What to put on the coffee table?


This seems to be a question few seem to be able to handle. How much of it is tablescape versus how much of it is useful? The obvious answer seems to be to please leave enough room to put down a drink and a flat surface or two for those bowls of peanuts one is serving for munchies. After that, I vote for a stack of favorite books - probably those oversized coffee table books but hopefully some of the ones you find engaging enough to browse through over and over. This stack does not need to be overwhelming - four or five good sized tomes should do the trick, leaving a flat surface for an ornament or that snacks bowl.

Flowers are the next item I wold put on the coffee table - and the most difficult item to keep there due to their short life span. Orchids are a good choice here due to their relatively long life but not all homes needs are met by them. I am sure you know that all magazine and book shoots are heavily staged and some for the beautiful arrangements are not appropriate primarily due to bulk. An arrangement here is much like that on  a dining table - one needs to be able to see around and over. Frankly, I want flowers on my coffee table but, unless it is a special occasion, I am more likely to have an interesting object.

Interesting object is a broad term but, unless your coffee table is very large, it should be in proportion to both the table, other items and the personality of the room. This is where you will have to  shop for your own needs and fall in love with a special thing. Think of something local or of special interest to you. A basket of shells - a single large shell - a beautiful bowl or covered urn - the list is long.

Candles complete the scene and also provide both smell and flattering light. Use a pair or one large with or without a hurricane. Please only use black, white or natural and burn the new wicks a bit.


Charlotte Moss

Suzanne Kasler

Jack Phillips

Diane Chapman








Baskets and trays are excellent organization tools - provide a flat surface, add color and texture and are lovely unto themselves. Charlotte Moss used a large lidded basket as a coffee table which also provides storage. A trunk could do the same - especially with a painted finish. At my home, I use an ottoman to provide double duty. i use a bamboo tray on top with non-breakables in it and the entire tray is easily whisked away when the ottoman is needed. Here are some ottomans with and without a tray and, I think you will agree, that a tray helps.













A tea table can also be a nice coffee table. It is a good height for serving guests but may be a bit small.






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