Decorating a Sofa Table? Discover Our Best Design Tricks

Sofa tables can be tricky spaces to decorate. Unlike coffee tables or side tables, they are often narrower and sit behind sofas. But with some creativity and the right decor items, your sofa table can become a stylish focal point in any room.

Whether your taste is modern, bohemian, or traditional, these design tricks will help you create a beautiful and functional sofa table display.

Prep Your Sofa Table for Decorating

Before you start decorating, it's important to declutter your sofa table and clean the surface. Remove any existing clutter, dust and wipe down the table so you have a blank slate.

Next, evaluate the dimensions of the table and determine if you need it to serve any functional purposes like storage or displaying items. This will inform what types of decor items to use.

Create a Focal Point

Every sofa table design needs a focal point - that eye-catching element that immediately draws your attention. The focal point creates visual interest and brings the whole look together.

For your focal point, consider a large floral arrangement in a statement vase, an ornate mirror or piece of wall art leaning against the wall, a set of decorative candles, or a stack of old books. Choose something with height, color, or bold textures.

Floral Arrangements

Fresh flowers are an easy way to create a focal point on your sofa table. Opt for a wide vase or vessel filled with colorful blooms. The floral arrangement will instantly enliven the space.

Artwork or Mirror

Displaying a large piece of artwork or an ornate mirror also creates instant drama. Prop it against the wall atop your sofa table for a luxe look. Opt for something with metallic accents or striking colors.

Use Decorative Trays for Interest

Decorative trays are a great way to add visual interest while corralling smaller decor items. Look for trays with texture, color or metallic finishes to complement your decor style.

Try filling trays with candles, short vases, books, or any small accessories. The tray adds a layered effect and brings all the elements together into a cohesive display.

Rustic Wood Tray

For farmhouse or rustic spaces, use a rough-hewn wood tray with natural edges. Fill it with votive candles, potted succulents, brass candlesticks, or a mini wooden crate of fresh flowers.

Marble and Gold Tray

In glam or modern rooms, place decorative items in a sleek black and gold tray. Style it with geometric vases, pillar candles, and lush green plants for an elegant contrast.

Incorporate Texture with Decor

When decorating your sofa table, make sure to incorporate items with rich textures. This adds visual interest and dimension.

Display natural woven baskets filled with blankets or books. Drape a soft chenille throw over the edge. Add a set of rustic ceramic vases. Group items made from materials like seagrass, wood, marble, or leather for depth.

Woven Baskets

Incorporate hand-woven baskets in natural hues. They complement most styles from modern to bohemian. Fill them with cozy throws, magazines or coffee table books.

Chenille Throws

Layer in plush chenille or faux fur throws in neutral tones. Drape them over the edges of your sofa table to soften the look and add coziness.

Play with Heights and Layers

When styling your sofa table, it's important to play with heights and layers. This creates visual interest and dimension.

Stack decorative boxes or books of alternating sizes to add height. Top with a small plant or sculpture. Group candlesticks from tall to short. The varying heights add depth.

Books

Stacking vintage books or coffee table books is an easy way to add height and visual interest. Alternate sizes, colors and orientations as you stack. Top with decor objects like vases or candles.

Candlesticks

For an elegant look, display candlesticks in varying heights. This draws the eye upwards. Choose sculptural, ornate styles for drama. Surround with small decor items at the base.

Add Natural Elements for Warmth

Incorporating natural elements brings an organic, cozy feel to sofa table decor. Greenery, wood accents, and dried botanicals add natural texture.

Style your sofa table with potted plants, a wooden tray, a stone vase, or a woven seagrass basket. Dried pampas grass, eucalyptus, or protea add texture too. The natural materials feel warm and inviting.

Potted Plants

Plants instantly liven up a space. For your sofa table, opt for low maintenance options like succulents, snake plant or pothos. Place in textured ceramic planters for contrast.

Dried Botanicals

Display dried grasses, eucalyptus stems, or protea blooms in a vase or bowl. These organic textures complement bohemian, modern farmhouse, or transitional spaces beautifully.

Lighting Sets the Mood

Lighting is key when decorating your sofa table. Well-placed lighting creates a warm, welcoming ambiance.

Try placing an adjustable table lamp or pair of sconce lights. Use flicker flameless candles for ambiance. You can also add height by hanging pendant lights over the table area to draw the eye up.

Pendant Lights

Hanging pendant lights over the sofa table area helps expand the space visually. Opt for drum-shaped pendants, vintage-inspired lights, or colorful stained glass. Position them at different heights.

Flameless Candles

For easy ambiance, arrange flameless candles in varying heights. Opt for realistic flickering styles. Place them in candlesticks, lanterns or glass votives scattered around the table.

Finishing Touches

To complete your sofa table decor, add those finishing touches like framed photos, sculptural accents, or neatly stacked books. But be careful not to go overboard.

Style the table with special objects but leave some negative space so it doesn't start to look cluttered. A few sculptural or sentimental items go a long way.

Sculptural Objects

Small sculptural objects make great finishing touches. Opt for abstract shapes, figurines, or decorative boxes. Place one or two around your focal point decor for artistic appeal.

Personalize your space by displaying a couple favorite framed photos. Prop them up against books or decor objects. Choose meaningful shots of family, vacations or pets.

You can transform any sofa table into a stylish showpiece with simple design tricks. Decorate your sofa table with purpose and visual interest using the ideas in this guide. Let your personal style shine through in your design.