Coffee Table Decor (page 3)

The best coffee tables look gathered over time, and the trick is giving every piece a job. I start with a tray because it turns a handful of small things into one intentional grouping. A round leather tray like the Derby softens a square table. A rectangular rattan or brass tray adds structure to a round one. From there I add height, then something low and solid, then one thing with personality. Every piece of coffee table decor in this collection was chosen with the rest of the collection in mind, so you can mix freely. There are marble bowls like the Frill, sculptural objects like the Jarvis Marble Knot Sculpture, and taper holders, hurricanes and lidded boxes that hide the remotes. Materials run from natural marble, ricestone and terracotta to shagreen, rattan, abaca and antique brass. The brands are the ones designers use, including Regina Andrew Design, Four Hands and Worlds Away. For a single statement piece instead of a full vignette, choose a large decorative bowl or a tall vase and let it stand on its own. A potted orchid on a stand or a marble chess set gives a living room table a reason to be touched and used. On a large or oversized coffee table, use two groupings at opposite ends and leave the middle open for drinks, books and feet. Style it with three heights (tall, medium and low), group in odd numbers set slightly off center, and layer one natural material like wood, stone or rattan with one polished one like brass, marble or lacquer. Add one stack of books to give the grouping lift and a little of you.