The Secret To Creative Coffee Table Decorating
Are you looking for some ideas for decorating your coffee table? Would you like to transform your coffee table into a stylish and functional focal point in your living area? Today, you will learn the secret to creative coffee table decorating.
We will look at several coffee table decorating options and explore some ideas to help you get started.
![Dried hydrangea flower arrangement on Spring coffee table.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dried-Flowers-Arrangement-Centerpiece-on-coffee-table-3.jpg)
Table of contents
- Decorating Coffee Table Ideas – Where To Start
- Coffee Table Decorating Ideas
- Vintage Tool Box
- Old Wooden Box
- Garden Decor
- Insider Tips
- Roadside Trash To Treasure
- Budget DIY Projects for Coffee Table Decorations
- Basket for Gathering
- Use Coffee Table For Dining
- Foraged Coffee Table Arrangement
- Gather From Around The House
- Decorating a Coffee Table For A Summer – Artificial Flower Centerpiece
- Materials Needed For Coffee Table Arrangement
- Coffee Table Decorations Viewed From All Angles
- Other Seasonal Views of the Coffee Table Decorations
- Resources
Decorating Coffee Table Ideas – Where To Start
Here are some things to consider when decorating a coffee table.
![Coffee Table Decorating Ideas using old frame for table centerpiece.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Use-Vintage-Frame-on-coffee-table..jpg)
- Start with a foundation. This could be a tray, a piece of fabric, a vintage picture frame, a toolbox, or a large bowl. The foundation will help ground your other décor and keep it from looking cluttered. My favorite foundation is a large wooden antique bowl. I’ve used it several times and can change the decor accessories seasonally.
- Choose a style that reflects your personality and home décor. Do you prefer a modern, minimalist look? Or something more traditional and ornate? Once you know what you’re going for, you can start shopping for items that will fit the bill.
- Add layers. This is where you can really have fun with your coffee table décor. Layer books, magazines, candles, flowers, and other items to create a visually interesting display.
- Don’t forget the functional items. In addition to décor, you’ll also want to make sure your coffee table has a place for all of the essentials, like coasters and snacks.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to coffee table décor. The most important thing is having fun and creating a space you love.
- Make A Statement. You can make a statement by adding a large accessory to the center of your coffee table. A large floral arrangement or a large bowl with several bottles or glass ornaments.
When fresh blooms are available, fill a large container with them and let them be your statement centerpiece for coffee table decorating.
![Fresh Flowers in wooden bowl to decorate a coffee table in a modern farmhouse.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Coffee-Table-14-840x1024.jpg)
The flowers don’t have to be real. Let’s take a look at these gorgeous faux orchids.
![orchids in a wooden bowl for coffee table decorating ideas in a modern farmhouse.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Coffee-Table-3-768x1024.jpg)
Insider Tip – The Secret To Coffee Table Decorating
When out thrifting or vintage shopping, look for oversized containers to use on your coffee table. The secret to coffee table decorating is starting with a statement piece for the foundation.
- Large wooden bowls
- Old vintage boxes
- Vintage Tool Boxes
- Unique Concrete statuaries or planters
- Large tureens (if the lid is missing, YAY! It should be a better deal.)
- Large Basket or Basket Tray
- Large Trays
- Candlesticks
- Risers (cake stands, oversized candle holders, etc.)
- Old Picture Frames
- Remember, if the color isn’t right when thrifting, you can always paint it.
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Coffee Table Decorating Ideas
Here are some helpful coffee table decorating ideas that will give you inspiration to get started.
Vintage Tool Box
This vintage wooden toolbox is always a favorite for the center of the coffee table. With more vintage pieces, the decor can be easily changed seasonally.
Gather thrift store finds together in the toolbox to decorate the coffee table for Valentine’s Day.
The toolbox is filled with vintage books, candlesticks, and rolls of book pages.
![Vintage tool box for decorating coffee table in a modern farmhouse.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/tool-box-valentines.jpg)
Old Wooden Box
This vintage encyclopedia box is handy for decorating a coffee table for any season. It’s a great statement piece and is easy to fill.
Vintage crocks and earthenware are all gathered inside the box, along with pumpkins and fall florals decorated for fall. Even the box lid serves as a foundation for additional fall decor.
![Antique Vintage Encyclopedia Wooden Box used as a centerpiece for decorating coffee tables in modern farmhouse.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Best-Fall-Porch-Ideas-2.jpg)
For Christmas, a trio of frosted Christmas Trees fill the box and take centerstage on the coffee table.
