With my living room revamp coming together (full reveal coming soon), I’ve decided to share a glimpse of my current coffee table display!

I purchased this specific coffee table because of its lift top feature. Anything that can add storage to my city apartment is a huge PLUS & I was so excited to find this one in the right size and style to match its surroundings. Not to mention, the price itself practically sealed the deal!

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Once this coffee table arrived & was put together, my next project was to decorate the top of it as simply, yet pretty, as possible. Provided I’ll be lifting it up from time to time, I needed to create a display that wouldn’t be a pain to remove & recreate with each lift.

Now although I can’t guarantee this exact display (seen in this post) will be around for too long, the steps however, that went into its creation, will remain the same with each update that comes my way.

Here’s how to create an Instagram-worthy coffee table display in a few simple steps:

A STRIKING, SERVING TRAY

I love using trays as a means for a display. It’s a great foundation layering piece to showcase several items you wish to draw more attention to that would otherwise get lost in the shuffle. This mirrored one caught my eye because of its overall length to accommodate the coffee table’s, as well as the laser-cut detailing around its 4-sides that makes picking it up much easier than it would be if it were solid.

Here are a couple other trays in a variety of shapes + finishes that also caught my eye & would work for a majority of display ideas:

SOMETHING LIVING – OR LOOKS ALIVE

Given I’m what they call a ‘plant slut’ & someone who would live in an indoor greenhouse if feasible, I’ll find any excuse to add something living to my coffee table display. By adding a fresh arrangement of flowers to the display, it’s my chance to include pops of color desired as well as feel ‘up to date’ with the current season at-hand.

Other than flowers, displaying succulents or potted plants with low light & maintenance requirements will also suffice. And for those of you NOT in the market to include something alive in your display, you can always purchase an artificial floral arrangement or artificial plant that will look the part forever.

A STACK OF BOOKS WITH PERSONALITY

There’s a reason they’re called “coffee table books” people! These two books – Escape by Gray Malin & Chanel: The Vocabulary of Style – are my very favorite books that I’ve received as gifts. I love having them out on display for visitors (or myself from time to time) to glance upon & skim through.

Additionally, I find that coffee table books, these two in particular, help to represent parts of my personality. For instance, I’m someone who appreciates the beauty of nature and all my opportunities to travel, along with striking photography capturing sights that are otherwise unknown or unattainable. On the other hand, I’m also someone who respects the history & the empires built by the brands that have shaped the industry I’m lucky to be associated with, through my career and through inherited, genuine passion.

SOMETHING QUIRKY OR SOMETHING WITH HEIGHT

To help balance out the two sides of the coffee table (i.e. the serving tray from the stack of books), you can add an object with unique character or height. I opted to pick an object that does both with this gold, balloon animal giraffe piggy bank. Not only is it interesting to look at, but it adds a bit of necessary humor to the overall display I’ve created that otherwise would be too ‘formal’ for my taste.

Other objects you can consider adding can be items that match the theme of your interior (i.e. nautical, farmhouse-chic, etc.) or better yet, a simple pair of candle holders if something ‘quirky’ poses too much to determine. At the end of the day, it should be something that draws attention to YOU & what you alone appreciate looking at every time you sit on the neighboring couch.

STANDOUT STACK OF COASTERS

An assortment of stacked coasters within your display will help to protect your coffee table, whether it’s new or shows some age with love. I love these metallic-rim quartz coasters that I received on Christmas morning in my stocking. They’re so different than the average coasters you see & match the whole vibe I’m after just perfectly.

I also came across these cool coasters below while searching for similar styles of mine; TBH some of which I might get myself for when I feel like revamping my display down the road:

A CANDLE OR TWO

Who doesn’t love candles!? Well, maybe if you’re someone who’s sensitive to certain aromas or strong scents – totally get that. But I’m personally not affected by either & therefore, love lighting them up for a pleasant aroma from time to time.

Pro tip: Soy candles burn WAY better than most name brands. You can pick them up for super cheap at places like HomeGoods & TJ Maxx.

However – I’m partial to Nest Fragrances because I can LEGITIMATELY say they’re worth every dollar spent. I’ve been loyal to them for years because I genuinely get a long-lasting, desirable scent with every candle burned & reed diffuser placed. Don’t let the price deter you because they truly are SO WORTH having, especially in a small space or apartment setting.

I hope these simple steps help you to create the coffee table display of your Instagram-posting dreams! If you have any other suggestions or ideas that went into your own unique coffee table display, please share in the comments below!

SHOP THE SCROLL FOR MY COFFEE TABLE + FEATURED DISPLAY ITEMS: