How do you style your coffee table to get a curated look without feeling cluttered? This is a common question we get from our clients and we love wrapping up our design services with styling to show them exactly how to achieve this look. We want our coffee tables to look put together but they also need to be functional.

Contrast

Start by picking items for your coffee table styling that contrast with the material of the coffee table itself. For example, if you have a white marble coffee table, try using items with a woven texture or a big contrast like black.

High & Low

You want your eye to move around the space and not to stay either high or low, so alternating between objects of varying heights is important. Do keep in mind the line of sight and don’t use anything too hight where you may block someone from watching tv.

Use a Tray

Use a tray to corral all the coffee table items! This instantly makes the coffee table feel more put together and less cluttered and as a bonus helps keep things like your tv remotes all together.

Balance

Make sure that you look at your coffee table from all angles and that it is balanced from each perspective. Add symmetry to make sure that one side of the coffee table does not appear to heavy or over styled compared to the other side.

Unexpected Objects

Add some unexpected objects to your coffee table and you will have instant conversation starters. Use items from your travels.

Read More: Round Coffee Table Decor Ideas – How-To Guide

Shelf styling has always been one of our favorite areas to style, but for many of our clients, the thought can be daunting.  Many of us have open shelving in our homes, and not only is it current on-trend but they are also timeless.  Whether it be a kid’s space, open concept kitchen, or shelves flanking a fireplace; open shelving can set the tone of a room and are the perfect spot to display all of your treasured items in a way that looks beautiful while maintaining functionality.

Wherever your shelves may be and whatever your style preference is, it comes down to what you put on them and how you place it.  After all, your shelves are open for a reason and that is for everyone to see!  Here are some tips to style your shelves:

• Determine your style:  The first step is figuring out your style preference and what will go best in your home and chose your pallet from there.
• Shop: Whether you start with your home stash or head straight for the stores make sure your collection consists of pieces that vary in height, weight and size.
• Start with larger pieces first:  A big mistake people make is using décor that is not proportional to their shelves.  I like to use larger items that are at least half the size of the shelf and then work in smaller pieces to fill in the gaps.  Just make sure not to overextend the shelf.

• Layer, layer, layer!  Items such as books, boxes, trays, and decorative objects are all great layering pieces to start with.
• Work with height:  This can be done through taller vases, frames, large baskets, and stems.  It’s important to fill in some of the height on your shelves while still leaving some blanks.
• Stagger you height:  When working with different décor pieces, make sure to place items next to each other that have a minimum three-inch separation in height and avoid duplicating the same pieces on shelves next to each other.

• Use art:  I love using abstract prints in a frame.  It’s a great way to add color and show your style.  They are also very easy to swap out for something different at a later date.
• Think green!  I love the way green can elevate the look of shelves.  Adding faux succulent or stems to a vase is not only a good way to add color but also a way you can add height.
• Don’t over clutter:   Shelves can get busy very quickly so avoid using a ton of small objects and focus more on larger items with a few smaller pieces scatters throughout.
• Lastly, step back and observe:  This is an important part!  Look for holes, unbalanced areas and tweak as needed.

Guest post by DC Staging Quarters

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