What to Put on a Coffee Table Tray: 10 Designer-Approved Ideas

Your coffee table is the centerpiece of your living room, so why not make it shine? The secret to an expertly styled coffee table? A well-curated tray. It's the perfect way to corral your favorite decorative objects while keeping essentials handy.

If you're wondering what to put on your coffee table tray, look no further. We've rounded up 10 designer-approved ideas to help you create an eye-catching vignette that showcases your personal style. Get ready to elevate your living room decor!

1. Start with a Stack of Books

Every stylish coffee table needs a stack of attractive books. Not only do they provide a sturdy base for your décor, but they also add color, texture, and a sense of your interests to the tablescape.

Choose volumes with visually appealing covers in colors that complement your living room's palette. Opt for a range of sizes to create an interesting silhouette. You can go for a neatly aligned stack or artfully fan them out - either way, books are the perfect foundation piece.

2. Bring in Natural Elements

Want to breathe life into your living room? Incorporate organic objects into your coffee table tray. A vase of fresh flowers, a potted succulent, or a bowl of textural objects like pine cones or seashells adds a pop of nature to your space.

Plants and natural materials have a calming effect and can soften the hard lines of a modern space. Experiment with different heights - say, a tall branch in an earthenware vase next to a low bowl of moss balls. Mother Nature provides plenty of styling inspiration!

3. Add Height with Risers and Pedestals

Creating dimension is key to an engaging coffee table display. Risers and pedestals allow you to play with height, making your arrangement more dynamic and visually interesting.

Try stacking a few hardcover books and topping them with a decorative sphere or a potted plant. Or use a wooden tray to elevate a grouping of candles. These tactics draw the eye around your vignette and provide opportunities to layer in more décor.

4. Create Ambiance with Candles

Is there anything more inviting than the soft flicker of candlelight? Incorporating candles into your coffee table tray adds instant warmth and coziness to your living room.

Choose pillars in varying heights for a classic look or cluster together a trio of sculptural soy candles in sleek glass vessels. If you love a scented candle, make sure to select one with a subtle fragrance that won't overwhelm the space. The warm glow will make your tray feel extra luxe.

5. Include Meaningful Objects & Personal Touches

Your coffee table tray is the ideal place to display treasured items that tell your story. A framed photo from a favorite trip, a souvenir from your hometown, or an heirloom passed down from grandma - these personal pieces make your space feel uniquely you.

The key is to edit ruthlessly and choose just a few special pieces. Arrange them thoughtfully within your tray, making sure they harmonize with the other elements. These meaningful additions will make your living room feel collected and curated.

6. Corral Clutter in Stylish Containers

A coffee table tray isn't just for looks - it's the perfect vehicle for keeping your living room organized. Attractive boxes, bowls, and catchalls can hold everything from remote controls to matchbooks, keeping your tabletop tidy.

Opt for storage pieces that double as décor. A sleek brass box, a vintage wooden bowl, or a faceted crystal jar will elevate your essentials. By giving every item a designated spot, you'll maintain the integrity of your stylish vignette.

7. Style a Vignette with Decorative Accents

The most impactful coffee table trays mix objects with varying shapes, sizes, and materials to create an engaging little moment. Decorative accents like sculptures, vases, bookends, or even a magnifying glass can bring a ton of personality to your display.

To style like a pro, combine a few different elements - say, a statuesque object next to a horizontal book and a round trinket dish. Play with contrasting textures like rough stone against smooth metal or matte ceramics with shiny glass. The goal is a collected look that feels effortless.

8. Apply the Rule of Odds

There's a reason designers swear by groupings of three or five objects - odd numbers just feel more balanced and interesting to the eye. When in doubt, cluster your coffee table décor in trios.

Try a tall vase, a medium-sized decorative object, and a low stack of books. Or gather three objects with a common color or theme, like brass candlesticks in varying heights. These pleasing arrangements will make your coffee table tray look polished and pulled together.

9. Play with Scale & Proportion

A truly fascinating coffee table display incorporates objects of various sizes to create a sense of drama and importance. The interplay between petite, medium, and oversized items makes your vignette feel dynamic.

Anchor your tray with a large statement piece, like a bowl filled with spheres or a towering topiary. Then balance it out with a few smaller objects, like a mini dish or a slender bud vase. This mix of scales will make your arrangement pop.

10. Update with the Seasons

The easiest way to refresh your living room? Change up your coffee table tray with the calendar! Incorporating a few seasonal elements keeps your display feeling current and shows off your creativity.

In autumn, fill a bowl with mini pumpkins and tuck in a few fall leaves. When the holidays hit, add some sparkly ornaments or a festive candle. Spring is perfect for a pop of fresh flowers, while summer calls for seashells and coral. A few simple swaps make a big impact.

With these 10 designer-approved ideas, you'll be able to create a coffee table tray that rivals those picture-perfect vignettes on your Instagram feed. Mix and match the concepts that speak to you, then have fun arranging your décor.

A thoughtfully styled tray will anchor your living room, spark conversation, and make you smile every time you walk by. So go ahead and play with different combinations - your perfect coffee table moment awaits!