./278 Journal
The Art of the Coffee Table
A guide to styling every shape with Lauren Olivia
01 NOVEMBER 2025
Cotswolds-based interior designer, stylist and visual storyteller Lauren Olivia shares her approach to styling the coffee table, from creating balance and playing with proportion to knowing when to leave a little space.
The coffee table often sits at the heart of a room, but its shape can completely change the way it should be styled. Interior designer and stylist Lauren Olivia guides us through five different forms, sharing her approach to composition, proportion and layering, and the simple principles she uses to make a surface feel considered without feeling overly styled.
Square Coffee Table
“Square is one of my favourite coffee table shapes to style. You have a clean shape with so much free space, it gives you complete freedom on where you can position everything, and I feel pretty much any objects you lay out just work well on a square backdrop!”
01. Create Balance
Mentally divide the table into three or four sections to guide object placement and create visual balance.
02. Start with a Base
Use books or trays as foundational pieces to anchor and organise smaller objects.
03. Play with Height
Mix taller and lower elements, such as vases, candles and stacked books, to add depth and dimension.
04. Keep It Cohesive
With more surface area comes room for more objects, so keep materials and colours cohesive to prevent the arrangement from feeling cluttered.
Round Coffee Table
“A round coffee table can be a little trickier to style. Although it has lots of free space, it feels more closed in due to the round edges. I’d suggest using slightly less objects on a round table opposed to a square to balance this out.”
01. Use a Triangular Layout
Arrange decor in a loose triangle to create balance across the circular surface.
02. Echo the Curves
Reach for curved or circular objects, such as bowls, candles and vases, to complement the shape of the table.
03. Layer for Depth
Stack books, trays or catchalls to introduce layers and varying heights.
04. Embrace Negative Space
Leave breathing room between objects to keep the arrangement feeling considered rather than cluttered.
Oval Coffee Tables
“With oval coffee tables, I like to keep things more structured. I usually keep things in line, which works with following the shape of the table opposed to a more staggered look. Focus on varying heights with lots of interesting pieces to break up the more structured base layout.”
01. Follow the Length
Style along the length rather than the width, creating a more structured arrangement that follows the table’s form.
02. Use an Elongated Anchor
Introduce a long tray or book to echo the shape of the table. This can sit in the opposite direction to the remaining objects to create contrast.
03. Mix Shapes
Combine rounded, organic and more angular forms to break up the structured layout.
04. Group in Odd Numbers
Arrange smaller objects in groups of three or five for a composition that feels natural and balanced.
Nested Coffee Tables
“A nesting table adds interest and acts as a conversation piece. With varying heights and finishes, it’s best to keep the colour and material palette consistent, and use taller items on the lower table to create a balanced, connected look.”
01. Overlap the Tables
Allow the tables to overlap slightly to create a layered, connected composition.
02. Start with a Statement
Use one standout piece as a focal point to anchor the arrangement.
03. Balance the Heights
Introduce objects at varying heights, particularly taller pieces on the lower table, to visually connect the two surfaces.
04. Keep the Palette Cohesive
Stick to a considered colour and material palette so the combination of tables and objects doesn’t become too busy.
Triangle Coffee Tables
“One of my favourites to style! The unique shape and staggered heights make triangle tables perfect for bold, experimental styling. Use matching materials across both levels, and connect them by placing taller items on the lower table for balance.”
01. Follow the Angles
Position objects in relation to the table’s edges to emphasise its distinctive geometry.
02. Choose a Focal Piece
Anchor the arrangement with one statement object to give the eye somewhere to land.
03. Soften the Geometry
Balance sharper-edged pieces with round or organic forms to introduce contrast.
04. Embrace Negative Space
With such a distinctive table shape, resist filling every surface. Leaving space allows the furniture itself to remain part of the composition.
Lauren Olivia on her approach to styling
For Lauren, the most successful interiors aren’t necessarily the most meticulously planned. Her approach is instinctive, balancing new and old, minimal and maximalist, and allowing the pieces, space and light to inform the final composition.
“My best work is when I’ve been left to have creative freedom and really work with the energy of the pieces, the space and the light on the day.”