Our Top Picks

How-to

Shaping Style: How to Decorate a Square Coffee Table

DISCLAIMER: The images in this post are for informational purposes to illustrate potential possibilities, recognizing that individual tastes vary. We aim to capture your wants and needs, expanding on each style where possible to offer a range of available options from reputable designers and affiliated brands. This selection process considers a variety of factors to ensure we cater to the diverse preferences of our readers.

So, you’ve finally managed to get your hands on that exquisite new coffee table that you’ve been eyeing for ages. But now what? Decorating a square coffee table can be a bit tricky, especially when you want it to be both functional and visually appealing. But don’t worry; we’re here to answer the ever-pressing question of how to decorate a square coffee table. In this article, we’ll share some ideas to help you dress up your coffee table and make it the centerpiece of your living room. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have an abundance of inspiration to get creative with your decorating. Thanks to these tips and tricks, your square coffee table will be the talk of the town. So, get ready to unleash your inner designer.

Square coffee table

Photo by ArtesiaID from Freepik

How to Decorate a Square Coffee Table: Styling for Different Occasions

A square coffee table offers a blank canvas for styling. For everyday use, a simple decorative tray to corral remotes and coasters will do. But when company’s coming, it’s time to up your decorating game.

Styling for a Casual Get-Together

For a casual get-together with friends, create inviting vignettes. Cluster decorative boxes or baskets and fill them with faux greenery, candles, or accessories like decorative balls or stones. Stack a couple of coffee table books with colorful spines for height. Add a woven placemat or tray and top it off with a bowl of snacks, a carafe of water with glasses, or a bottle of wine and opener.

Styling for a Special Occasion

For a special occasion like a birthday or holiday, get festive with themed decor. A runner, placemats, or tablecloth in a seasonal color or pattern will anchor your look. For visual interest, group items in odd numbers, like three candlesticks, five decorative ornaments, or seven small potted plants. For a glamorous touch, include something reflective, like mercury glass vases, mirrored trays, or glittered objects. Don’t forget snacks, sweets, or a cheese board to complete the festive feel!

With simple styling tricks, you can make your table the centerpiece of any get-together. Play around with colors, textures, heights, and groupings to create a look you love and suits any occasion. Your guests are sure to notice and appreciate your efforts.

Styling Your Square Coffee Table for Different Occasions

Photo by MUS_GRAPHIC_ from Freepik

How to Decorate a Square Coffee Table: Ideas for Small Spaces

When decorating a small space with a square coffee table, you have several stylish options. Here are some ideas to get you started:

A tray is a simple way to group smaller items like remotes, magazines, and coasters so they don’t clutter the tabletop. Look for a tray slightly larger than your table and with a raised edge so items don’t slide off. Metal or wood trays with decorative accents work well for most styles. Group accessories together on one side of the table to keep the look clean yet cozy. A pair of table lamps, a bud vase with fresh flowers, a stack of decor books, and a candle or two make for an inviting display. Leave the other half of the table bare.

Discover More: Small Space Solutions: 20 Clever Small Coffee Table Ideas

Use Decorative Baskets or Bins

Baskets and bins are ideal for hiding clutter while adding texture. Place a large basket under the coffee table to store extra blankets, pillows, or kids’ toys. Or, set a couple of shallow bins or baskets on top of the table for smaller items like pens, pads of paper, etc. For a pop of color, choose baskets in a contrasting hue.

Mirrors make small spaces seem more open and bright. Lean a large mirror against a wall behind the coffee table or cluster a few smaller mirrors together. The reflection will make the area appear more spacious. Don’t be afraid to have bare wood or other materials showing through. An uncluttered coffee table feels clean and stylish. If desired, you can add warmth with a table runner or placemats in complementary colors.

Square Coffee Table Ideas for Small Spaces

Photo by ArtesiaID from Freepik

How to Decorate a Square Coffee Table: DIY Decor Ideas

Transform your living space into a personal oasis with these fantastic DIY decorating ideas. Get inspired and let your creativity flow.

Trayscape

A tray is a superficial way to group smaller items on your table and create an organized setup. Place a large wooden tray on your table and fill it with decorative accents like:

  • Candles of varying heights
  • Natural accents like seashells, stones, or greenery
  • A stack of decorative coffee table books
  • A small plant or succulent

Arrange the items in a satisfying composition on the tray; this helps keep everything in one contained space while adding visual intrigue.

