How to Style a Round Coffee Table or Ottoman

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is helping clients create spaces that are both functional and beautiful. One piece of furniture that often becomes the focal point of a living area is the round coffee table or ottoman. Styling this piece effectively can elevate the look of your space and bring harmony to your room, but most people find the round shape hard to style. I use a three-step approach: base, fill, and thrill. Here’s a guide to help you style your round coffee table or ottoman at home like a pro.

  1. Base: The Foundation

The base is the starting point of your styling process. This involves selecting a key item that anchors your arrangement. For a coffee table or ottoman, this could be a tray or a large decorative bowl. A common mistake is trying to place a square or rectangular tray/bowl on a round ottoman. The base needs to follow the shape of the table or ottoman below it, otherwise it will look awkward, and the attention will be on this disconnect. The base serves as the foundation upon which you build your design, so it is important it marries with the table or ottoman. In our photo example, we used this ottoman from Design Within Reach and added an oversized round bowl similar to this one from Wayfair. Make sure the bowl or tray isn’t too large or too small. There should be some space around the edges for you to put your feet up or place down a glass or cup.

A decorative tray can also help to organize smaller items and create a cohesive look. Opt for a tray that complements the color scheme and contrasts the material of your table. Metal, wood, or acrylic trays can all work, depending on your style. In this case we contrasted a light ceramic bowl on a dark ottoman. We also love this leather tray and would choose a dark-coloured tray to go against a lighter-coloured ottoman. 

  1. Fill: The Main Elements

Once the base is in place, it’s time to add the fill—items that enhance the visual appeal and functionality of your table or ottoman. These pieces should build upon the foundation and create interest. A large coffee table book (or two) adds a touch of sophistication and can also serve as a pedestal for other decorative items. In our example, we used this book by Architectural Digest because of its size, neutral-coloured cover and sophisticated content. 

When selecting items for the fill, consider the balance between functional and decorative elements. Aim for a variety of textures and a generous size to create visual interest while providing a layer on which you can add thrilling decorative items (the next step). 

  1. Thrill: The Finishing Touches

The thrill refers to the final details that elevate your styling from good to great. These are the finishing touches that add a touch of personality and finesse.

A candle can add warmth and a touch of elegance. Opt for candles that match or complement the colours of your base. Something that smells wonderful doesn’t hurt either. We love this one from Minted for its colour, size and smell. 

A vase with fresh or faux flowers can introduce a new height to the grouping and adding a natural element helps warm up the arrangement. Choose a vase that suits the scale of your table or ottoman. It shouldn’t take up more than half of the surface of the full base below it. We chose a small white, rounded vase similar to this one from Eternity Modern, and filled it with faux hydrangeas like these ones from Amazon. Finally, adding a small decorative object can bring personality and visual interest to the arrangement. Mix textures and shapes for a dynamic look. In this case we added marble links, similar to these ones from Minted. The thrill elements should feel intentional and curated. They are the details that make your table or ottoman uniquely yours and elevate the overall look.

If you want to change up your styling with the seasons, the base and fill can remain the same while the thrill items are swapped out to suit the mood. In spring, fresh flowers and pastel accents might work, while in fall, you might opt for warmer tones and rich textures. 

 

Styling a round coffee table or ottoman involves balancing functionality with aesthetics. By focusing on the base, fill, and thrill, you can create a cohesive and visually engaging arrangement. With these steps, your coffee table or ottoman will not only serve its purpose but also become a beautiful feature in your living area.