15 Coffee Table Styling Ideas to Steal from Instagram

Design Makers + Breakers: Lights

Many designers will say that harsh overhead lighting is a common faux pas. It creates unnecessary shadows and can feel sterile and aggressive.

This TikTok audio is usually accompanied by stunning shots of romantically-lit homes, low-light lamps, decorative lights, and dreamy interiors. The trend points to an important lesson in interior design: lighting matters.

All over TikTok, people are adding small lamps in places they need a little extra light like the kitchen counter, bathroom vanity, and bedrooms. So is overhead lighting out and small lamps back?

First, let’s discuss the different types of lighting each room needs and why they’re important.

​Types of Lighting Each Room Needs

There are three main types of lighting that each room needs: ambient, accent, and task.

Ambient

Ambient is usually overhead, like that annoying one on your fan, but could also be recessed lighting, chandeliers, or sconces. While these kinds of lights are needed for general purpose, the trick is to make them dimmable. Having control over just how bright your ambience lights are, and having the ability to adjust based on the time of day makes all the difference.

Accent

Accent lighting is also important for creating cozy spaces within a room, for example, defining the living room from the dining room. Think little, table lamps, and picture, track, and up lights. They are used to highlight a specific piece of art or accompany a sitting area.

Task

Lastly, task lighting is just what it sounds like: lights you use when doing something specific. For example, the lights above your bathroom sink, pendants over the kitchen island, or a standing lamp next to your favorite reading chair. These are usually necessary aside from your design skills.

The key is to have a mixture of these three light sources. They each have their own role and add to the ambiance of a space. Most homes inherently have ambient lighting. When you move in, they’re there. And most people add task lighting for essential light where you need it. But accent lighting is often overlooked.

The Trendy Little Lamp

Which brings us back to the trendy “little lamp.” Those small, vintage-style lamps on kitchen counters, bedside tables, or playrooms are the accent lighting addition all of our homes have been craving. It rounds out the room and completes the dynamic design. No wonder we love them.

And perhaps after three years of living in our homes non-stop, we’ve learned the power of romanticizing one’s life. Turning in for the night and “closing the kitchen” by the light of a small lamp is infinitely more appealing than the horror of full light on the situation. The low lighting calls for more intimacy and a slower pace.

​Why You Need One

Creating rituals in your home is what will make you feel centered and connected to it. The simple act of going around to turn lights on or off can signal something more than just the need for light: the starting or ending of a work day, a beloved nighttime tradition, or the peace of knowing sleep is coming soon. Like making yourself a special drink to unwind or playing your favorite comfort TV show, keeping just the little lamps on can be a similar treat after a long day.

Plus, these lamps are so affordable. The small size and basic structure makes them unremarkable and easy to find. I’ve thrifted a few for under $15 and found some favorites on Amazon for under $50. If you’re looking for a classic pleated lampshade, this one is a gem.

Look around your home and ask yourself, what type of lighting do I have in here? Odds are, you’re missing one.

Coffee Table Books

Assouline Amalfi Coast Book ($105)

Embellish your coffee table with a bold, eye-catching book cover. This edition meets you at the Amalfi coast, showcasing the region's geographical marvels and finest restaurants, so you can start planning your next vacation right from the couch. Assouline produces dozens of books that display even more international destinations for you to pick from.

The Parklands: Trails and Secrets from the National Parks of the United States ($55)

Further fuel your wanderlust with this coffee table book focused on America's National Parks. The pages take you along a tour of the country's best regions to explore. You and your guests alike will certainly learn something new about the great outdoors as you flip through.

Home Bar: Over 60 Cocktails to Shake, Muddle and Stir at Home by Andy Clarke ($20)

This coffe table book is appealing and practical. The colorful, blocky illustrations pull you into the wonderful world of at-home bartending. Let your guests pick their drink from list book of 60+ cocktails, and you won't have to worry about finding a helpful guide to start shaking and muddling.

Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style ($87)

Obsessed with the Architectural Digest Open Door videos? Us too! This book embodies the beloved series, this time on paper. Each page gives a peek into the homes of well-known figures, from the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright to Barack and Michelle Obama. Top your coffee table with this collection of easy-to-access home decor inspo.

1,000 Record Covers ($25)

Music never fails to evoke fond memories of the past. This coffee table book is your complete companion for nights full of reminiscing with friends. Flip through the albums, and prepare to get sappy about your favorite songs.

Candles and Holders

UO Laurel Single Taper Candle Holder ($22)

This 2-in-1 candle and incense holder is the ideal coffee table decoration because the organic tray shape keeps things visually interesting, while the holder itself serves a useful double purpose. Smoke off your favorite incense scents while illuminating your space with a cute taper candle.

