Coffee table styling made simple
The coffee table serves as a central hub, viewed from all seating angles. Styling it effectively is crucial to maintain the cosy, casual, welcoming atmosphere of your Casa.
Style is Sensory: Listen to Your Senses
Add Texture (Rustic Coastal): Prioritize natural, rustic textures. Think rough-sawn wood trays, linen or cotton coasters, woven grass mats, or natural stone elements. Avoid overly glossy or synthetic finishes.
Add Colour (Soft Neutral Tones): Use soft, neutral colors that blend with your room palette. The table objects should be muted whites, creams, light tans, and soft grey-blues (if blue is a theme). Use small pops of colour only in natural elements (e.g., a dried flower or a book spine).
Think Purposefully (Function): Ensure the items you choose still allow the coffee table to fulfill its primary purpose: holding drinks, reading material, or feet! Leave at least half the table surface clear.
Applying the "Rule of Thirds" to the Tabletop
Instead of cluttering the entire surface, group your decor into a single, cohesive arrangement of three elements, varying size and texture to create visual interest.
Note on Grouping:You use a cluster of three elements (Focal, Middle, Low) placed on a Foundation piece. The three main functional items here are Books, Candles/Vase, and a Small Coastal Accent.
Direction and Perspective
Check from All Angles: Since your coffee table is central, sit on the sofa, a nearby armchair, and even stand in the doorway. Does the arrangement look balanced from every perspective?
Avoid Obstruction: Ensure the Focal Point (tallest item) doesn't completely block the view between seated guests. Keep it relatively narrow or use open items like candle holders.
This approach ensures your coffee table tells a quiet, cohesive story that matches the feel of your Casa.
Tell Your Story: Sentiment and Signature Pieces
Your home should be a reflection of you—a place where style allows for sentiment. At Casa de Carlingford, the Rustic Coastal theme is brought to life through signature pieces that have their own story, creating a rich contrast between old and new.
Describe Your Home: Rustic Coastal
The core identity of your space—Rustic Coastal—is defined by the blend of materials:
Rustic: Evoked through the use of vintage items (like a distressed wooden bowl) and natural textures (wicker, rough linen).
Coastal: Defined by a soft, neutral palette (whites, tans, sandy neutrals) and clear, uncluttered design that suggests openness and light.
Signature Pieces: Contrasting Old and New
The key to telling your story is using vintage items that have their own story, placing them in contrast with new, modern pieces.
The Result: Cosy, Casual, Welcoming
By intentionally mixing these pieces—a contemporary item next to an antique find—you achieve:
Sentiment: The vintage pieces make the space feel deeply personal and lived-in.
Clarity: The Find a place for everything principle ensures these sentimental items are curated and displayed purposefully, leading to a space where Clarity brings freedom and joy.
Feel: The ultimate result is a home that instantly feels cosy, casual, and welcoming because it is layered with meaningful objects that tell your unique story.
