetto Designs, we believe a thoughtfully curated coffee table isn’t just a design choice—it’s a way to live beautifully. Want help styling yours? We’d love to bring your vision to life!
