33 Simply Chic Coffee Table Decor Ideas​ for 2025

So you’re decorating your living room and you need coffee table decor ideas to add some pizzazz to your space. We’ve been there. This is a low-stakes decision, but it’s one that will change the entire look of your living room! What you put on that table becomes a focal point, whether you like it or not. Are you going to change it up seasonally? Switch it up when you’re bored? Or are you putting something there for the long haul?

This doesn’t need to be a stressful decision. Experimenting with statement pieces can be a lot of fun! We’re here with a few coffee table decor ideas that can help inspire you. Read on to learn more. 

Jump to Section 

• Simple Coffee Table Decor Ideas
• Wood & Glass Coffee Table Decorating Ideas
• Small Coffee Table Decor Ideas
• Coffee Table Decor Ideas With A Tray
• Rectangle & Round Coffee Table Decor Ideas

Simple Coffee Table Decor Ideas

So, what decor goes on a coffee table? A coffee table is a great place to add some personality to your living room, and the decor you choose can really pull the space together. Some popular options include decorative objects like vases, sculptures or figurines, as well as items that add texture and interest like books, candles or plants. You can also use your coffee table to display personal objects like vintage collectibles or sentimental trinkets.

When choosing decor for your coffee table, consider the style and tone of your room. You might opt for a few statement pieces that draw the eye, or create a cohesive look with a themed collection. Trays, bowls and other containers can also be useful for corralling small items and adding visual interest. Remember, you want your coffee table to be stylish, but still functional for placing drinks, snacks and other living room must-haves.

1. Vase with Fresh Flowers

This is perhaps one of the simplest and most classic living room decor ideas. If you’re not sure what to put on your coffee table, simply grab a vase and some flowers from outside (not from your neighbors, please) and bring some freshness to your space. Thrifted or upcycled vases are great for this because you can find something totally unique. 

2. Stack of Books

Do you want to show off your literary side? A stack of books makes a great coffee table decor idea, and it’s also completely functional. Pick books with interesting covers that are fun to flip through. Stack the books strategically for the greatest aesthetic appeal. It gives an effortless and smart look to your living room. 

3. Candles

If you’re always receiving scented candles as home decor gifts (let’s face it, they make an easy gift), you probably have more than your fair share of them hiding in a cabinet somewhere. Bring one out at a time and place it in the middle of your table. Align the colors of your other living room accessories with the candle or candle holder for a cohesive space (that also smells great). 

4. Small Potted Plants

While cut flowers are classic coffee table decor ideas, living plants can also make great decorations. Small potted plants, as long as they can get enough light, will feel perfectly at home in your living room. For some extra personalization, consider painting your own plant pot. 

5. Bowl of River Rocks

This is a classic, simple and tactile coffee table decor idea. If you’re unsure what to put in the middle of your coffee table, get a shallow ceramic or glass bowl and fill it with smooth rocks. You can keep it neutral or find some colorful options at craft stores. If you’re outdoorsy, you can also use this to display cool rocks you’ve found while exploring. 

6. Simple Sculpture

Simple sculptures are excellent for coffee tables. This is another example in which a visit to the thrift store may be in order. You can find many quirky and unique sculptures that would make excellent statement pieces for your living room. 

7. Single Statement Vase

Speaking of statement pieces, a statement vase is a great coffee table decor idea. Whether you make it yourself (which is the coolest option, why not head to a pottery class?), receive it as a gift or buy it, it will make a great addition to your room. Decorate your room around it so everything looks cohesive and chic. 

Wood & Glass Coffee Table Decorating Ideas

Wood and glass coffee tables offer unique decorating opportunities. A wooden coffee table can bring warmth and coziness to a room, while a glass coffee table can add a touch of elegance and sophistication. But if you’re wondering “What should I put in the middle of my coffee table?”, you may feel that the table alone isn’t enough. We’ve got some ideas for you!

When it comes to wood, you can either go high-contrast with manmade materials (like glass, plastic or metal) or use natural materials (like flowers or more wood) for a softer look. For glass, we recommend something that will stand out against the transparent background to add some vibrancy to the room. Here are some ideas.

8. Mini Terrariums

Mini terrariums make great wood or glass coffee table decor ideas. You can buy them or make them yourself with either real or fake plants. You can put the terrariums in small glass jars or vases. They bring a rustic and natural look to your space. You can also add in little accessories like marbles or small figurines for whimsy. 

