How to Style an Oversized Coffee Table
In luxury coastal homes, oversized coffee tables serve more than just function—they ground the room, anchor conversation, and offer a visual snapshot of your home’s personality. At Emily Moss Designs, we believe that styling a coffee table should feel effortless, intentional, and deeply connected to the home's environment.
But styling a large coffee table can be intimidating. How do you fill the space without it feeling cluttered or chaotic? How do you maintain a cohesive look while still making it feel organic and layered?
Here’s our detailed guide to styling an oversized coffee table the EMD way.
1. Anchor with a Rug
Before you even place the first object, ensure your oversized table is grounded with a rug that complements the space. A vintage-washed, ocean-toned rug—like the one featured in our Anna Maria Island project—sets the tone for relaxed elegance. Muted blues, soft ivories, and weathered textures work beautifully in a coastal home and help visually balance the table’s size.
2. Create Styling Zones
Oversized coffee tables offer room to tell a story—but they need structure. Mentally divide the table into quadrants or thirds, depending on the size and shape. This prevents items from feeling randomly placed and gives each section a curated purpose—whether it’s a stack of books, a sculptural object, or a floral moment.
3. Curate Coffee Table Books That Reflect Your Lifestyle
Coffee table books are design gold. Choose a few oversized, linen-bound or visually rich books that align with your home’s vibe—interior design, coastal travel, fine art, or architecture are always favorites. Stack them in pairs or trios and top them with a decorative object like a marble knot or shell accent.
Bonus: books help define levels, making it easy to style upward without blocking sight lines.
4. Layer in Height, Texture, and Natural Elements
To avoid a flat or one-note look, you need variety in height and material. Start with one or two tall anchors, like a textured ceramic vase or oversized planter with organic greenery. We love using live or faux greenery or dried palm leaves that nod to the coastal surroundings.
Then, add medium-height objects like a small sculptural piece or bowl, and anchor everything with a few low-profile elements—stacked books, a candle, or a linen-covered box. Think: wood, rattan, glass, ceramic, and stone for that layered, lived-in luxury.
Want to see how we style in real-time?
Watch our designer Emily walk through her favorite oversized coffee table styling tips in this exclusive behind-the-scenes video: