When it comes to coffee table styling, the shape of the table can completely change your approach — and no one understands this better than interior stylist and visual storyteller Lauren Olivia. In this thoughtful guide, Lauren breaks down her styling principles for five distinct table shapes — from the clean lines of a square table to the sculptural edges of a triangle or the elegant length of an oval. With her intuitive eye and signature balance of simplicity and depth, she shares practical tips on composition, proportion, and how to bring personality to every surface.

Square

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!

Create Balance

Mentally divide the table into three or four sections to help guide object placement and achieve visual balance.

Start with a Base

Use books or trays as foundational pieces to anchor and organise smaller decorative items.

Play with Height

Mix tall and low elements—like vases, candles, and stacked books—to add depth and dimension.

Keep It Cohesive

Since square tables offer more surface area, you’ll likely use more items—so stick to a consistent material and colour palette to avoid visual clutter.

Discover our NOMA Coffee Table

Oval

With Oval coffee tables, I like to keep things more structured. I usually keep things in line which works with follow 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.

Follow the Length

Arrange decor along the long axis of the table for a cleaner, more cohesive look—avoid styling too much across the width.

Use Elongated Anchors

Incorporate a long tray or large book that echoes the table’s shape. Position it either in line with or contrasting the direction of other objects for added interest.

Mix Up the Shapes

Combine round, organic, and sculptural forms with more linear or angular pieces to break up the symmetry and add contrast.

Group in Odd Numbers

Cluster items in groups of 3 or 5—odd numbers feel more natural and balanced, especially within a structured layout.

Discover our ELLIPSE Coffee Table

Triangle

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.

Follow the Angles

Place decor in line with the table’s edges to enhance its unique shape and create intentional flow.

Choose a Focal Piece

Anchor the arrangement with one strong, eye-catching item—like a sculptural vase, bowl, or candleholder.

Soften the Geometry

Offset the table’s sharp lines by introducing rounded or organic objects to add balance and visual interest.

Embrace Negative Space

Avoid over-styling. Leave breathing room to let the shape of the table stand out and maintain a clean look.

Discover our ASTRI Coffee Table Duo

Round

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.

Use a Triangular Layout

Arrange items in a loose triangle to create balance and visual harmony.

Echo the Curves

Choose round or curved objects—like bowls, candles, or vases—to complement the table’s shape.

Layer for Depth

Stack books, trays, or catchalls to add dimension and variation in height.

Embrace Negative Space

Leave breathing room around objects to maintain a clean, uncluttered look.

Discover our COSMOS Coffee Table

Nested

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.

Overlap the Tables

Let the tables intersect slightly to create a layered, connected composition.

Start with a Statement

Anchor the arrangement with one standout piece to draw the eye.

Balance the Heights

Use objects of different heights—especially placing taller items on the lower table—to visually link the surfaces.

Keep the Palette Cohesive

Stick to a consistent colour and material scheme to avoid a cluttered look and highlight the form of the tables.

Discover our OTTO Coffee Tables, designed to stand alone or nest.

LAUREN’S STYLING PICKS