The coffee table is often the centerpiece of a living room, bringing together seating areas and providing a surface for books, remotes, drinks and more.
With its central location, your coffee table deserves special attention when it comes to styling.
Square coffee tables in particular present an interesting styling opportunity.
Their shape lends itself well to creating orderly, geometric displays.
But squares can also feel boxy or uninspired if styled incorrectly.
The key is to think outside the “box” and discover creative ways to style your square coffee table that feel fresh and modern.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Go Geometric with Trays and Boxes
One of the simplest ways to play up the geometric shape of your square coffee table is by topping it with square or rectangular trays and storage boxes.
Opt for lacquered, metal and wood trays in varying sizes that fit neatly within the footprint of your table.
Stack them at different heights to create dimension.
Fill trays with decorative objects like candles, small sculptures or ceramic vases.
Or use trays to corral smaller items like coasters, TV remotes and cell phones so they don’t clutter the tabletop.
Multi- compartment organizer trays are great for hiding away unsightly cords.
Square or rectangular jewelry boxes, catchall boxes and lidded containers also make eye-catching decorative additions that pop against the square table.
Metallic finishes like gold, silver and copper provide shine while natural wood finishes introduce warmth.
Creating neat and orderly geometric displays with trays and boxes is an easy way to play up the square shape of your coffee table.
The repetition of squares and rectangles gives a tailored, sophisticated feel.
Overlap Rectangular Trays for Interest
While stacking square trays neatly within the table’s footprint is one option, don’t be afraid to let trays overlap one another for a more dynamic look.
Use elongated rectangular trays and position them so they overlap at different angles.
This creates asymmetry and dimension while still complementing the square shape.
Angling trays filled with books, plants or other decorative objects creates a more casual vignette with visual interest.
Try combining differently sized and colored trays – metallic with wood, black with white.
Varying the shapes and finishes creates contrast and a collage-like effect around the base square shape.
Let some trays hang over the edges of the table to soften the edges.
The overlapping rectangular trays break up the rigid square shape, yet still maintain continuity with their shared geometric shape.
Layer Textures with Baskets
In place of open trays, try topping your coffee table with lidded baskets in natural textures like rattan, bamboo and seagrass.
The visible weave of these materials provides visual interest and warmth against the hard edges of a square.
Start by placing a larger basket centrally to frame the table, then surround it with smaller ones to build up layers.
Choose baskets in tones like tan, brown and grey for a neutral palette.
Or go bold with black or navy blue.
Fill baskets with blankets, magazines, extra throw pillows or coffee table books to create soft texture and fullness.
Complementary tones and textures will make the baskets feel integrated.
You can also use decorative glass or ceramic pieces to anchor the baskets with some shine and weight.
The layers of natural texture from the baskets paired with the solid shape of the glass or ceramic objects plays up the geometric qualities of the square.
Get Creative with Books
Coffee table books are a popular decorative accessory for good reason – their colorful spines and substantial shapes are eye-catching.
But square tables allow for even more creativity when styling books.
A single large book or stack of oversized coffee table books can hold court in the center of the table, especially if related to the room’s theme, like architecture or travel.
Lean books horizontally or vertically against each other or prop open for a sculptural effect.
Books can also be arranged in tidy stacks, rows or grids across the surface of a square table, almost like building blocks.
A pair of bookends at either end of a row adds symmetry.
Black, white or metallic books make the most graphic impact against a square.
For a playful variation, arrange books in diamond, pyramid or crisscross shapes.
Let them overlap each other to break up the rigidness.
Any arrangement with sharp angles or strong lines will complement a square.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Get Graphic with Monochrome
Sometimes the simplest approach is the most stylish.
For a minimalist look, go monochrome with your coffee table decor.
Choose one color scheme and stick to items in the same color family for a graphic, cohesive look.
All-white is a popular monochrome choice because it feels light and bright.
A white ceramic vase holds white blooms and greenery.
White ceramic bowls hold white river rocks or seashells.
Distressed white ceramic planters hold leafy green plants for subtle color contrast.
Gradation of white tones provides visual interest.
Black and white is another classic color scheme.
Try black and white photography books, candles, antiqued boxes, and moonstone decor for a retro modern feel.
Other colors like navy blue with lighter blue accents, forest green with lime green highlights, and metallic like bronze, silver and gold also create cohesive, graphic impact on a square coffee table.
Go for Round Accents
While most pieces on a square table will have straight lines and geometric shapes, the occasional round accent breaks things up in an appealing, asymmetrical way.
Circular trays, bowls, containers and vases help soften the rigid square edges and create fluid contrast.
Mercury glass, ceramic and acrylic pieces catch and reflect light for luminous accent.
A bold glass bowl filled with brightly colored fruit, eucalyptus, flowers or decorative balls makes an eye-catching centerpiece.
Place rounded ceramic vases at opposite corners to frame the table.
Hammered metal bowls in gold, silver or copper provide shine.
Dotting circular accents around the central square gives a lively yet balanced feel.
The mix of round and square shapes plays up the table’s geometry while adding an organic touch.
Get Whimsical with Terrariums
For a playful look, top your square coffee table with round glass terrarium vessels.
Filled with miniature plants and tiny decorative accents, terrariums serve as living works of art.
Place a large round or orb-shaped terrarium in the center of the table as a focal point, with smaller terrariums clustered around it for an inviting vignette.
Choose glass terrariums in clear, frosted or tinted shades.
