Nate Berkus Shares His Simple Formula To Style A Coffee Table With Ease

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It's true that the kitchen is the heart of the home, but some might say the coffee table is the heart of the living room. Often one of the first things you notice when you walk in, it naturally becomes a main focal point of the space. While having a sofa and side tables that you love is incredibly important, making sure your coffee table fits the room and reflects your aesthetic is just as essential. And once you've found the perfect coffee table books for your home, the fun part is styling it. But with so many directions to go in, it can feel daunting to decide on the right coffee table decor aesthetic that will fit your style without making it look messy or cluttered. Luckily, HGTV star Nate Berkus has a foolproof formula for keeping his coffee table looking chic, personalized, and clutter-free.

In a recent Instagram post, the interior design expert shared his top tips for picking and styling a coffee table — including finding a table that is about 18 to 20 inches shorter than your sofa, and opting for a table with rounded edges, or swapping in an ottoman if you have kids. But the biggest takeaway from the post was his three-step styling rule. "I like to layer a few books with covers that inspire me [and] add something organic like a geode or crystal," he explained. And the finishing touch? "A handmade vase filled with greenery." 

No coffee table is complete without at least two decorative coffee table books. But with so many to choose from, how do you even begin to narrow it down? There are a few things to consider when shopping for the best coffee table books for your living room — and according to Berkus, it's important to pick ones that speak to you. "[Choose] coffee-table books about areas where you've been, things that have become important to you, things you might collect or dream of collecting," he's explained on Instagram. This way, you feel joy every time you walk into the room and see it. Plus, when guests ask about it, you can speak to its story, giving the piece a more meaningful and intentional touch.

When it comes to bringing an organic element, while Berkus mentioned his fondness for geodes and crystals, you could also consider a small ceramic dish or wood bowl, or even a decorative shell or coral piece for a more coastal look. A small sculptural object, like this Creative Co-op Modern Decorative Marble Link Knot, meanwhile, would also be a nice touch. For the final layer, Berkus finishes the look with a vase filled with greenery — an important step to add height and movement to the display. A simple ceramic or clay vessel would work best, letting the foliage take center stage. Whether you opt for fresh florals, dried branches, or seasonal blooms, it brings life to the entire arrangement.