How to style your sideboard and coffee table?

You know that feeling when a room just works? It’s not only because of the sofa or the wall colour. It’s also  the smaller things; the way surfaces are styled, how the accessories feel like they belong there without looking too perfect. Two places where this really shows? Your sideboard and coffee table. They’re right in the middle of things, often the first thing you see when you walk in. And when they’re not styled well, the whole room feels unfinished.

The good news? Styling these surfaces isn’t complicated. You just need a few simple tricks to make them look effortless (without it looking like you tried too hard).

Start with a plan

Before you grab every candle and vase you own, think about how you use the surface. A coffee table probably does double duty as a place to put your coffee (surprise), drop your keys, or rest your feet. A sideboard? Sure, it’s there to store things. Behind those closed doors, you can hide all sorts of practical bits—plates, paperwork, extra candles you’re not ready to part with. But that doesn’t mean the top of it should be an afterthought. Just because it’s useful doesn’t mean it can’t look good.

Think of the surface as the space where you bring a little personality back in. It’s the balance between function on the inside, and something beautifully put-together on the outside.

Layer it up

Flat surfaces need depth. If everything is the same height, it feels a little lifeless. The trick? Vary the heights and sizes of the objects you place there. Start with something tall, like a lamp or a vase with branches. Then balance it out with something medium-sized, and finish with something smaller. It’s a simple formula that works every time, whether you’re styling a sideboard, a coffee table, or even a shelf.

Mix shapes, materials and textures

A mix of textures makes a space feel considered rather than overly coordinated. If your sideboard or table is sleek, bring in something rougher or organic - a wooden bowl, a ceramic vase, a woven basket. If the piece already has a lot of texture, soften it with smooth objects in glass or metal. And shapes matter too: combine clean lines with curves to keep it interesting. It stops everything feeling too stiff.

Stick to a colour story

Here’s where it often goes wrong: people add accessories that don’t connect to anything else in the space. Instead, take cues from what’s already in the room. Pull in colours from your walls, rug, cushions, or artwork. If you’ve got warm, earthy tones going on, repeat those on your surfaces. It doesn’t need to match perfectly. In fact, it shouldn’t - but repeating tones creates a thread that ties the whole space together.

Use trays to create order

A tray or board is your best friend when styling any surface. It grounds a group of objects, makes the whole arrangement feel intentional, and adds another layer of texture. Plus, if you need to clear the coffee table for pizza night, you can move everything in one go. Practical and pretty.

Group

Accessories look better grouped than scattered. And grouping things in odd numbers - three, five, … - always works. It just feels right to the eye. Group objects of varying heights, and don’t be afraid to keep them close together. A cluster feels intentional. Spread too thin, and it starts to look accidental.  

Bring in something green

Every surface needs a little life. Whether it’s a vase with fresh branches, dried flowers, or even a small potted plant, greenery softens the arrangement and keeps things from feeling static. If you’re not the plant type, no shame. A bunch of dried eucalyptus will do the job.

Leave some space

And finally - the hardest part - know when to stop. Not every inch needs to be filled. Leaving space makes everything feel calmer and more considered. It gives the statement pieces room to breathe and makes your styling feel effortless rather than forced.

Ready to give it a go?

Take a look at your sideboard or coffee table and start experimenting. Move things around, step back, and see what works. Styling isn’t about following strict rules, it’s about playing until it feels right for you.

Need a hand finding pieces that fit your space? Drop by La Fabrika - we’ll help you pull it all together (and yes, there’s coffee).

Spotted something you’d love in your own home?

You can find all the pieces we used here. Easy.