![Antique Vintage Encyclopedia Wooden Box used as a centerpiece with Christmas trees for coffee table centerpiece](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Farmhouse-Christmas-Tree-with-dried-hydrangeas-14-768x1024.jpg)
Garden Decor
Bring outdoor garden accessories inside to create visual interest on the coffee table.
If you are not using a foundation piece, group items together in clusters for a more cohesive look.
A concrete swan is mixed with a hurricane lantern, chunky candlesticks, and coffee table books for a garden-inspired coffee table vignette.
The swan and lantern are both great statement pieces that work well together to anchor the decorations. For more details, see this Spring Country Chic Home Tour.
![Concrete Swan Planter mixed with books, candlesticks, and hurricane lantern for Farmhouse Coffee Table Centerpiece](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Coffee-Table-with-Concrete-Swan-Bird-Decoupaged-Eggs.jpg)
Bird statues and clay saucers get special attention when displayed under glass cloches. See more ideas using birds and birdhouses at Unique Birdhouse Ideas for a Show-Stopping Budget Spring Porch.
![concrete birds with clay saucers under glass cloches on porch coffee table.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Birdhouse-Porch-Decor-coffee-table-with-cloches-and-spring-birds.jpg)
Insider Tips
When creating a coffee table vignette, be sure to add a variety of heights to create visual interest. Use riser, candleholders, cake stands, etc., to display your decor.
Create vignettes with uneven numbers of objects.
Roadside Trash To Treasure
A roadside wooden ice cream churn gets a new life as a coffee table decorating idea.
The oversized container makes a statement when filled with fresh flowers as the table centerpiece. Only a few accessories are needed to complete the table vignette.
![Road side ice cream churn used as a centerpiece for coffee table decorating centerpiece with hydrangeas.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Unique-Containers-with-Flowers-Ideas-3.jpg)
![Coffee Table Decorating Ideas Road side ice cream churn repurposed to hold fresh flowers and used as a centerpiece](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Black-Eyed-Susans-in-Vintage-Ice-Cream-Churn-Early-Fall-Decorating-Inspiration.jpg)
Budget DIY Projects for Coffee Table Decorations
DIY Dollar Tree Lanterns for an inexpensive coffee table vignette. These easy-to-make lanterns cost $3.00.
![DIY Dollar Tree Lanterns for a summer coffee table vignette](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DIY-Dollar-Tree-Lantern-Decor-on-coffee-table-1.jpg)
Basket for Gathering
Add a basket or basket tray as a foundation to anchor your coffee table vignette. Gather books, vases, greenery, and more to create a charming vignette.
![woven tray is foundation for coffee table decorating centerpiece](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/basket-centerpiece-for-coffee-table.jpg)
Use Coffee Table For Dining
Plan a casual dinner, coffee, or afternoon cocktails around the coffee table.
Keep the floral arrangement simple to allow for the dishes, cutlery, glasses, and food.
Use contrasting colors and textures to add depth and dimension.
![Best Porch Decorating Ideas for Easter and Easy Coffee Table Decorating Ideas.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Coffee-Table-set-with-floral-plates-and-napkins-for-Easter-Brunch-1.jpg)
![Set the coffee table to serve coffee, tea or cocktails with vintage dinerware](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/coffee-table-with-dishes-and-snacks.jpg)
You can see more about these porch coffee table ideas on Best Porch Ideas for Easter & Top 10 Ideas for Ideal Porch Sitting.
Foraged Coffee Table Arrangement
A great budget-friendly approach to decorating a coffee table is to fill a container with foraged greenery or dried corn husks.
This Fall Home Tour shows you more budget-friendly foraged ideas for fall decorating.
![Use foraged corn husks to fill a large bowl for Fall Coffee Table Decorating.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Fall-Home-Tour-Budget-friendly-Decorating-Ideas-768x1024.jpg)
Gather From Around The House
When planning a coffee table vignette, gather items from around your house. Using your decor in new and interesting ways will keep your things feeling fresh.
The large bowl looks great for spring and summer with the addition of topiaries and a collection of green bottles that were previously on the screened porch.
Use a variety of shapes and sizes to create visual interest.
![Spring coffee table decorations that are easy tips for decorating coffee tables with vintage and antique items](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_3130-1-768x1024.jpg)
Decorating a Coffee Table For A Summer – Artificial Flower Centerpiece
First, let’s take a look at another way to update the wooden bowl on my coffee table. I received these gorgeous faux orchids from Prestige Botanicals and immediately knew they would be stunning in the bowl.
