How to Curate a Coffee Table That Tells Your Story
There’s so much more to a coffee table than it being the centrepiece of your living room; in fact, a coffee table is very similar to the type of clothes you wear. It’s not as flashy as a wardrobe overhaul, or as intentional as your ‘skincare shelfie’, but it’s there, sitting in the middle of your living room, offering up clues about who you are before you even utter a word.
Over the years, I’ve come to see and appreciate that the coffee table is not just décor, but a kind of emotional resume.
One that whispers things about your energy, your aspirations, your inner world. Whether it's curated within an inch of its life or dotted with crumbs from last night’s midnight snack, it means something.
I don’t have a coffee table. Not yet, anyway. But I often imagine mine. I know exactly what it would look like. I can see the low, matte surface in a soft caramel oak or maybe a lacquered cream, oversized with clean edges.
There’d be a weighty coffee table book or two—maybe The New Black Vanguard and an architectural digest from the 90s with Kate Moss in it.
A cut crystal ashtray, not because I smoke, but because it’s decadent. A fresh bouquet, minimalist but never modest. Something about a coffee table—even an imagined one—makes you crystallise the version of yourself you’re in the process of becoming.
That’s what this post is really about. Not just coffee tables. But the lives we’re crafting. The silent details that whisper something louder than words ever could.
In this blog, we’ll explore the subtle art of coffee table storytelling.
This isn’t a Pinterest-perfect guide with cream-and-beige everything. We’re looking beneath the surface into intention, intimacy, and the aesthetics of identity.
The Coffee Table as Self-Portrait
Walk into a home and glance at the coffee table. You’ll know if the person reads for pleasure. You’ll know if they’re secretly a minimalist or maximalist. You’ll know if they light candles to relax or to reset.
A coffee table is a physical moodboard, one we don’t give nearly enough credit.
Here’s what your coffee table might be saying (and what mine would say when I get it):
1. “I romanticise my life.”
On this table, you’ll find:
A taper candle in a sculptural holder
A vintage brass tray with palo santo and a lighter from a niche brand
A single croissant on a little plate because snacks should always be elevated
This table belongs to the woman who turns her Sunday mornings into rituals. Who believes in soft power. She may not be that into design, but she is into moments. Her table reflects her mood, not just her taste.
2. “I love looking for inspiration.”
On this table, you’ll find:
A stack of books that haven’t been read front to back (but the spines are very intentional)
Notes scribbled on coasters or tucked inside covers
A half-drunk espresso and a ceramic incense holder
This is the home of the thinker. The person who collects quotes, not things. Who may change their throw pillows based on their current philosophy? You won’t find clutter here, but you will find layers.
3. “I’m building a brand, not just a home.”
On this table, you’ll find:
A curated candle in a scent that matches their Instagram grid
Branded coasters, probably custom-made
A hard copy of their own eBook or course workbook left “casually” open
This woman is intentional. She may not use her living room much, but the coffee table always looks ready for a shoot, you’ll see it pop up on her Instagram feed. It’s not just a surface—it’s a signal. And she knows exactly how to use it.
Designing Your Table: A Guide to Style with Intention
If you already have a coffee table—or you're calling one in like me—here are some elements that truly elevate the space and tell a story worth listening to.
Books that Reflect Who You Are Becoming
Choose 2–3 hardcover books that speak to your evolution. Not just pretty covers, but content that excites you. Think: photography, fashion history, travel, architecture, or even psychology.
An Object with Weight
Every table needs a statement piece—an objet d’art, a marble knot, a heavy ashtray, a tiny sculpture. Something that looks like it’s lived a life before arriving here.
A Signature Scent
Scent memory is real. Choose one candle or incense that feels like “home.” Light it often. Let it imprint the room with calm and clarity.
A Bit of Nature
Fresh flowers, yes, but don’t go with the obvious too quickly, they don’t always have to be roses or peonies. Try eucalyptus, thistle, or even a single oversized tropical leaf in a clear vase.
Something Personal
A handwritten note from a friend. A vintage photo of your grandmother. A tiny trinket from a solo trip. These are the anchors of authenticity.
Finally…
In the end, your coffee table doesn’t need to be expensive or perfectly styled. It just needs to be you.
And if like me, you don’t own one yet, let that be part of your story.
Let it be a reminder that becoming is a process. That every beautiful surface starts with a vision.
And that luxury, the real kind—the kind rooted in self-awareness and desire—isn’t bought. It’s built.
So, maybe we’re not just talking about furniture.
Maybe we’re talking about identity.
And maybe, just maybe, the table you style is the life you’re finally ready to live.
Live in Luxury
If you’re looking for more ways to infuse everyday moments with elegance, ease, and intention, The Luxury Handbook was made for you.
Here you’ll find your go-to guide for romanticising your routine, building aesthetic rituals, and elevating your lifestyle one choice at a time.
You don’t have to wait for your dream life to begin. You can start with the surface you’re sitting next to.
Pay it forward
The world only gets better when we share what we know. Share this with someone who you think would benefit from seeing it.
