How to style a coffee table for fall – 8 seasonal tips from interior designers

With peak hosting season quickly approaching, there’s no better time to prepare your living room for friends and family to gather. As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, you’ll want to dress up your home with stylish decor fit for fall.

The coffee table is a crucial part of any living room design scheme – a striking focal point and hosting hub, it can’t be overlooked when implementing all your best fall decor ideas. Whether you're hosting a scary movie night in October or sharing a cup of hot chocolate with the family as it starts to snow, a beautifully styled coffee table provides the perfect backdrop.

Finding a blend of the festive spirit and your personal style can be quite tricky, though. It’s easy to go overboard with fall-themed accessories when channeling the season, but a chic and considered coffee table is well within reach. If you’re not quite sure how to start decorating for fall, we’ve gathered interior designers’ best tips for preparing the coffee table. Here’s all you need to know.

Expert tips for fall coffee table styling

Preparing your coffee table with warm, welcoming fall ambiance is an easy fall decorating idea that ensures your living room is ready for hosting success.

Even the most pared-back pieces of furniture can be brought to life with a stunning seasonal arrangement or carefully considered vignette. Whether you opt for a natural wood table or a glass-fronted blank slate, each added detail will contribute to a festive, fun final look.

1. Display items on decorative trays

Part of the appeal of a fall-inspired coffee table is its natural, carefree look, but every vignette needs a bit of organization. That’s where a decorative tray comes in. By using a tray to corral all of the objects you choose, you’ll be left with a sleek, stylish look that doesn’t overwhelm the eye.

'Trays that fit the fall aesthetic such as those in warm, natural materials, such as dark wood, or in rusty colors or more earthy tones, such as forest green, will enhance your scheme,' says Lucy Searle, Homes & Gardens’ Content Director. 'Or, you could choose a mirrored tray, as above, that will reflect flickering candlelight.

Lucy says it’s important to consider scale and form when selecting a tray for your fall-ready centerpiece: 'Pick its size carefully, since your tray should enhance but not overwhelm your coffee table's surface. Similarly, if its shape reflects the shape of your coffee table, all the better.'

‘Depending on size and shape, the key is to split the space into varying sections and build upon these with elements of varying heights,’ adds Alexander Shepel, founder of SHEPEL, emphasizing the importance of zoning in interior design. ‘That way, a series of small focal points will be created adding variety and interest while creating a beautiful display of all your favorite possessions.’

2. Add in seasonally scented candles

Introducing a few of the best candles to your coffee table scheme is an excellent way to embrace the fall atmosphere – it’s a no-fail way to level up your fall living room. Opt for a variety of shapes, sizes, and types of candles for an interesting layout, and ensure the scents you choose are fit for the season.

‘An effective way to update coffee tables, or any space within the home, for a new season is to start with scent – swap citrusy fragrances for deeper, earthy, or even smoky notes,’ says Ali Childs, founder of Studio Alexandra. ‘Sticking with candles, add tall tapers in the tones of the season. Forest greens, rich reds, and mustards can transform a small area instantly.’

Elevate your candle selections with characterful stands and holders, so they blend beautifully into the rest of the tablescape – not only will your living room smell delightful, but the candles will be making a design statement of their very own.

'Decorating a coffee table using candles, table books and dried stems is a simple yet sophisticated way to add an autumnal touch to your home,' adds Fred Horlock, design director at Neptune. 'Our Blyton pillar candles in Juniper are a deep red shade that give off a warming glow. These pair well with foliage arrangements such as our Queen Anne’s lace or Eucalyptus stem to add texture and more depth to your table.'

3. Introduce natural elements and seasonal florals

‘A nice finishing touch for your coffee table is to add something living to the display,’ says Laura Hammett, founder of Laura Hammett Living. ‘A bouquet of flowers placed in a stunning handblown glass vase can breathe life into your coffee table arrangement. Although it’s hard to maintain fresh flowers all year round, especially during the colder months, beautiful-quality faux florals can be the perfect solution. Select your favorite blooms – from baby hops and snowball, to ranunculi, peonies, or roses.'

Nature-inspired interior design is in style all year round, but organic and earthy elements go hand in hand with autumn. Lean into warm, inviting fall color schemes by scattering pine cone decorations, opting for small pumpkins and gourds, or filling a vase with seasonal florals and branches.

‘I love to lean into the moodiness of autumn and bring in the final flowers from the garden,’ says Ali. ‘Cut hydrangeas in blues and purples dry beautifully, adding both color and texture that develops as the season goes on. Organic additions help coffee tables feel relevant to the time of year, delicate bowls filled with pinecones, or wooden bowls with apples and pears add rustic color.’

