{"id":314881,"date":"2018-08-22T18:02:22","date_gmt":"2018-08-22T22:02:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/?p=314881"},"modified":"2021-12-15T07:12:08","modified_gmt":"2021-12-15T12:12:08","slug":"how-to-style-a-coffee-table","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.1stdibs.com\/blogs\/the-study\/how-to-style-a-coffee-table\/","title":{"rendered":"Tamara Eaton Tells Us How to Style a Coffee Table"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Coffee
Tamara Eaton artfully arranges a coffee table vignette. Photo by Manuel Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Creating a beautifully appointed coffee table<\/a> is trickier than it looks. That\u2019s why we brought in an expert \u2014 interior designer Tamara Eaton, who also gave us a bookcase-styling tutorial<\/a> \u2014 to school us in the art of artful arrangement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She joined us in the 1stdibs gallery<\/a> at the New York Design Center and took an already stunning glass-and-steel Paola Piva table<\/a> into next-level territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does the style of the coffee table dictate what you put on it?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Somewhat. With a glass coffee table<\/a>, you also have to think about the surface underneath, like the rug or floor. With wood<\/a> and stone tables<\/a>, you think about what\u2019s on top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it\u2019s a more modern apartment, we\u2019re certainly not going to add really ornate porcelain. It really depends on the space. Here, we pulled items that were generally of the same era. You just have to make sure that things don\u2019t feel too matchy-matchy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the essential elements of styling?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start with at least one coffee table book<\/a>. They exude personality, so choose something that piques your interest \u2014 something people feel compelled to pick up. When you stack them, always go large to small \u2014 like a pyramid. The top book is the one on view, so pay attention to its cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If coffee table books are the base, add a few other big anchor pieces, like a vase<\/a> or a tray<\/a>. Just make sure not to cover entire surface of the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s hard to keep fresh flowers, but even a cactus or a succulent \u2014 or something dried \u2014 feels really nice. It\u2019s fun to play with height.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"New
This New York City loft designed by Eaton<\/a> features a sleek coffee table adorned with books and small sculptures. Photo by Frank Odeman<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How do you personalize your tabletop design?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I collect things, so when I see something interesting, I tend to get it. To add some personality, choose books that speak to you. Find really special, creative pieces. Each item should have a little personality and uniqueness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s on your coffee table?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have a Josef Frank<\/a> coffee table from the \u201960s, and on it I have The Coveteur: Private Spaces, Personal Style<\/em><\/a> and other cool, random books. I have a huge Ferrari ashtray<\/a> \u2014 I don\u2019t smoke, but it\u2019s a cool statement piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\t

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