9. Vase of Colorful Glass Stones

This is a great glass coffee table decor idea. Get a glass vase with a wide mouth. These are easy to thrift. Into the vase, add some colorful glass stones (or sea glass, if you have access). While this is a lot of glass, it’s a very clean and minimalist look and it’s great for beachy-themed homes.

10. Succulent Garden

A succulent garden is another way to bring some nature to your glass or wood coffee table decor ideas. Get a few small succulents and arrange them in a wide and semi-flat container with some stones and moss. This is a low-maintenance living statement piece. 

11. Under-Table Designs

If you have a clear glass coffee table, you have a unique coffee table decor idea option. You can place photos, designs or artwork underneath the table so you can see it through the top. This is a great DIY home decor project for a thrifted glass table. You can even press flowers or leaves against the glass for a more natural aesthetic. 

12. Bamboo

Bamboo looks great as a glass or wood coffee table decor idea. A few stalks of bamboo in a small ceramic bowl or vase add simple and clean lines as well as a touch of nature to your space. Bamboo is also super easy to maintain, and often quite affordable as it grows quickly. If you’re interested in Japandi style, bamboo is a great choice. 

13. Bonsai Tree

On the topic of Japanese-inspired decor, if you’re up for the task, consider a bonsai tree. These tiny trees make excellent glass or wood coffee table decor ideas. There are many different options to suit various aesthetic preferences and lifestyles, so you’re sure to find at least one that you like. They do require some pruning and care, but many people find this soothing. 

14. Hourglass

An hourglass is a simple but effective coffee table decor idea for a glass coffee table. Get a medium-sized decorative hourglass, preferably with metal accents. The hourglass is functional, but it also adds a chic and somewhat vintage vibe to your space. 

Small Coffee Table Decor Ideas

Small coffee tables require thoughtful decorating to maximize their impact without overwhelming the space. After all, you still need room for your coffee! By choosing a few select, stylish pieces and balancing form and function, you can create a simple and functional focal point in your living room that complements the surrounding space.

15. Single-Stem Flower in a Vase

A simple yet elegant addition to your coffee table, a single-stem flower in a vase adds a touch of sophistication and freshness to the space. This coffee table decor idea works best with real flowers, so consider grabbing a new one during your weekly grocery trips. You can match the flower to the vibe of the space. 

16. Stylish Jewelry Box

A beautifully crafted jewelry box can add a touch of luxury to your coffee table, and can also serve as a storage container for small treasures and trinkets that are otherwise left out. If there are children or pets in the home, small toys can also go in the jewelry box. If not, the box can hold things like keys, small remotes and other necessities. 

17. Apothecary Jar

Apothecary jars are super on-trend as far as coffee table decor ideas go. They’re easy to find, they’re affordable and you can customize them however you like. Fill your apothecary jar with candles, pebbles, or other decorative items to create a visually interesting centerpiece for your coffee table.

18. Decorative Lantern

Metal and glass lanterns may not be super functional in an age of flashlights and electricity, but they make great coffee table decor ideas because they add a certain ambiance. You can easily find them at thrift stores, but they’re also common at home decor stores if you want something new. Leave it as-is or put a candle inside for an extra light source with a rustic touch. Fun! 

19. Decorative Coasters

If you really don’t have a lot of room to work with, decorative coasters are great. You won’t be taking up extra space you don’t have, so the coffee table will remain functional. Fun coasters make great gifts for coffee lovers, so you may already have some. If not, consider shopping for some that suit your living room’s vibe.

20. Cute Mug With Flowers

How many decorative mugs do you own that aren’t super functional as actual drinkware? Perhaps they’re too big or small for your coffee and tea habits, or they’re shaped oddly, making them less than ideal to drink out of. Don’t let them collect dust! They’re the perfect small vessels for flowers. Your best coffee table decor idea might be in your cabinet already! Fill your mug with small flowers. In this case, fake flowers may be a better option because you have more control over the sizing. 

Coffee Table Decor Ideas With A Tray

Using a tray on your coffee table is a great way to create a stylish and functional focal point in your living room. Trays can help corral small items, add visual interest, and define a specific decor style. They also keep the space looking tidy.

Create a cohesive look or add a pop of color and texture with a tray as a versatile and stylish solution. From displaying decorative objects and candles to serving coffee and treats, the possibilities are endless.

