How To Decorate A Round Coffee Table

From putting your feet up to being a solid place to set down some drinks or food, coffee tables are an absolute must in every living room. Coffee tables also make a style statement while also being functional. Whether you prefer a sleek glass table or a unique stone slab, coffee tables allow you to maximize the comfort and quality of a living room.

While rectangular shapes are more common, round coffee tables have a special aesthetic that makes them appear more refined and modern. Despite the fact that the table itself is a form of decor, decorating your coffee table displays a stronger sense of style and fashion. However, tips like having an obvious focal point and adding layers come in handy when finding your footing with a round coffee table (via Studio McGee). That being said, here is House Digest's guide on how to decorate a round coffee table so that you can wow your guests at your next gathering!

Use nature-oriented coffee table books to set the scene

Coffee table books can set the scene of a living room. According to Havenly, coffee table books make a statement and evoke a sense of elegance and sophistication. Coffee table books that highlight stunning landscapes and places also can immerse visitors in nature from the comfort of your home, creating a warm and inviting environment. They also provide another avenue of entertainment and can act as a great conversation starter.

While there are many different options to choose from, "Revealed at the Edge" book by professional photographer Allison Davis transports readers to the coast of California. This book is perfect for those who want to create a peaceful and serene atmosphere, and the enticing cover is sure to encourage guests to sit back, make themselves comfortable, and flip through the pages. If you're looking for something chicer, "Vogue on Location: People, Places, Portraits" has a contemporary and classic style.

Decorate with rotating florals in a large vase

There is perhaps nothing more classic than displaying a large, head-turning vase of flowers in the center of a coffee table. Whether you place the vase on top of a tray or you have it standing alone as the centerpiece, fresh florals never go out of style. That being said, the vase that you choose to put them in speaks volumes. While sitting down with The Spruce, floral-expert Jeremy Yamaguchi said, "Flowers and their vessels can be a way to express individuality and your own unique style, so choose placements and holders that speak to you."

From see-through glass vases to vintage pitchers that you have refurbished, there are several ways to get creative. This modern, recycled glass vase from West Elm is simple yet stunning, while this ribbed ceramic vase from Aflower makes it easier to hide unsightly stems so that you can focus on the colorful flower heads just above the rim of the vase.

Use a square tray to add some contrast with the round table

A square tray adds more depth and dimension to a round coffee table. In addition to being functional, trays can be decorated with various themes depending on who you are hosting or having over. If you invite guests over for an at-home wine tasting, a tray comes in handy when bringing drinks or snacks back and forth from the kitchen. However, if you prefer to use your tray as a consistent accessory, stack it with books or florals as a unique focal point.

According to Shabbyfufu, rectangular trays are the easiest to find, and they come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. That being said, sticking with neutral colors ensures that you'll be able to pair your tray with nearly any furniture or color scheme. Plus, if you decide to redecorate, a more simple and basic tray will be easier to transition into a new style. This rectangular tray from West Elm is available in three different colors of silver, white, and gold, allowing you to choose the best one for your space.

Arrange sculptures on your table for a modern look

Per Architectural Digest, artwork is the heart of a home. While nice furniture and quality design are important, paintings and sculptures add character and flair to a space. That's why adding some smaller sculptures to your round coffee table can take your decor to the next level. While a single sculpture alone might look a bit awkward, using one in tandem with flowers or books adds a sense of refinement and sophistication.

If you're not looking to spend a hefty amount of money on a priceless piece, there are plenty of simple yet modern sculptures that look professional. For something intricate yet warm, take a look at the Visage Sculpture from Anthropologie. This wooden arch sculpture from West Elm is more basic and minimalistic, making it a great option for those who already have some decor scattered across their round coffee table. Since one alone might look too bare, buy two or three and get creative while placing them.

Go for something chic with fashion-forward coffee table books

If you prefer to maintain a more modern and sleek setup in your living room, fashion-oriented coffee table books might be more your style. From Chanel to "Vogue," nearly every major fashion-related brand has created a chic coffee table book. However, if you don't care so much about the actual contents of your book, you can buy this Minimalistic Fashion Book Cover instead. From Prada to Tom Ford to Alexander McQueen, this book cover allows you to cover old, unused coffee table books with a stylish upgrade for half the price.

For those that want their guests to be able to flip through and appreciate dramatic fashion and cool photography, the "Madame Chic Leather Book" coffee table book makes a statement and encourages you to explore its contents. The hardcover is very durable and should hold up over the years. It also makes a great base book if you plan on stacking multiple books on top of one another.

Fill a bowl with ornaments or decorative greenery

Though some might consider this tactic a bit outdated or old-fashioned, there are several ways to add a contemporary twist while filling a decorative bowl. First things first: You need to pick the proper bowl. For those seeking a unique and artsy piece, the Onyx Raw Edge bowl from CB2 catches the eye and can even work as a stand-alone centerpiece. That being said, if you prefer something more basic, this brown marble bowl keeps things simple so you can fill it with something more decorative.

From ornaments to crystals, what you choose to fill your bowl with is entirely up to you. Before making your decision, take a close look at the rest of your living room and try to choose something that will complement the rest of the vibe. Since greenery matches most interiors, these moss sphere balls are an earthy yet elegant option.

Stack small novels or text books for a studious style

While it is common to have coffee table books in your living room, vintage novels or encyclopedias offer an academic and vintage spin on this decor method. This also provides the perfect opportunity to reuse old books from school or childhood. Garage and yard sales are other great places to find these books, but if you prefer a more cohesive and sleek compilation, Etsy has some solid options.

