Let’s be honest for a second. You want your coffee table to look good—but not like you spent five hours styling it after binge-watching a home decor show. You just want to know what to do with those cool coffee table books without accidentally making it look like a garage sale.
Trust me, I’ve been there. I had some cool books, a candle, and vague dreams of having a Pinterest-worthy setup… but every time I put them on the table, something felt off. If that sounds like your situation too, you’re in the right place.
So grab your iced coffee (or whiskey—I don’t judge), and let’s talk about simple styling with coffee table books—the easy way that actually works and doesn’t stress you out.
Why Coffee Table Books Even Matter
You might be thinking, “Wait, why do I need coffee table books at all? No one even reads those.” Fair point. But here’s the thing:
Coffee table books aren’t about reading. They’re about setting the tone.
They say:
- “Hey, I’ve got taste.”
- “I pay attention to details.”
- “Yes, this book about watches does make me feel like James Bond, thanks for asking.”
They’re decor that doubles as personality, and they can completely change how your space feels—if you style them right.
Step 1: Choose Books That Actually Say Something About You
You don’t need 20 books. Two or three is more than enough—quality over quantity, always.
What to look for:
- Hardcover only. Floppy paperbacks don’t cut it.
- Bold covers or titles. You want something that catches the eye and starts a convo.
- Topics you care about. Even if no one ever opens it, you should like it.
Great options include:
- The Watch Book – for that classic “I appreciate craftsmanship” vibe.
- Sneaker Freaker – if you’re into kicks and want people to know it.
- Tom Ford – sleek, black, and instantly makes your space 10% sexier.
- Barbershops of America – oddly specific, but yes, it’s very cool.
- The Monocle Guide to Better Living – stylish and aspirational.
Pro tip: Choose books of different sizes so you can create some visual interest when you stack them.
Step 2: Master the Art of the Stack
Alright, now let’s actually style these books. This part’s simple—don’t overthink it.
Easy rules for a good-looking stack:
- Stack 2–3 books, largest on the bottom.
- Keep it tidy—align the edges or angle them slightly for a relaxed look.
- Place them slightly off-center on your table to make the layout feel intentional, not robotic.
Not sure where to place them? Try putting your stack:
- On one side of the table, paired with a plant or candle on the other.
- Centered, with a small object on top (more on that next).
Ever wondered why your table still looks “meh” even with good books? It’s probably the placement. Small changes = big difference.
Step 3: Add a Topper (No, Not a Cup of Coffee)
Here’s the move that pulls everything together: add one small thing on top of the stack.
Great topper ideas:
- A candle (bonus if it smells like cedar or something vaguely outdoorsy).
- A decorative object (a stone, sculpture, or small bowl).
- A tiny plant (because green = life and we like life).
Why it works: It breaks up the straight lines of the books and makes the setup feel finished.
Just don’t overdo it. This isn’t a shrine. One object is plenty.
Step 4: Use a Tray If You’re Feeling Fancy (Optional)
I avoided trays for a while because they felt a little “try-hard.” But hear me out—they actually make styling easier.
What trays do:
- Group stuff together so it looks cleaner.
- Keep things like remotes and coasters from feeling like clutter.
- Add another layer of texture or color.
You can find affordable trays at Target, IKEA, Amazon, or even thrift stores. Go for wood, leather, or matte finishes for that masculine, understated vibe.
Step 5: Keep It Balanced and Functional
Your coffee table isn’t just a display—it’s also where you live. So don’t crowd every inch of space.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Leave room to put down a drink (very important).
- Don’t overload the table—one book stack + one other item is usually enough.
- Mix textures: pair smooth books with a rough wooden tray or a woven coaster.
Think of it like a dinner plate. You want a bit of everything, but not so much that it feels overwhelming.
Step 6: Refresh Every Once in a While
You don’t need to restyle your table every week. But every now and then, swap the top book or change the object on top.
Why bother?
- Keeps your space feeling fresh.
- Shows effort without trying too hard.
- Might even make you read one of the books (crazy idea, I know).
IMO, it’s one of the easiest ways to “reset” your space without spending any money.
Styling Examples (That Actually Work)
Let’s break down a few go-to setups that look great in real life.
🎯 Minimal + Masculine
- Stack: Tom Ford, The Watch Book
- Topper: Matte black candle
- Extra: Nothing—just clean space around it.
🌿 Chill + Natural
- Stack: Monocle Guide, Kinfolk Home
- Topper: Small potted plant
- Extra: Wooden tray with coasters and a lighter
🖼️ Bold + Artsy
- Stack: Sneaker Freaker, The Wes Anderson Collection
- Topper: Funky ceramic object
- Extra: Abstract coaster set in a leather tray
Each of these setups takes about 5 minutes to put together. That’s less time than it takes to reheat your coffee after forgetting it for the fifth time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (No Judgment)
We all start somewhere, but let’s steer clear of these easy-to-make errors:
- Too many books. This isn’t a library.
- Random books you don’t care about. No one’s impressed by a stack of books you’ve never touched.
- Clashing colors. Neon pink next to army green? Maybe not.
- Using books as coasters. It happens, but try not to.
Pro tip: If you’re not sure whether something works, take a quick phone photo. It’s weird, but looking at a pic helps you spot what’s off.
Final Thoughts: Simple, Stylish, and Actually You
Styling coffee table books doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need a design degree, a color wheel, or a $200 tray. You just need a few books you love, a little balance, and maybe a candle that smells like “rich guy in the woods.” 😎
Here’s the recap:
- Pick 2–3 hardcovers that reflect your style.
- Stack them from big to small.
- Add one cool object on top.
- Keep space open so it feels relaxed, not crowded.
- Switch it up now and then to keep it fresh.
That’s it. Seriously.
Now go take a look at your coffee table. With just a few tweaks, it can go from “blah” to “wait… did you hire a designer?” (Spoiler: You didn’t—you just read this article 😉).
Ready to level up your space with zero stress? Start with your coffee table—it’s low effort and big impact.