Stylish Round Coffee Table Decor: Trends, Tips, and DIY Projects
Round coffee tables can be tricky to decorate. You want them to look good and be useful, but it’s not always easy to find the right balance.
I’ve got good news! With some smart tips and ideas, you can make your round coffee table both pretty and practical. In this post, I’ll show you how.
We’ll look at the latest trends in round coffee table decor, share some handy tips, and even explore some fun DIY projects.
By the end, you’ll have all the know-how to make your coffee table a standout piece in your living room.
Styling Tips for Round Coffee Tables to Consider
I’ve learned a lot about styling round coffee tables over the years. Here are 15 tips I always keep in mind:
1. Rule of Three
The Rule of Three is a simple trick that really works. It’s based on the idea that odd numbers of items look more appealing and natural to our eyes than even numbers.
Here’s how I use it:
I pick three items of different sizes—maybe a tall vase, a medium-sized book, and a small candle.
I arrange these three items in a triangle shape. The biggest item goes at the back, the medium one to one side, and the smallest in front.
I make sure the items have different heights. This creates a nice flow for the eye to follow.
I also think about the items’ purposes. I might choose one thing for beauty (like flowers), one for use (like a remote control holder), and one for personal touch (like a small keepsake).
Sometimes, I group small items together to count as one ‘thing’. For example, a small pile of coasters can be one of my three items.
I don’t always stick to exactly three items. Sometimes, I use five or seven. The key is to keep it an odd number.
This Rule of Three helps me avoid clutter while still making my coffee table look full and styled. It’s an easy way to make things look good without trying too hard.
2. Vary Heights
Step
Description
Examples
Benefits
1. Start with Tall
Anchor your display with a tall item.
Vase with flowers, tall candle
Draws the eye and adds height.
2. Add Medium
Fill the middle ground with medium-height pieces.
Stacked books, small plant, box
It creates depth and keeps the table from looking flat.
3. Finish with Short
Place small items to complete the arrangement.
Coasters, small bowls, figurines
Balances the display so no items get lost
Shape Pairing
Mix shapes—pair tall, skinny items with short, wide ones.
Tall vase + wide bowl
It keeps things visually interesting
Quick Tip
Use 3 items of different heights for a balanced look.
Play with placement
Transforms table into a mini skyline of style
3. Add a Tray
Why I Love Using Trays on Coffee Tables
Grouping Items: Trays keep items together, making them look purposeful and organized.
Easy Cleaning: I can lift the whole tray for quick dusting – no need to move each item.
Defining Spaces: On a large table, I use two trays to separate decor from essentials like remotes and coasters.
Adding Style: The tray itself can be a statement—wood for warmth, metallic for shine, or woven for a coastal vibe.
Creating Layers: Trays add height to decor, with short items inside and taller ones outside.
Containing Messes: Great for holding drinks or snacks, the tray catches any spills, making cleanup a breeze.
Showing Off Collections: A tray keeps small collections looking neat and not scattered.
Tray Tips: Choose a size that fits well and isn’t too big to reach across. Round trays work well on round tables, but mixing shapes can add visual interest!
4. Include Something Green
Adding something green is an easy way to make your coffee table feel alive and fresh. It’s like giving your room a little breath of fresh air every time you look at it!
5. Books as Decor
Let me tell you why I love using books to spruce up my coffee table:
Books are more than just good reads – they’re great for decorating too! Here’s how I use them on my coffee table:
Pick Pretty Covers: I choose books with eye-catching colors or designs. They’re like little works of art.
Stack Them Up: I usually stack 3-4 books. It’s enough to make a statement without taking up too much space.
Mix sizes: I like to put larger books at the bottom and smaller ones on top. It creates a nice, layered look.
Use Them as Risers: Sometimes, I put a small object (like a candle or figurine) on top of the stack. It gives that item a bit more height.
Show Off Your Interests: I pick books that reflect things I love – maybe travel, art, or cooking. It’s a great way to share a bit about myself with guests.
Change It Up: I switch out the books now and then. It’s an easy way to refresh the look of my table without buying new stuff.
Think About Color: I use book colors that go well with my room. Sometimes I match them, other times I use them to add a pop of color.
Open Them Up: Once in a while, I’ll open a book to a pretty page (like a nice photo in a travel book) and prop it up. It’s like instant art!
Use Them for Balance: If I have something tall on one side of the table, I’ll put a stack of books on the other side to even things out.
Don’t Forget Paperbacks: Hardcovers look great, but some paperbacks have really cool designs too. I mix them in for variety.
Using books this way is fun because it’s both pretty and personal. Plus, if you get bored waiting for someone, you’ve got something interesting to flip through right there!
6. Changing Coffee Table Decor by Season
Season
Key Elements
Spring
Fresh flowers (tulips, daffodils), pastel accents, a nest with decorative eggs, nature books.
Summer
Light items like a woven tray, bright colors, faux lemons/oranges, beach decor (shells, coral).
Fall
Warm tones (orange, red, brown), pinecones or acorns, scented candles (cinnamon), mini pumpkins.
Use neutral pieces that work year-round and add a few seasonal touches.
Nature-inspired items adapt well—just switch them up by season.
Think of the vibe each season brings and reflect it in your decor.
Changing your coffee table decor by season keeps your space feeling fresh and inviting all year!
Add on Tips for Styling Your Round Coffee Table
7. Candles for Coziness: A candle or two adds warmth and a nice scent.
8. Mix Textures: I combine smooth, rough, and soft items for a rich look.
9. Keep It Functional: I always leave some empty space for drinks or snacks.
10. Go for Contrast: Light items on a dark table (or vice versa) really stand out.
11. Add a Personal Touch: I like to include a small item that means something to me.
12. Consider Scale: I make sure items aren’t too big or small for the table.
13. Create a Focal Point: One eye-catching item can tie everything together.
These tips help me create a coffee table that looks good and works well for everyday life. Feel free to try them out and see what suits your style best!
Approximate Budget Required for Building Round Coffee Table
Here’s a basic budget breakdown for a round coffee table:
Item
Quantity
Cost Per Unit
Total Cost
Two-by-Six Boards
7
$4.00
$28.00
Plunge Router
1 (rent or buy)
$10.00 (rent)
$10.00
Hole Saw Cutter
1
$8.00
$8.00
Drill
1 (rent or own)
$0 (if owned)
$0.00
Pocket Hole Screws
1 Pack
$5.00
$5.00
Pin Nails
1 Pack
$4.00
$4.00
Wood Glue
1 Bottle
$3.00
$3.00
Sandpaper
1 Pack
$2.00
$2.00
Finish (Stain or Paint)
1 Can
$6.00
$6.00
Total Estimated Cost – $66.00
Note:
Costs may vary slightly based on local prices.
Some tools like a drill or router may be borrowed or rented to save on costs.
This budget provides a solid foundation for building a stylish, affordable round coffee table!
How to Make DIY Round Coffee Table
Materials Needed
7 two-by-six boards
Plunge router
Hole saw cutter
Drill
Wood glue
Pocket hole screws (2.5″)
Pin nails (1″)
Sandpaper
Step 1: Prepare the Boards
Rip Boards to Size: Cut the boards down to 5″ wide for the tabletop.
Create Pocket Holes: Drill 1.5″ pocket holes at designated spots on each board for tight joins.
Step 2: Assemble the Tabletop
Attach Boards: Use wood glue and 2.5″ pocket hole screws to join the boards together. Repeat to create two identical round tops.
Cut Circles: Mark the center, attach the plunge router, and cut a circle for each tabletop piece.
Step 3: Cut the Legs
Prepare Legs: Cut two-by-sixes down to two-by-twos for four table legs.
Attach Pocket Holes: Drill pocket holes on one end of each leg.
Step 4: Assemble the Table Base
Attach Legs to Top: Position the legs at the center of one tabletop circle, secure with wood glue and screws.
Attach Bottom Tabletop: Place the second tabletop piece over the legs, aligning it with the first circle, and attach with screws.
Step 5: Create and Attach Corbels
Cut Corbels: Using a hole saw cutter, cut 16 corbels from two-by-fours.
Attach Corbels: Glue and nail the corbels around each leg, connecting them to both the top and bottom tabletop pieces.
Step 6: Finish the Table
Sand and Smooth: Sand all surfaces until smooth.