21. Simple Mirrored Tray

A simple mirrored tray is a great coffee table decor idea for small spaces. Mirrors throw light around and add extra dimension to a room. Even if you don’t put anything extra on the tray, by having it in the middle of your coffee table it will add visual interest while also creating a “home” for your remote and other living room items. 

22. Decorative Vintage TV Tray

Vintage TV trays make excellent coffee table decor ideas. They’re often stylish and hand-painted, so if you pick the right one, you don’t need to add anything to it. Antique stores often have them still attached to their folding tables, so take a look! Because they’re antique, you’ll have something that very few other people have anymore, making your space more unique. 

23. Tea Tray

If you love serving tea, get a decorative tea set and display it on a stylish tray. This way, it’s easy to pick up and take around with you when you’re serving. You can have small teacups, a stylish teapot, and everything else you would need for a sweet tea party or ceremony. And yes, you can also store your coffee there. Choose a set that suits your aesthetic. 

24. Tea Lights and Vase

If you’re looking for something minimal and elegant, use the tray to house some small tea lights that can add ambiance. In the middle, either a statement vase or a decorative candle will “ground” the tray. 

25. Mini Village

Do you love small ceramic buildings? Or maybe you've collected some from your international travels. This coffee table decor idea can help you show them off. If you have extra-tiny ones, you can set them up on the tray as a tiny village. If they’re a bit larger, you can set one in the center of the tray and surround it with accessories, like small cars or figurines. This is a quirky and cute coffee table decor idea that will charm visitors and also create a conversation starter. 

26. Collection Tray

What do you collect? If you don’t need the tray to hold necessary items, use it to hold and show off a collection of small items. Whether you collect Hot Wheels cars, action figures, keychains or anything else that’s small, the tray is a great way to display them to your guests. 

27. Moss Garden

Moss gardens are perfect for coffee table trays because they're simple, living items that add texture and create a living atmosphere. Fill a somewhat-deep tray with moss and small plants (small succulents can work well for this). Add decorative items like marbles, small toys, and even fairy lights. This is a super cool way to add some nature to your space. 

Rectangle & Round Coffee Table Decor Ideas

The shape of your coffee table can be a great starting point for decorating both a sleek rectangle or a classic round table. These ideas can help you create a beautiful and functional space that showcases your style.

So, what shape tray looks best on a round coffee table? A round or oval tray would complement the shape of a round coffee table nicely. These shapes will create a harmonious and balanced look so you can display decorative objects or serve drinks and snacks in style. A round or oval tray will also help to create a sense of flow and continuity on the table.

On a rectangular table, a rectangular tray is best, but you can also get away with a long oval for contrast. At the end of the day, you should do what works best for you. 

28. Long Zen Garden

Create a serene and peaceful atmosphere with this rectangular coffee table decor idea. Put a long zen garden on your coffee table. Fill a narrow, elongated container with sand, stones and small plants to create a calming focal point. Provide a zen garden rake so you and your guests can relax. 

29. Bowl of Fruit

A bowl of fruit is a classic round coffee table decor idea. If your space allows for it, real seasonal fruit is best. This way, you've got a built-in snack. If you don’t want to leave fruit out, fake fruit is also fine and it's easier to coordinate with your living room's aesthetic. 

30. Symmetrical Display

Regarding rectangle coffee table decor ideas, symmetry is often best unless you want the coffee table to be the focal point. Arrange small objects, like candles or small figurines, in a symmetrical pattern in the middle or sides of the table. You can also create a "mirrored" display and use bookends on either side. 

31. Round Decorative Mirror

This is similar to the mirrored tray idea, but this coffee table decor idea can use any round mirror. Place the decorative mirror (ideally with a stylish frame) in the center of the table as if it were a tray. You can place an object on top if it is as well, preferably something round like a decorative glass orb. 

32. Herb Garden

Does your coffee table get natural light? If so, consider putting your herb garden on it. Place herbs in cube-shaped containers and arrange them in a line on your rectangular coffee table. This is a great way to maximize your space's use. 

33. Radial Pattern

For a round coffee table, items arranged in a radial pattern just make sense. Small items from other coffee table decor ideas, like candles or stones, can easily be arranged in the center. For example, perhaps you have a large candle in the very center of the space and you surround it with tea lights. 

So which of these chic coffee table decor ideas will you use in your living room? Do you like the natural look with plant life and rocks, or do you want something quirky and fun like tiny buildings or hourglasses? There's something in this list that works for every style. It’s time to start experimenting! 

For even more inventive ways to decorate your home, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!