Create terrariums with cacti, succulents, ferns, mosses or a combination of plants.
Add tiny accessories like ceramic mushrooms, miniature wood rounds, tiny shells, crystals or plastic animals.
Sand, gravel or wood chips create textured bedding material.
The whimsical collections of plants and doodads displayed within round glass terrariums soften the edges of a square table in a playful way.
T
he mini worlds contained under glass feel magical atop the hard lines of a square.
Display Special Items Under Glass Cloches
Cloches – also known as bell jars – are rounded, domed glass covers that create an enclosed display case.
They’re perfect for drawing attention to special decorative items or collections.
Place your most eye-catching decorative objects – like figurines, ornate boxes, flowers or candles – under glass cloches spotlighted in the center or corners of your square coffee table.
Cloches provide a literal spotlight, while also keeping dust off the items within.
Their dome shape contrasts pleasingly with the table’s straight lines.
For collections like shells, stones, marbles or sea glass, arrange them artfully within a cloche to create a cohesive still life.
The transparency of the glass allows the colors and textures to stay visible.
Use round or square cloches to complement the table’s shape.
Displaying your favorite objects within cloches turns your square coffee table into a mini gallery space.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Create Symmetry with Pairs
The bilateral symmetry of a square lends itself perfectly to displaying pairs of matching objects.
This creates visual balance and harmony.
Start by placing a matching pair of items at two opposite corners of the table, like two candleholders, vases or planters.
Choose two items of the same size, shape, finish and color for maximum cohesion.
From there you can build inwards, adding more matching pieces along the edges to frame the whole table.
Having four matching pieces – one at each corner – gives a very orderly, composed feel.
Don’t worry about making it too matchy-matchy.
Complementary accent pieces in different colors, shapes and materials prevent excessive repetition.
Pairing matching pieces grounds the arrangement while the accent pieces introduce variety.
The consistent foundation allows bolder accents to feel connected to the whole look.
Sculpt an Artful Still Life
Carefully curating a collection of objects atop your coffee table creates a beautiful still life sculpture.
The square footprint provides the perfect frame.
Choose 3-5 decorative objects in colors, shapes and materials that complement each other.
Ceramic vases, glass bottles, natural wood sculptures, stone figurines all make attractive additions.
Arrange the pieces in an aesthetically pleasing composition that utilizes the square space.
Create visual balance by placing taller accent pieces at opposite ends and lower, smaller objects in the center.
Add some softness with fabric, greenery, feathers or other organic materials.
Metallic elements like gold, bronze or copper inject shine.
Editing the objects to just the most beautiful or meaningful ensures a thoughtfully curated still life.
The negative space around objects is just as important.
A tailored still life brings purposeful artistry to your coffee table in a way that feels elevated yet fresh.
Get Crafty with DIY Touches
If you enjoy arts and crafts, a square coffee table is the perfect canvas for DIY accents that show off your personal style.
Some easy DIY ideas include:
– Decoupaging the tabletop with cut outs from maps, sheet music or pages from your favorite books
– Arranging a collage of photos or kids’ artwork under a piece of glass
– Painting the underside of the table and the legs in a fun, bold color
– Adhering colorful mosaic tiles around the table’s edge
– Attaching tiny hooks along the sides to hang your necklaces and bracelets
– Stenciling or hand-painting patterns like Moroccan motifs on the surface
DIY pieces feel meaningful and special.
When styling the rest of the table, choose items like candles, plants, ceramics, baskets and books that relate to your crafts for a cohesive feel.
The handmade touch livens up sterile, store-bought decor.
Create Vertical Interest with Height
While most tabletop elements are low and flat, introducing height and vertical shapes attracts the eye and adds sculptural appeal.
Vertical interest can come from:
– Tall table lamps or sconces
– Sculptural clay, metal or wood pieces
– Stacks of thick books
– Trailing ivy or philodendron stems spilling from ceramic pots
– Bud vases and tall floral centerpieces
– Candles of varying heights and widths
Place vertical accents at corners to frame the overall arrangement.
Candles and lighting also come into play at night when the vertical flames become focal points.
The mix of low and tall, flat and sculptural makes the tabletop arrangement feel dynamic yet natural.
Vertical elements keep it from feeling too flat and stifling.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Have Fun with Unexpected Details
Sometimes it’s the unplanned details that make a space special.
Don’t be afraid to get a little quirky when styling your square coffee table.
The structured shape provides a great backdrop for playful personality.
Amusements like puzzles, board games or a bowl of colorful toys beckon you to sit down and play.
Pretty dishes filled with candy or nuts encourage snacking and flipping through magazines.
Fun finds from flea markets or vacation souvenirs add character when arranged decoratively.
Objects with personal meaning make a house feel like a home.
A surprise pop of color – from a vibrant book or bouquet – enlivens neutrals.
The square table surface gives you permission to go bold.
While you want your overall look to feel polished, don’t sanitize your space to the point of sterility.
The right unexpected details make a lasting impression.
Square coffee tables offer bountiful styling possibilities.
Hopefully this article has sparked ideas for styling your own square coffee table.
The important thing is tailoring looks to your personal tastes.
Some prefer a minimalist, neutral palette while others gravitate towards bold colors, maximalism and eclectic collections.
How you style your square coffee table makes a statement about you.
So embrace what you love – whether that’s creating orderly still lifes, displaying travel trinkets or going all out with vibrant colors.
The square shape provides the perfect stage for your unique style.
