Styling is like the icing and decor on top of a buttery cupcake. Without that final touch, the dessert will still taste good, but it won’t look complete or inviting.

Similarly, styling makes a home look and feel complete by creating warmth, improving the aesthetics of the room and elevating both mental and physical health. Yes, comfort, wellness, and personalization are key components of styling your home.

I’ve already shared some expert tips about styling and decorating bookshelves, and today, I’m focusing on items like coffee tables, trays, consoles, credenzas, and sideboards. Here’s what I suggest…

Tip #1: Create Dimension with Groupings

When styling pieces like tables and consoles, it is best to create groupings. Your ideal strategy will be to do so in odd numbers (e.g. 3, 5, 7), like this grouping of three vases above, but use your best judgment. Your eyes know what looks pleasing.

Accessories, vases, and plants are great pieces to use for styling. Or, you could stack books, layer in art, or add other organic elements like baskets.

Tip #2: Diversify Your Items for Balance & Interest

You have your groupings. Now, it’s important to make sure they are perfectly balanced in height, visual weight, texture, and color. Variation is key. For height, it is imperative to arrange your decor pieces at different eye levels, like the example above. Using books, stacking boxes, and placing art behind your groupings are other great ways to build height and scale.

For varied texture, introducing a natural and/or organic element, such as a plant and/or a stone bowl, helps to bring life into your design. You could also add a piece with some shine, such as a lamp, glass bottle, or mirror, which is great for adding luster. Lastly, don’t forget to include color.

Tip #3: Consider Both Symmetrical & Asymmetrical Arrangements

When styling your groupings on a table or console, it is important not to add too many pieces. Stick to a smaller number of groups for narrow consoles and coffee tables. As far as placement goes, you can absolutely create beautiful designs by mixing in both symmetry and asymmetry as long you create smaller groupings that are well-balanced. Typically, symmetry creates a more put-together and sophisticated space, while asymmetry creates a livelier and more active space. The important part is that it all feels balanced, inviting your eye to linger over the entire scene.

For example, if you have heavier pieces, such as stacks of books or boxes on one side, try to balance that visual weight with something of larger scale on the other side, such as a large piece of art, a picture frame, or a lamp. Other decor pieces such as vases, crystals, candles, etc. can be added as fillers within sections based on their size and height.

Looking for more home design and decorating tips you can take action on right away? Signup for our newsletter below and get your FREE checklist To Pull Your Home Together as my gift to you!

Warmly,
Celeste