In the age of Pinterest-perfect homes, styling a coffee table has become more about appearances than atmosphere. But what if your coffee table wasn’t just a surface to decorate—but a window into who you are?
What you place at the heart of your living room can do more than "look good." It can tell a story. Reflect your inner world. Invite conversation. Spark presence. And, most of all, it can be styled with intention—anchored in what feels beautiful and meaningful to you.
Whether you lean minimalist, bohemian, warm-modern, or eclectic, here’s how to turn your coffee table into a sensory, soulful centrepiece—without it ever feeling staged.
1. Start with Emotion, Not Aesthetic
Before you even think about what to place, ask:
“What do I want this space to feel like?”
Calm and grounding? Inviting and social? Inspired and creative?
This emotional anchor will guide your choices more authentically than copying a trend. For example:
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Grounding: Choose earth tones, handmade textures, candles with resin or wood notes.
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Creative: Include art books, colour pops, sculptural objects.
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Sensual: Layer soft throws, scent diffusers, curved forms.
Your coffee table becomes less about display and more about connection—to yourself and others.
2. Use the Senses as a Styling Guide
The most memorable spaces don’t just look good—they feel good. To create a coffee table that resonates deeply, engage all five senses:
👁️ Sight
Visually, the table should feel balanced but not rigid. Use the rule of threes, mixing objects of different heights and materials (e.g. a ceramic dish, a stack of books, a curved candle). Add something sculptural or unexpected to create curiosity.
👃 Scent
This is where emotional memory lives. One beautifully crafted candle can shift the entire mood of a room. Try Lunaire’s Candle Refills in a Forever Jar to layer fragrance with quiet luxury. Choose a scent that matches your emotional intent—lavender for calm, citrus for energy, fig or pear for softness.
🖐️ Touch
Add something tactile. A handwoven bowl. A stone tray. A linen-bound journal. Invite people to engage—not just observe.
👂 Sound
Consider the ambiance around the table. A nearby speaker with low-fi jazz or a curated “slow morning” playlist adds warmth to the environment, even if it’s just for you.
👅 Taste
A dish of dark chocolate, a beautiful tea set, or even your favourite coffee-table recipe book gives your display that final, grounded layer—hospitality in object form.
3. Anchor with a Tray, But Don’t Let It Limit You
A tray helps define space and creates a sense of order. But it shouldn’t feel like a cage. Choose a tray that suits your vibe:
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Marble or stone for timeless elegance
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Wicker or wood for warmth and earthiness
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Mirrored or lacquered for a touch of glam
Use it to corral candles, coasters, or small items—but let a few pieces spill outside the tray too. This softens the look and adds dimension.
4. Curate, Don’t Clutter
Your coffee table shouldn’t feel like a display cabinet. Be selective. Choose items that hold meaning or beauty—not just items that “fill space.”
Great staples include:
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A short stack of books that reflect your interests or aspirations
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A handcrafted candle (bonus if it’s refillable and engraved—hello Lunaire)
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A single art object or natural element: a fossil, ceramic piece, or dried floral
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A personal memento or photo, casually placed rather than overly framed
Remember: the goal isn’t perfection—it’s personality. If it makes you feel something, it belongs.
5. Reflect the Season, Not Just the Trend
Swap elements every few months to keep the energy of the space alive. This doesn’t mean a full overhaul—just subtle shifts.
Autumn: Amber-scented candles, burnt ochre books, textured fabrics
Summer: Citrus scents, shells, linen cloth, iced coffee coasters
Winter: Deep resinous candles, darker woods, soft lighting
Spring: Floral tones, blush ceramics, a freshtea bowl
Lunaire’s limited edition scent drops make seasonal styling simple and sophisticated—especially when paired with our refillable jars that stay forever, even when the season changes.
6. Let One Piece Speak for You
Every home should have objects that feel like extensions of your values. For many Lunaire customers, that’s their Forever Jar. Elegant. Reusable. Engraved. A daily ritual, not just a decorative object.
Whether it’s a candle, a book of poetry, or a handmade bowl from your travels—let one piece on your coffee table whisper, “This is who I am.”
7. Go Vertical with Purpose
If your table space is limited or minimalist, play with verticality. A single tall element (like a vase with dried grass or a sculptural taper candle holder) draws the eye and adds rhythm to your styling.
Pair it with low-profile objects—like a Lunaire candle and a grounding stone—for balance.
8. Create Space for Ritual
Not every surface needs to be filled. In fact, leaving space on your coffee table is an act of generosity—to yourself.
Maybe it’s where your journal sits in the morning. Or where you light a candle before bed. Or simply a surface to rest your tea without bumping into a design object.
Give yourself breathing room. That’s what good design feels like.
9. Trust Your Inner Curator
There’s no single formula for coffee table styling that works for everyone. That’s because it’s not a design problem—it’s a self-expression opportunity.
So start with what matters to you. The rest will follow.
When in doubt, ask:
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Does this feel like me?
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Does it invite presence?
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Does it make me want to stay longer?
If yes—then you’ve already styled it perfectly.
Final Touch: Make It a Ritual, Not a Rule
Your coffee table shouldn’t just sit pretty. It should serve you. Comfort you. Reflect you.
Light a candle in the morning. Rearrange your books each month. Tuck a handwritten note underneath your favourite bowl. Let the surface evolve as you do.
You’re not styling a table. You’re curating a moment.
🕯 Lunaire’s Quiet Role in Your Coffee Table Story
Our Forever Jars and candle refills weren’t designed for shelves. They were designed to be lived with. Lit. Refilled. Engraved with meaning. Part of your ritual—not just your decor.
When you style your home with intention, Lunaire fits right in. Silently, beautifully, for years to come.
Your Table, Your Story
There’s no trend stronger than authenticity.
So style your coffee table like you would style your favourite memory:
Layered. Evocative. A little messy. Entirely yours.
