Confession: I spend a lot of time thinking about my coffee table layout—a lot, some might argue. I am constantly adding, subtracting and rearranging decorative elements to ensure their contents strike the perfect balance between functionality and entertaining guests when they are sitting on my sofa. From coffee table books and trays that collect everything to candles, coasters and the coffee table itself, I’ve done some pretty serious soul searching and ruthless reorganization to find Perfect formula for my coffee tables. Read on for the not-so-secret recipe. For more modern finds worthy of your coffee table, check out the Design Milk Shop.
design_milk We hacked the code on the perfect coffee table! Read all about it on Design Milk đź”— #OscarsAtHome #SeeHerGreatness #DeserveADrPepperDuet #homedecor ♬ House of the Rising Sun – sourwing_anti_cancer
Step 1. Coffee table
First things first, you can’t organize the perfect coffee table environment without a solid foundation. Of course, your coffee table needs will largely depend on the space you have to work with – but you’ll also need to consider things like storage capabilities and materials to make the most of the surface area you have.
Bend Goods Coffee Table
This Bend Goods coffee table saves in terms of surface area, which offers plenty of flexibility. Sustainably made from recyclable iron, the table’s curved wire design brings contemporary, tactile interest to your living room while not overwhelming the space thanks to its clear glass top and recessed base. It comes in a variety of finishes, but we’re big fans of the white powder-coated style (note: powder-coated styles can also be used outdoors!).
$1600
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Low Risom Table by Jens Risom for Design on Hand
Based on diagrams from Danish design legend Jens Risom, the Risom Low Table is efficient in storage thanks to its modern two-tiered design that leaves plenty of room for books, magazines, remote controls and other essential coffee tables. The modern minimalist table comes in oak or walnut finishes, adding a warm and timeless touch to your living space that will never get old.
$845.75 (Save 15%!)
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Buick Design Shunan Low Coffee Table
Do you have a small space? You’ll love the elegant design of the Shunan Low Coffee Table. Shunan steel cross legs and wood top provide a beautiful modern contrast. You can even choose between black and white steel or natural and black wood finishes to get a look completely your own. Our recommendations? Pair it with a side table a little taller than Puik to create a staggered coffee table that can be moved around the room if needed.
$ 200
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Step 2. Coffee Table Books
Coffee table books should be equal parts ambitious, friendly, and great looking. The best coffee table books are ones that guests can’t help but turn over, and those that can stand on their own as modern decor pieces. Here are some of our favourites.
Stahl’s House: Case Study House #22: The Making of a Modernist Icon
Biographies of famous architectural classics, Stahl’s house It documents the origins of the house narrated by the two eldest sons of the Stahl family who grew up there. Today, Stahl continues to share their home by offering tours to fans from all over the world and lending it to filmmakers. Even if your guests aren’t as obsessed with architecture as we are, they will undoubtedly recognize the books’ distinctive cover image and become immersed in its story.
$22.95
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Yayoi Kusama: Give me love
Catalog of the famous Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama blur room Gallery in David Zwirner, New York – give me Love It captures the astonishing evolution of the artists’ gallery space from a stark all-white interior to one filled with multicolored dots placed by viewers throughout the room from the ceilings, floors, and furniture. Fans of pop art, contemporary art, and conceptualism will love flipping through the pages of this bold and vibrant book.
55 dollars
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The third step
A home base for remote controls, coasters, candles, and other odds and ends, every coffee table needs an assembly tray for everything of some kind. It’s a foolproof way to try new textures and pops of color in a low-stakes yard—if you don’t like it on your coffee table, you can always try designing it on your desk, bedside table, or any other home surface with minimal fuss.
Casa Amarosa Sabai Grass Large Oval Decorative Basket
The newest drop from Casa Amarosa to the Design Milk Shop, their Sabai Grass Basket adds natural, earthy texture to your coffee table. Handcrafted in small batches by expert Indian artisans using locally sourced Sabai grass, Casa Amarosa’s elegant universal basket will carry its weight on your coffee table, giving it an eclectic yet neutral look that pairs beautifully with other decorative items while supporting the work of Indian artisans at the same time. Time – what don’t you like?
$64
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Little Cloud Tray by Craighill
I’m obsessed with the Craighill Cloud Tray. Cloud Tray, from its sculpted design and tactile cork material, is the perfect marriage of modern design aesthetics and craftsmanship, adding an elevated, playful look to my coffee table. Plus, the natural warmth of cork provides a satisfying visual contrast to the cool steel-gray tones of most remote controls.
$38
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Open space nesting trays
New in-store from Open Spaces, these nesting trays are the ultimate accessory for your multi-hulled decor. These steel and wood trays work beautifully together or individually as a coffee table, or in the kitchen, bathroom or bedroom for more flexible organization. We love that there are so many stylish color options to choose from, and the modern look they bring to your coffee tables.
$48
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Step 4. Candles
Whether for scent or for presentation, the candle is a non-negotiable coffee table accessory. They bring endless levels of comfort to any living space and will always catch the attention of curious house guests (or maybe just me). There are a lot of amazing candles out there but here are a few that I use.
Candle book coffee table from candles tale
I couldn’t resist naming Anecdote clever, so it was only a matter of time until the coffee table book candle in my living room fell. With a base note of vetiver topped with notes of orange flower, grapefruit, refined spice, and oak moss, Anecdote’s hand-poured candle smells as sweet as the glossy pages of your favorite coffee table books. We love reusing their glassware after the candle has burned out, too!
$24
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Extra attractive carved candle with extra and regular design
If you’ve ever thought about trying the curved design trend, this extra and regular candle is a great place to start. Part of the Gravity Series that celebrates the beauty of distortion, Chunky Gravity Sculptural Candle makes a sculptural statement on your coffee table, while its natural color blends seamlessly with existing decor.
$72.50
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Step 5. Flowers + greens
Plants and flowers can completely transform a room from our deep dive into vibrant design. So getting a small dose of plant energy is a great way to freshen up your coffee table and add some color to your nightstand in the process. Just make sure you have the correct ships!
Eros vase by Capra Designs
The perfect vase for displaying single flower stems, Eros Vase features a sculptural modern design made playful due to its bold, vibrant color choices. We love the simplicity of this handcrafted vase and the fact that it can exist on its own, sans flowers as an elegant accent to a coffee table.
$89
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Lisa planter / tealight holder by House Raccoon
Handcrafted in the Belgian workshop of House Raccoon, Lisa Planter is well suited for small plants and succulents, and even serves as a tea light holder for added flexibility. We love the whimsical touch that Lisa’s fun wavy design and cheerful pomegranate color bring to the coffee table, and the fact that House Raccoon plants a tree for every item sold!
$50
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Step 6. The coasters
Nobody wants to be the guy who politely asks guests to use a coaster. Our advice? Get the coasters too pretty to ignore. Not only is it a small but impactful way to add visual interest to your coffee table, it’s also 100% essential to extend the life of your table.
Terrazzo Neutrals Coaster by Pretti.Cool
Handcrafted using a mixture of concrete and recycled materials, these terrazzo coasters create a multicolored effect that has both modern and utilitarian appeal. The set includes a mix of soft neutral shades that are sure to compliment the other guys on your coffee table, and features cork bottoms to keep them from scratching your countertops. Pretti.Cool has other color options, and each mug set is custom made for a completely unique design!
$58
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Bierfilzl Round Felt Coasters in Palm Springs by Graf Lantz
A modern and elegant staple, you can’t go wrong with Graf Lantz coasters for your coffee table. Made in the USA with the brand’s signature Merino wool felt, these bright and colorful protectors can absorb up to 30% of their weight in water without getting wet! Its clean, simple design makes a seamless accent to the coffee table and the fun colors in the Palm Springs collection will have guests clamoring for their favorite shade.
$24
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Are you shopping for any of our coffee table must-haves?
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