DIY Storage Ottoman

If your table lacks storage, make your own ottoman to stow away clutter. Buy a wooden crate, storage bin, or sturdy cardboard box that will fit under the table. Paint or decoupage the box and add casters to the bottom to roll it in and out easily. Keep extra throws, magazines, board games, or charging cords inside for convenience.

Gallery Wall

Create a gallery wall behind your table for an eye-catching focal point. Attach wooden boards together in a square to form a frame. Staple or nail the frame to the wall, and start adding decorative pieces inside like:

  • Framed family photos
  • Art prints
  • Postcards from your travels
  • Ticket stubs from memorable events

Arrange the pieces in a collage-style layout within the wooden frame. This is an easy, budget-friendly project that adds warmth and character.

Seasonal Touches

Square coffee tables also provide the perfect platform for seasonal decor. In the fall, heap the table with colorful leaves, miniature pumpkins, and a hurricane lamp. For the holidays, pile on pine cones, berries, candles, and a small wreath. Come spring, fill a vase or pitcher with fresh flowers and greenery for a simple, natural look. Changing up the styling with the seasons keeps things fresh and fun.

Gain Insight: Craft a Custom Piece With Our 19 DIY Coffee Table Design Ideas

Coastal living room with DIY decor

Photo by Biancoblue from Freepik

10 Quick and Creative Ways to Refresh Your Square Coffee Table

You have enriched the style of your living room with your chic, square coffee table. But why settle for a mediocre setup when you can form a stylish haven with this exquisite centerpiece? To make it truly individual, consider these 10 quick and creative ways to refresh your table and impress your guests.

Books

A stack of art books, travel books, or cookbooks creates a trendy display. Choose books in a color theme or subject that you love, and stack them at an angle for extra visual appeal.

Candles

Group a collection of candles in different sizes, shapes, and colors. Light them for ambiance or just use them for decor. For safety, choose candles in sturdy holders.

Magazines

Create collages or tear sheets from your favorite magazines or catalogs and frame them. Or, stack current issues of lifestyle magazines. Rolling up magazines and tying them with string is an easy DIY project that adds texture.

Plants

Small potted plants, succulents, or orchids do well on coffee tables. Greenery freshens up a space and adds life. Choose plants that can tolerate medium light and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Trays

Use decorative trays to corral smaller items like coasters, remotes, or keys. Trays also make it easy to rearrange and refresh your table. Look for trays in natural wood, metal, or lacquer.

Bowls

Colorful glass, ceramic, or wooden bowls filled with decorative orbs, river stones, pine cones, or seashells make a simple nature-inspired centerpiece.

Lanterns

For a glow, set a few lanterns or hurricanes on your table with light candles inside. The flickering light will create ambiance and highlight the texture of the glass.

Baskets

Weave baskets in different sizes to use for storage or display. Fill them with colorful blankets, books, or other decorative items. The natural texture of baskets adds warmth to a space.

Sculptures

For an artful touch, display small sculptures, busts, or objets d’art. Look for pieces with simple, curved lines that lead the eye around the table.

Fresh Flowers

A trio of bud vases or a single statement vase filled with fresh flowers is always a welcome sight. Choose blooms in season for the freshest, most budget-friendly option.

Read More: 29 Coffee Table Decor Tips: Subtle Touches for Maximum Impact

Living room with wooden table and decor

Photo by user27955914 from Freepik

Final Thoughts

If you have a square coffee table and want to make it a focal point of your living room, it can become a renowned accent piece with the right styling. Start with a statement piece like a bold patterned tray, metallic decor, or lush greenery. Cluster a few decorative items of varying heights but keep things balanced, not too symmetrical. You can add a stack of art books, candles, and maybe a subtle plant to create a flawless canvas to express your style. Play around with different arrangements until you find one that feels just right. With creativity, you’ll have a living room centerpiece that you love.

Keep Us At Your Fingertips

Want to keep this guide handy? Enter your email and we’ll send it directly to your inbox. Perfect for those moments when you need a burst of inspiration or a quick reference!