Today is chalk full of styling tips for you!! I can’t wait to see what my friends are sharing. Styling might be the last step in the decorating process but it can sometimes be the hardest.
Here are my step by step tips for styling the sofa table!
This long and narrow piece of furniture can be a little overwhelming to decorate. Just break it into sections and it won’t be so bad. You can always just decorate a 1/3 or 2/3rds for a more simple look. I had to have fun this time so I can show off some of my new items!
Step One: Start with an empty table top. (Go ahead and clear everything off!)
Step Two: Add horizontal items in sections. Use stacked books, trays, and decorative boxes. Make sure there is some space in between for breathing room.
Step Three: Add in vertical height. I like to use candle holders, tall vases, and lamps.
Step four: Find sculptural objects to add interest to your vignette. Plants, figurines, and even seashells are great for this step. (Note: I kept the right side a lower profile because that corner is a high traffic area.)
Step Five: Add in layers in unexpected places. A basket sits on the ottoman (which stores DVDs) to hide the star lamp cord.
Draping a blanket over the back of the couch connects the sofa table closes in the gap between the sofa table and couch and also provides more visual interest in layering.
Wahlah! A beautiful styled sofa table. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on pretty accessories. Hard bound books without their dust jackets feel all grown up. Collected seashells spread out on the tray looks like a specimen display. The elephant, plant (in a painted Japanese tea cup), candle holders, and candles all came from the dollar section.
Mixing in old and new, cheap and more expensive is a fantastic method for a smart looking vignette with high style!
Head on over to Pretty Practical Home to see her Console Table Styling!!
Brittany says
Great tips and I LOVE the end result! Pinned that beautiful sofa table-scape!
Kathy says
Thank you Brittany!
Stephanie @ casa WatkIns says
Great post Kathy!! The break down of the steps was very helpful. I especially loved Step 5! Adding items in unexpected places is so fun. Pinning and sharing!
Kathy says
Thanks darlin’! I had a lot of fun with it!
Jessica says
Kathy…you are awesome and that blanket tip does add a lot of interest….crazy. Love these tips and certainly pinning!
Kathy says
Thank you Jess. I love the bit of b&w with the blanket. 🙂
Rachael @ This is our Bliss says
Love it!! I love the throw blanket tip! I’m always looking for another way to add texture and pattern 😉 And yes! always a mix of old and new. Your table looks fabulous! Thanks for sharing 😉 -Rachael
Kathy says
Thank you Rachael!
Iris Nacole says
Kathy, that table is beautiful alone, but with your decorating it’s exceptional! I’m in love!
Kathy says
You’re so sweet Iris. Thank you!
Monica from Monicawantsit.com says
I love your tips! Your sculptural objects, decor and books are beautiful and really stand out.
Kathy says
Thanks Monica! I LOVE pretty things. 🙂 lol I try to buy things that are both practical and pretty but sometimes I just have to have the pretty!
SHaron says
That sofa table!!! Excellent breakdown of how to set everything up, and I really like the tip about using a throw over the back of the sofa to connect the pieces. Very visually calming. Ahhh.
Kathy says
You’re so sweet Sharon! I love the added layer of the blanket too. Have a nice weekend!
Sara says
Love! And, that table, oh my gosh!!!! I can’t get over how just adding that blanket to the back of couch really kicked it up a notch!
Kathy says
Thanks sweetie!
Jenny Paul says
Great tips Kathy! I must say your decoration and design is absolutely amazing, I love the way you put all items together without any mess. Simply Amazing!
Kathy says
Wow, what a sweet thing to say. Thank you!! xoxo