Instead of mixing and matching random novels, this bundle of neutral-colored books makes it easy to create a chic scene on your round coffee table. Place them on a tray next to a small vase of flowers or a sculpture for elegant arrangement. This bundle has a similar vibe but is available in sets of two to 10 books, making it easy to find the perfect number based on the size of your coffee table. You can also add a gray text to add cooler tones to your setup.

Arrange multiple small vases in the center of your table

Per The Spruce, decorating with flowers is an environmentally-friendly option that creates a vibrant and inviting space. However, if having one large arrangement in the center of your coffee table is too traditional for your style, try using a few smaller vases with delicate flowers in each one to create a more minimalistic and modern look. While fresh flowers are always appreciated, dried flowers can appear more contemporary. Plus, you don't have to worry about taking care of them!

When choosing vases, be selective about the color and size. If you're planning on having very thin and subtle flowers, these colorful bubble vases from Sage & Sill provide a beautiful pop of color. Prefer ceramic over glass? These black vases are sleek and timeless, and they are great for those who want something subtle and minimal. Fill them with fresh daisies or simple greenery for the best results.

Decorate with wicker baskets for a bohemian look

Wicker furniture has a beachy and laid-back style that makes it perfect for a bohemian-inspired home. According to Homes & Gardens, rattan is the material that is usually used when making wicker furniture. For the most part, wicker furniture comes in neutral and basic colors, making it easy to match with various colored accessories and accents. Since this style of furniture is typically used outside, adding wicker pieces throughout the interior of your home creates a sense of indoor and outdoor living.

This small, round trinket basket from The Little Market is a subtle centerpiece that can hold everything from keys and wallets to decorative ornaments. Though it is very simple, it blends nicely in a room with neutral tones and beachy elements. For something more statement-making, check out these large rattan trays and use them to serve drinks or food while hosting guests. Keep in mind that they are rectangular, meaning they will create a contrast with a round coffee table.

Use a round tray for a more cohesive style

A round tray on top of a round coffee table creates a cool and cohesive look that catches the eye and creates symmetry. According to Foter, quality round-trays are just as functional as they are fashionable. In addition to decorating them with candles, bowls, or books, coffee table trays also make it easier to transport items back and forth from the kitchen to the living room when hosting guests over snacks and drinks.

While round trays tend to be smaller than square trays, this one from West Elm has plenty of room for a few glasses or bowls. It is available in three different colors of white, gold, and silver, giving you options depending on the color scheme of your living room. If you like the idea of having more than one round tray on your round coffee table, you can also buy one or two and mix and match colors for a chic result.

Place large, round candles in the center of your coffee table

For a cleaner and more minimalistic look, place a few round candles in the center of your round coffee table. While you may think that the scent of your candle is the most important part, the style, shape, and label can also play a huge factor when setting the scene in your home. Per Homebnc, candles are a unique centerpiece that promotes a sense of peace and relaxation. However, tea lights and smaller candles can create a more spa-like scene, which is not what you'll want to have in the living room.

Large candles are much better for a coffee table, especially round ones. Etsy has several options available, many of which use soy wax for a more organic scent. This hand-poured candle is available in 20 different scents and is set in a very simple holder. If you prefer a glass holder, this Masala Rose candle is perfect.

Place green apples or lemons in a round bowl

Whether it be real or fake, fruit in a bowl is a classic addition to any elegant home. There is something very resort-like about this traditional decor, and it creates a very lively and vibrant feel in a room. According to Decor Tips, colorful fruit evokes a sense of joy and happiness in addition to bridging the gap between the kitchen and the living room. If you enjoy an open layout, having a bowl of fruit on your coffee table is a great way to connect rooms and create a more cohesive space.

If you want to create a more clean and modern look, use green apples as the centerpiece of your bowl. For a more summer-inspired style, lemons add a vibrant pop of yellow that is both eye-catching and comforting. When it comes to the bowl itself, stick with something more understated not to overshadow the fruit. The Mason Stoneware Fruit Bowl from Pottery Barn is a solid option that can fit in nearly any space.

Stretch a table runner across your round table for contrast

While table runners are typically used on dining tables, these long, rectangular accessories can add symmetry and depth to a round coffee table. From detailed designs to simple, solid colors, table runners come in several different designs, ensuring that you'll be able to find one that fits your style and needs. If you want something more bohemian, check out this tasseled table runner from CB2. The black and cream coloring is easy to pair with nearly any decor, and the tassels are a fun and lighthearted addition.

One of the only problems that you might run into when decorating your round coffee table with a table runner is that the table runner might be too long. That being said, take measurements into account before making a purchase. If you're looking for something very subtle and plain, this cotton table runner from Pottery Barn is a high-quality option that avoids being too busy or distracting.

Arrange several succulents in the center of your table

If you have a hard time caring for most plants, succulents are a great alternative. They are low maintenance, easy to care for, and very resilient. According to Town and Country Living, succulents come in various colors and shapes, making them incredibly versatile and unique. Whether you want to arrange several different kinds in separate pots in the center of your table or you prefer to mix and match varieties, the possibilities are endless!

While they are easy to take care of, succulents do need a decent amount of sunlight and water every once in a while (via A Cultivated Nest). That being said, if your living room has large windows, your succulents should do fine on the coffee table. There is also the option of buying a large, circular bowl and potting several different cacti and succulents together in one, large cohesive arrangement. If you want a pop of color, buy succulents that produce red or orange bulbs.