Refinery29
9 Very Cool Coffee-Table Ideas We Spotted On Instagram
As our lifestyles have pivoted away from on-the-go to outside to couch-bound inside, social media has followed suit. Translation: we’re seeing a little less what’s-in-my-bag and a little more what’s-on-my-coffee-table. Our homes are now working overtime, and one of their most highly trafficked areas just so happens to be our living rooms: it’s an office; a favorite neighborhood restaurant; the go-to nail salon. And, since these spaces are getting so much extra love, we decided to pull a little Instagram inspiration on how to best zhuzh them up without buying a bunch of new furniture — and we landed on the coffee table.Setting your living space up for new multi-functioning success can either be as complex as picking out a new loveseat or as easy as purchasing a throw blanket. But, in the interest of striking a balance, we decided to go the cool coffee-table decor route. After scouring the trending depths of Instagram’s most stylish and functional coffee-table snapshots, we picked up nine stellar ideas: from mid-century modern sculptures to quirky candle pairings and colorful book stacks. Ahead, browse the easy-yet-elevated decor hacks that will make your coffee table sing. At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.Experiment with neutral colors and texture pairings… Coffee table arrangements that use varying neutral hues with mixed textures are currently circulating across social media — think sandy woods, deep matte blacks, and soft marbled grays. Try experimenting on your own surface by pairing a soft palette with rough material for an easy pop of elevated simplicity.Threshold Decorative Paulownia Wood Bowl Beige, $, available at Targetvillacera Handcrafted Glazed Bamboo Bottle Neck Vase, $, available at Home DepotWorld Market White Marble Hexagon Coasters Set of 4, $, available at Cost Plus World MarketPlay with pastels…Our favorite influencers are embracing pink, green, and lavender — and we can totally see why. The combination of colors evokes a nostalgic, peaceful vibe within the home. Mix and match funky candles with muted bouquets and glassware. Ontwerpduo Tallow Standing Taper Candle, $, available at Urban OutfittersBloomingville Bloomingville Stout Clear Glass Vase, $, available at AmazonLex Pott Twist Candle, $, available at Coming SoonOrganize your chaos…There’s something about a curated space that still looks lived in — we don’t want our homes to resemble a showroom. Follow Molly’s thought process with multiple stems, blooms, silhouettes, and retro colors. Urban Outfitters Glass Taper Candle Holder, $, available at Urban OutfittersMuuto Light Blue Kink Vase, $, available at TrouvaBoy Smells Kush Candle Variety Pack, $, available at ShopbopPlay with statement-making ceramics…Quirky ceramics or statement-making sculptural items are a surefire way to enhance the unique detail in any living space. These tiny ones are able to be stored away and swapped out, depending on the mood and season. EverDreamCraft Ceramic Butt Vase, $, available at EtsyDoiy Girl Power Raised Female Fist Ceramic Vase, $, available at AmazonOhemaaJewellery Ceramic Torso Sculpture, $, available at EtsyLayer in modern-minimalist accents…If you’re like me, you love clean lines and coordinating hues. Matching book stacks tonal hues will suffice when teamed with plants and your favorite candle for a modern-minimalist effect. The Sill Echeveria Preta, $, available at The SillEero Saarinen Saarinen Basic Art Series 2.0 Book, $, available at AmazonProject 62 Acacia Serving Tray, $, available at TargetEmbrace splashes of vivid colors…What better way to liven up a living space than with vivid colors? Nothing we can think of! Embrace Tamu’s bright personality with color-popped vases and playful bouquets. You’ll instantly feel happier as soon as you come home. Color Life Dried Pampas Grass (Deep Purple), $, available at AmazonRhapsody Studio Ceramic Vases, Half Round, $, available at AmazonUrban Stems The Jennifer Flowers, $, available at Urban StemsAdd dishes or ashtrays… If you want your space to be both functional and fashion-forward, add a few sophisticated catch-all dishes that work as storage for tiny items — preferably in standout textiles like marble, ceramic, or cement. Place your candles and matchsticks atop each so everything has a place. Fleur De Lis Living Ransome Marble Round Soap Dish, $, available at WayfairCB2 Santi White Marbleized Tray, $, available at CB2Build your own bookstore… If you’re a writer, reader, or poem lover then chances are you probably own a lot of novels and magazines. Instead of stacking them all on a stow-away bookshelf, opt for your coffee table. A plethora of coffee-table books looks perfect all stacked upon one another. E. Lawrence Ltd. E. Lawrence Ltd. 4 Piece Art Quote Stack Decorative Book Set, $, available at WayfairSerena and lily Coffee Table Book Set, $, available at Serena and LilyFashion it into a dining table…Let’s face it: not all of us have enough space for a full-blown dining room table. Instead of eating over your lap on the sofa, opt for a coffee table that doubles as a dining room. Serve yours with fun cutting boards and serving trays. Sur La Table Marble and Wood Serving Paddle, $, available at Sur La TableAnthropologie Lustered Wine Glasses, $, available at AnthropolgieWilliams-Sonoma Marble Salt Box, $, available at Williams-SonomaLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?R29ers Try Our All New Home Decor Line38 Clever Items That Will Open Up Your Small Space9 Instagram-Inspired Ideas For Your Bedroom-Office