Add Finishing Touches: Stain or paint as desired for a personalized look.
Different Round Coffee Table Styles In Budget for Your Home
Style
Description
Budget Range
Minimalist
Sleek and simple design, often with a smooth wood or metal finish.
$50 – $100
Farmhouse
Rustic wood finish, sometimes with distressed paint or whitewashed legs.
$70 – $120
Industrial
Combines metal and wood, featuring exposed hardware or a rugged look.
$80 – $150
Mid-Century Modern
Clean lines with tapered legs, often made from warm wood tones or wood-look materials.
$100 – $150
Bohemian
Features natural materials like rattan or bamboo, adding a relaxed, organic vibe.
$60 – $110
Modern Glass
Glass tabletop with metal or wooden legs, creating an airy and light feel in any room.
$90 – $130
Scandinavian
Simple, functional design with light wood and neutral colors, perfect for a minimalist aesthetic.
$80 – $120
Coastal
Often includes light, weathered wood and soft hues to evoke a beachy, relaxing atmosphere.
$75 – $125
Vintage
Inspired by antique designs, with ornate legs or unique detailing, often in darker wood tones.
$90 – $140
How to Maintain the Decor on a Round Coffee Table?
Keeping your round coffee table looking good is pretty easy. Here’s what I do to keep mine in top shape:
Regular Dusting: I dust my table and decor items at least once a week. A soft, dry cloth works great for this. For those hard-to-reach spots in decorative items, I use a small brush.
Protect the Surface: I always use coasters under drinks. It’s an easy way to avoid water rings and stains. For hot items, I use trivets to protect the table surface.
Clean Spills Quickly: If something spills, I wipe it up right away. This helps prevent stains and damage to both the table and decor items.
Rotate Items: Every now and then, I switch the positions of my decor items. This prevents uneven fading if the table is in a sunny spot.
Polish When Needed: For wooden tables, I use a suitable polish every few months to keep the surface looking good.
Handle with Care: When moving items on the table, I lift them instead of sliding. This prevents scratches on the table surface.
Check for Wobbles: I make sure none of my decor items are wobbly. If they are, I might add a small felt pad underneath to keep them steady.
Clean Glass Carefully: For glass items or tabletops, I use a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth to avoid streaks.
Mind the Weight: I’m careful not to put anything too heavy on the table, especially if it has a glass top.
Seasonal Deep Clean: Every season, I remove everything and give the table a good cleaning. It’s a great time to assess my decor and make changes.
Keep It Dry: I make sure to dry the table and decor items thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water damage.
Watch for Sun Damage: If my table is in direct sunlight, I might use a tablecloth or rotate the decor more often to prevent fading.
Remember, the key is regular, gentle care. A little bit of maintenance goes a long way in keeping your coffee table and its decor looking fresh and stylish!
Top products i would love to suggest
1. LITTLE TREE Round Coffee Table – Check out this beautiful Wood Grain and Black Round Coffee Table to style your living room.
2. Malcolm Round Nesting Coffee Tables – I really love this antique piece. If you really want to enhance your living room decor, then do add this!
3. Ansel Single Coffee Table – This one is my favorite! Try adding this to your space for an amazing look!
Conclusion
Who knew your round coffee table could be such a playground for creativity? From trays that corral chaos to books that tell your story, you’re now armed with the secrets of coffee table wizardry!
Here’s a fun fact to impress your guests: Did you know the coffee table book trend started in the 1960s with a book about… boxing? It was too big for bookshelves, so it landed on coffee tables, sparking a décor revolution!
As you begin on your coffee table styling adventure, remember: there are no strict rules, only opportunities to express yourself.
Mix heights like a city skyline, change with the seasons like a chameleon, and let your personality shine through.
So go ahead, give your round coffee table a makeover. Who knows? You might just create the next big trend in home décor.
Caleb Wells is an accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience transforming homes into functional and aesthetic havens. He earned his Master’s in Construction Management from Purdue University. His career trajectory includes notable stints at leading design firms and a successful freelance venture. Caleb joined our team, offering readers valuable insights into modernizing and enhancing living spaces. He is known for his practical yet innovative approach to renovation and design. Beyond work, Caleb is a woodworking enthusiast and enjoys restoring vintage furniture.