Because the coffee table is located in the center of the room, they were perfect for creating a centerpiece that looks good from every direction.
![How to Decorate a Coffee Table in the middle of a room with faux orchids.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Coffee-Table-2-768x1024.jpg)
Materials Needed For Coffee Table Arrangement
Y’all know I like to use items I have on hand, if possible, and today’s tutorial is no exception. The faux orchid stems are approx. 32″ tall and would require a heavy container to hold them upright.
To fill the bottom of the bowl, I began with three of my old terra cotta pots and a metal cake stand. In addition, I added a faux bird to add interest to the arrangement.
![Use old clay pots to make floral arrangement for decorating coffee table](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Coffee-Table-13-768x1024.jpg)
![Use old clay pots to make floral arrangement for decorating coffee table.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Coffee-Table-11-768x1024.jpg)
![Use old clay pots, cake stand & birds to make floral arrangement for decorating coffee table.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Coffee-Table-10-768x1024.jpg)
Next, to secure the faux orchids into the terra cotta pots, I securely place the stem into the weep hole at the bottom and then fill in around the stem with plastic grocery bags. Keep stuffing the bags into the pot until the branch is secure and will not tip over.
You can also use small pebbles or glass beads to fill in around the stems. I didn’t have any on hand, and the plastic bags worked fine.
![orchids for coffee table decorating](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Coffee-Table-8-768x1024.jpg)
![orchids for decorating coffee table](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Coffee-Table-12-768x1024.jpg)
![make floral arrangement for coffee table with faux orchids.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Coffee-Table-7-768x1024.jpg)
Now, place all the secured stems back into the bowl and fill in around the pots with more plastic bags or tissue paper.
Because the bowl is deep, you want to add filler to the bottom of the bowl to avoid using an excess of Spanish moss.
Once the bowl is relatively full, layer Spanish moss over the plastic and terra cotta pots. I used natural moss as a first layer and then green moss over the top. Be sure to cover all exposed plastic.
![Faux Orchid Arrangement to Decorate a Coffee Table in the middle of a room](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Coffee-Table-4-768x1024.jpg)
Coffee Table Decorations Viewed From All Angles
The challenge of a centrally located coffee table is decorating it with pleasing views from all angles. The orchid floral arrangement works really well in this spot.
![How to Decorate a Coffee Table in the middle of a room with faux orchids](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Coffee-Table-6-768x1024.jpg)
The coffee table is easily viewed from the front entrance of the farmhouse.
![Coffee Table Decorating with faux orchids.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Coffee-Table-768x1024.jpg)
Other Seasonal Views of the Coffee Table Decorations
The coffee table is constantly updated each season. Here are a few recent seasonal changes.
Spring Coffee Table Ideas
The wooden bowl looks lovely and smells just as good with lilacs and ironstone from this spring.
![Fresh Lilacs in wooden bowl for coffee table decorations](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Lilac-Bush-768x1024.jpg)
Simple budget-friendly Easter centerpiece. See Spring Decorating on a Dime for the full tour.
![cropped-coffee-table-centerpiece-with-fireplace-mantel-for-spring-home-tour.jpg](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cropped-coffee-table-centerpiece-with-fireplace-mantel-for-spring-home-tour.jpg)
Simple Summer Centerpiece
Keep things cool and simple for a basic summer centerpiece.
![Summer Living RoomCenterpiece for Summer Home Tour.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/farmhouse-tour-20-768x1024.jpg)
Cozy Fall Coffee Table Centerpieces
For fall, bring out the thrift amber bottles and cozy flicker candles.
![Amber bottle fill the wooden bowl on the coffee table for fall coffee table decorating.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IMG_7551-768x1024.jpg)
A Thanksgiving theme fills the coffee table bowl from last fall. It is a combination of thrifted amber bottles, cute bird pilgrims under a glass cloche, and fall florals.
![Fall Coffee table decorations](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_6607-768x1024.jpg)
Festive Holiday Treasures on Coffee Table
Christmas is the perfect time to fill the bowl with lots of festive treasures.
![Christmas view of coffee table decorating](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/VC-coffee-table-768x1024.jpg)
A large vintage red bowl is filled with greenery and reindeer for a coffee table centerpiece. See Curated Farmhouse Christmas Tour for more details.
For a more neutral Christmas display, gold and brown bottle brush trees are grouped together with white reindeer and vintage ornaments inside the vintage wooden bowl.
