My formula is to usually have two or three items or groupings on the coffee table. No more than that or it will be too crowded and there will be no space for people to place a drink, or anything else, on the table. I like using candles, not only for the scent, but for the height. It helps to create varied layers with the different items on your table. The fruit in the wooden bowl can be refreshed when needed or something else can be put in the bowl that will not go bad, like ceramic, decorative balls. And the basket is what I like to use to hide all the remotes that people often have on their coffee tables. This could also be a decorative box.

In this scenario, I have a tray, which I like to use to corral a group of items on the table. Here I have a tea pot and tea cups on the tray, but it could be all kinds of things like a small plant, some books and some coasters. To balance it out and be symmetrical, I have a great, black and white striped bowl on the other side.

For my third styling option, I started with a couple of books. I like to use books to create layers and add height to some of your items. You can see how I have placed the vase with flowers on top of the books. I’ve used simple white linen books, but there are so many great coffee table books available, and it can be a great way to add color. Then next to that I’ve added something fun with the chess board. Any kind of game or puzzle can work here. Notice that I also created some texture with the vase that is holding the flowers. I love how the high - low effect of the flowers and the chess board is speaking to the shape of the Noguchi coffee table.

Here is an example of a trunk coffee table that I had custom made for a client and styled very simply with some colorful books and a great textured bowl.

So, there you have three ways to style a coffee table. Experiment with these ideas, mix them up, and have fun!