Uncommon Goods Blown Glass Mushroom Cap Candle ($55)

Style a coffee table centerpiece worth treasuring. This hand-blown mushroom vessel houses a moss-scented candle that you can light to unwind in the evenings. Although, this pick is so charming, it might be hard to bring a match to it.

54º Celsius Twist Candle ($50)

Set this funky candle beside an aesthetically pleasing match box so you can illuminate your room in a flash. The winding wax design is decorative enough to look stunning, even when the wick isn't lit.

UO Carmella Small Glass 6 oz Candle ($20)

Decorating your coffee table with colorful glass candles is an easy way to elevate the tablescape. The glass is attractive because of its hand-blown construction, and the bubble-like shape makes things chic. If you're craving a little something extra for your cozy dwelling, set out a few smaller candles like this one.

Pacific Jade Feminist Sayings Variety Pack ($60)

Can't resist a fresh scent? This soy candle duo fills your living room with a Sea of Sage and swells of Golden Vanilla. The neutral, minimal design makes styling your coffee table with these candles truly effortless. Plus, your purchase benefits charitable organizations that advocate for women's rights.

The Floral Society Copper Incense Holder ($36)

Spark up a savory scent and easily put it on display in an incense holder. Don a section of your coffee table with this minimalist design and a bunch of incense sticks for an access to a relaxing post-work ritual.

Paddywax Candles Realm Candle ($23)

The wide base on this candle serves as a coffee table centerpiece of sorts. Bask in the warm glow of this bamboo-scented candle during a low-key night in. Once the wax is used up, you can upcycle the glass container for a special catchall tray!

Coffee Table Trays and Catchalls

Iridescent Perfume Tray ($20)

This vibrant storage tray can hold your candles, coasters, and more when they're not being used. The acrylic material makes this pick an absolutely breeze to clean. Snag this pick if your coffee table space needs a dose of color!

Schoolhouse Everyday Tray - Rectangle ($18)

This catchall tray goes beyond storing your coffee table accessories. It can be your new central spot for accumulating mail and miscellaneous paperwork. You can also use it as a serving tray for some delicious finger foods! Peek at the enticing colors and sizes this design comes in to accomodate your desired space!

Bell Manufacturing Onda Tray ($150)

If your coffee table is a high-traffic area for other activities, this functional design is a must-have. The handles on each side make it easy to lift out of the way, if needed. The tray is crafted out of metal, so it's easy to keep clean and can withstand the normal wear and tear.

Steven Bukowksi Scape Trays ($100)

This adaptable design makes our inner child happy. The simple, primary color palette and funky metal trims feel extremely playful, yet the trays are useful in storing miscellaneous house items. Divide the set up to organize every room in the house, or keep them united for a stackable look.

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Round 16" Metal Decor Tray ($35)

This neutral colorway pairs well with any coffee table decor or interior style. The tray keeps things simple, and the side handles definitely streamline the decorating process.

UO Icon Catch-All Dish ($10)

This dish is your BFF for catching the jewelry you shed after the work day. The design comes in five different colors to suit your space's vibe! Pop it on your coffee table next to a luxurious candle to keep things organized and polished.

Coffee Table Coasters

homEdge Vinyl Record Coasters ($9)

Give these guys a spin on your coffee table! These vinyl coasters are ideal for an eclectic addition, and appeal to music lovers all around. They lay the perfect foundation for your ice-cold drinks and cans!

Uncommon Goods Hand-Dyed Zodiac Coasters ($14)

Ponder the stars amid this stitched set of zodiac coasters! They'll make a home on your coffee table in no time. Your besties can reserve their star sign each time they visit to keep their drink cozy, and your table ring-free.

MoMA Design Store Geo Stacking Coasters ($30)

These coasters greet your coffee table guests with a lively color palette. Each design differs from the other, so you can easily distinguish between drinks. The silicone material makes these coasters simple to clean, and provides a unique tactile experience, if you just need to fidget with something. Give your glass nothing but the best!

Graf Lantz Felt Coasters ($24)

These felt coasters catch all the condensation, without staining or feeling wet. They also supply a healthy pop of color to refresh your coffee table. The collection of pinks and purples are to die for, but you can also snag these in blue hues.

Fish Design by Gaetano Pesce Set of 2 Table-Mates Small ($30)

These handmade resin coasters burst out in 9 different color pairings to accompany every evening sip. Their funky shape plays well with any space, as long as you like accents that deliver a quirky aesthetic.

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

• Gifts for Him
• Gifts for Her
• Gifts for Foodies
• DIY + Handmade Gifts
• White Elephant Gifts
• Gift Sets

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!