![cropped-Curated-Home-coffee-table-centerpiece-with-red-bowl-and-metal-reindeer.jpg](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-Curated-Home-coffee-table-centerpiece-with-red-bowl-and-metal-reindeer.jpg)
![neutral Christmas coffee table display with gold and brown bottle brush trees and white reindeer inside wooden bowl.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Coffee-Table-Centerpiece-with-barn-door.jpg)
Winter Simple and Cozy Centerpiece
Cozy Winter Coffee Table with foraged pinecones and flicker candles. The pinecones had a touch of fake snow. See 2 Steps To Add Fake Snow Technique for details.
![Cozy Winter Centerpiece with flicker candles and pinecones with faux snow.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Candles-In-Wooden-Bowl-1.jpg)
Resources
Thank you so much for stopping by today. I appreciate your input and comments.
![](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Rachel-Signature-2-1.png)
Pin It To Remember It
Did you find some great ideas you’d like to save for future reference? Hover over the images you’d like to save and pin to your favorite Pinterest Boards when you see the PIN button.
![](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/coffee-table-decor-1-683x1024.jpg)
![Decorating Secrets for Cozy Coffee Table Centerpieces.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Coffee-Table-Centerpiece-1-683x1024.jpg)
![The secret to decorating coffee tables with vintage finds in a modern farmhouse.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/coffee-Table-Decorating-1.jpg)
![The secret to decorating coffee tables with vintage finds in a modern farmhouse.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/coffee-Table-Decorating.jpg)
![The secret to decorating coffee tables with vintage finds in a modern farmhouse.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Outdoor-Dinner-Table-6-683x1024.jpg)
![The secret to decorating coffee tables with vintage finds in a modern farmhouse.](https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/How-to-Recycle-a-Wooden-Ice-Cream-Churn-2-683x1024.jpg)
Once again Rachel, you have inspired me to go thrifting. Love every single arrangement and that bowl is awesome as well as the coffee table and everything my eye can see.
Thank you so much for sharing your home and your talent.
Diana,
Thanks so much for your encouragement. I hope you have a great day.
Looks great Rachel! I think you were lucky that the stems actually fit tightly in the pots bottom drain holes. Those stems are massive! Love the wooden bowl and the bird fits right in amongst the moss.
Lori,
Thanks so much. Yes the stems fit into the holes nicely and once the pot is full of plastic bags, they were really secure.
I’m guessing that Prestige Boutique doesn’t have an online store as I couldn’t find it in my searches. Probably in your area of shopping. The stems are so pretty. I’ll admire yours:0)
Lori,
The online store is linked on the post. It’s the company name highlighted. If you click on it, you will be redirected to their site. Here is is again. https://prestigebotanicals.com/
OH WOW! Just love your talents and that you share…especially enjoyed all the
additional ways you used that beautiful bowl. Gives me so much to think about.
What is your paint source for all the items you have used white on. Thank you.
I really appreciate your comments. The white paint is almost always Old White from Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.
So beautiful! I like the way you styled the bowl. Thanks for the tutorial.
Enjoy you Memorial Day weekend!
Suzanne
Suzanne,
Thanks so much. So glad you like it.
You always have the nicest things to decorate with love that bowl and flowers.
Marlene,
I appreciate you for your encouragement.
Always love seeing style this coffee table.
Great flowers
Cindy,
Thanks so much. I appreciate you for stopping by.
I always love to see how you style your coffee table for the seasons. So beautiful!
Kim,
I really appreciate this.
So many great ideas. That bowl is absolutely stunning! Hugs to you.
Renae,
I appreciate this.
Love this post so much, Rachel! I’m definitely going to share it on Friday. Thank you for all these fabulous ideas. Decorating the coffee table is not always easy, especially, when you have curious pets. These ideas are all totally doable and make me want to go thrifting ASAP! Hugs, CoCo
CoCo,
I’m always looking for unique ways to decorate the farmhouse.
Rachel, I absolutely love ALL of your coffee table arrangements! You do a fabulous job with everything you do. I really like that lovely round wooden bowl. I sure wish I could find one. Our shops where we live are nothing like what you have in your area!
Mary Ann,
Thank you for your sweet comments. I’m so glad you liked these ideas.
@Rachel,
I love that wooden bowl! I want one! I always enjoy your blog.
Betty,
I’m so glad you like it. I wish I had several of those bowls to sell, because I’d be rich. Thanks for stopping by.
Absolutely LOVE your style! Thanks for sharing.
Joan,
I appreciate you comment so much. Thanks for making my day.