Nothing completes a living room quite like a beautifully styled coffee table, yet it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of over-accessorizing or leaving out items that are better tucked away. When styled well, a coffee table should feel curated and cohesive—not cluttered and chaotic.

To help you create the perfect coffee table display, we’ve teamed up with design pros to highlight the common mistakes that lead to a cluttered look—and, more importantly, how to avoid them. Whether your coffee table is spacious and casual or sleek and compact, these simple tips will help you achieve a stylish centerpiece that elevates.

Visible Remote Controls

Your coffee table should be an extension of your style, not a storage zone for everyday items. TV remotes, while essential, fall into this category.

Tuck your remotes away in a nearby end table drawer when not in use, or curate a decorative piece solely for storing them, such as a stylish box. Opt for one made from materials such as bone, burl, or leather to elevate the look.

Not only does a designated spot for your remote keep your coffee table looking clean, but it also encourages everyone in the household to return the remote after use.

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An Overabundance of Books

Books are a great way to add height and personality to a coffee table, but pile on too many, and your table can start to feel more like a madcap study space than a cozy living space.

Limit yourself to just a handful of books—Paulina Hospod, the president at Aha!nteriors, suggests that two to five books are ideal—and always prioritize big coffee table book-sized volumes over pocket-sized paperbacks or hard-backed novels.

Not only do coffee table-sized books add layers and texture better than novels, but they also invite engagement, encouraging guests to pick them up and explore their pages, Hospod says.

“Use one to two books as a base layer on your table and create low stacks to elevate other decor items such as boxes, candle sticks, or vases,” Hospod says. “Using books as risers will give these items pedestal-like prominence, making them stand out.”

Unbridled Collections

You might deem your collection of mini Eiffel Towers or ceramic pug figurines worthy of your coffee table, but designers caution they can’t just be tossed onto a coffee table and called decor.

To keep things from feeling scattered, you need structure, Bailey Todd, the owner, contractor, and principal designer at White Cliff Studio, explains. A tray is the perfect way to anchor those pieces and create a cohesive look.

Todd explains how depending on your collection, you can style it atop a couple of stacked books or tuck it under a glass display case such as a cloche or bell jar.

A Messy Pile of Magazines

If you have more than half a year’s worth of magazines stacked on your coffee table, designers have news for you: it’s time to dismantle that leaning tower of clutter and reclaim your space.

While magazines might seem more polished than newspapers or catalogs, when they pile up, they can quickly start to feel just as messy. And let’s face it—unless you’re running a beauty salon, chances are no one is ever going to flip through those issues again.

To elevate your table’s look, swap out those back issues for a few well chosen coffee table books on topics that you love. Not only will they add polish to your table, but they’ll also give your guests something to browse through—should the occasion ever arise.

Decor Overload

When you pile on too much decor, even the most interesting pieces can start to compete for attention, and that’s when your look goes from chic to cluttered.

“Simplicity is key,” Hospod emphasizes. “Sometimes, all it takes is a single, thoughtful object that echoes the hues of the surrounding decor, paired with a grounding tray, to achieve effortless elegance.”

Out-of-Proportion Decor

When it comes to coffee table decor, scale matters. Too many oversized pieces can make your table feel overwhelmed; too many tiny items can look scattered. The key is finding that sweet spot—pieces that feel intentional and cohesive.

A simple rule of thumb: choose one larger statement piece—like a bold vase or a sculpture—and then layer in smaller, more subtle accents like books or decorative boxes. This creates a sense of hierarchy and allows each piece to stand out without overwhelming the table.

3 Pro Tips for Decorating a Coffee Table

Make a Vase Your Centerpiece

Todd recommends finding a vase that has some meaning to it. Whether it’s a vintage piece you found in an antique shop or a handmade beauty from an artisan small business, you can easily fill it with any florals you like.

Choose a Statement Table

“When it comes to coffee tables, I’m drawn to pieces that make a bold statement on their own,” Hospod says. “A well-chosen table can anchor a room, eliminating the need for excessive styling.”

Leave It Empty (or Almost Empty)

Todd explains how if you’re not sure what to put on your coffee table, go ahead and leave it empty.

“Coffee tables don’t have to be perfectly styled all the time. When they’re empty, it leaves room for setting down drinks and food or playing games—plus, clean surfaces create a place for the eyes to rest, which can help reduce stress,” Todd says.