Jessica Cinnamon, interior designer and founder of Jessica Cinnamon Design, adds that seasonal natural elements like pinecones, acorns, and leaves take a fall tablescape quite a long way: ‘Group and nestle decorative gourds or a few small white or orange pumpkins on top of books. Change up and introduce richer, earthier-toned accessories, dishes, and wooden trays in deeper richer earthier hues and materials.’

4. Use fall-themed functional elements

A successfully designed coffee table blends high-end design and functionality with ease, so you’ll want to pare back your design scheme and only invest in pieces that really work for your home. Switch out the coasters and mugs that frequent your coffee table for seasonal upgrades, and ensure you have space for all your hosting needs.

‘The key to a beautifully styled fall coffee table is balance and intention,’ says Ashley Stark, creative director of STARK and co-founder of Ashley Stark Home. ‘Each piece should feel intentional and contribute to a cohesive look. Remember to consider functionality – make sure the table remains practical for everyday use while also serving as a stylish fall centerpiece.’

‘We're often tempted to pile everything we love onto our coffee table, but sometimes, simplicity is key,’ adds Joyce Huston, lead interior designer and co-founder of Decorilla. ‘Last year I left some empty space and added a large, sculptural wooden bowl filled with fall treats and carefully placed scented candles.’

5. Start with a cohesive, seasonal color palette

‘The key to decorating for fall is to select a color palette that is inspired by the changing landscapes surrounding the home,’ says Louise Bradley, interior designer and founder of her eponymous firm.

‘We recommend choosing two to three main colors and building your coffee table from there, adding complementary accent pieces like candles to add warmth. Also incorporate any personal pieces, such as a favorite coffee table book or unique pieces such as a vase to create layers and different heights that draw the eye in.’

Fall colors are beautiful to behold. Whether you take your inspiration from rich orange and red falling leaves or prefer to channel Halloween decor, opting for a cohesive color palette before diving into the decor will ensure your coffee table is set for success.

‘For fall, rich, warm tones work beautifully – think deep oranges, burnt siennas, and forest greens,’ adds Ashley. ‘Pair these with neutrals like cream, taupe, or charcoal to ground the look. Metallic accents in bronze or gold can add a sophisticated touch without overwhelming the color palette. It’s all about creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere that reflects the richness of the season.’

'Deep, earthy tones such as burnt orange, deep reds, and rich browns evoke the essence of autumn and are a prelude to the upcoming festive season,' adds Rachna Agarwal, founder of Studio IAAD. 'Traditional motifs such as vibrant block prints, intricate mirrorwork, and rich embroidery can be adapted to reflect fall's earthy tones. These designs infuse the space with a touch of heritage and elegance.'

6. Layer in seasonal placemats

‘A placemat can add color or pattern to a coffee table just like it does on your dining table,’ says Laura Cassell Fischer of over&back. ‘We especially love using placemats made from natural materials like rattan or seagrass. This material will add texture to your coffee table and is perfect as the base for a bowl or pitcher. These will also help protect your table from water marks or dripping wax.’

Placemats aren’t just reserved for the dining room table – they’re a quick and easy way to bring extra eye-catching character to a fall-themed design scheme. Use seasonal items you already have or invest in a new set of warm, inviting placemats, and get creative with their placements on the table. They’ll provide the rich, colorful backdrop the rest of your decor needs.

7. Integrate lush, textured items for warmth

‘Consider incorporating textured elements like woven baskets or trays to add warmth,’ adds Ashley. ‘A few carefully chosen pieces of dried foliage or small, artful pumpkins can enhance the seasonal vibe. Layering in different heights with a mix of books and decorative objects can add depth and visual interest. Adding a throw or a cozy fabric runner can also bring a touch of fall’s warmth to the table.'

A one-of-a-kind combination of textures brings character and charm to a fall-ready coffee table. Make sure to integrate a pairing of soft, organic, and sleek elements so your vignette catches the eye and sparks conversation. Part of fall’s appeal is cozy, enveloping ambiance, and a lush blend of textures gets the job done.

'Covering the entire coffee table with a table throw is a nice fun way to add print, color and interest to your coffee table. The decor on top of the table can then be simplified as preferred,' says Devika Kanadé of The Itihāas Company. 'Add a temporary skirting of fabric to go all around the side of a square, rectangle or round table to show a break from the table top to make a table feel heavier and more grounded.'

8. Bring in some board games

'Introduce a playful yet stylish element with a chic table game piece, such as a marble tic-tac-toe set,' says Leah Prag, Founder of Domani Home. 'This adds a whimsical touch while remaining functional, and its clean lines and materials beautifully complement the other elements. Place it on top of a coffee table book in a way that invites interaction, making your coffee table both visually appealing and tactile.'

Fall brings cozy evenings shared with family and friends, so prepare for the occasion with sleek and stylish board games to share. The built-in entertainment will make the cold weather feel a bit more manageable. And, of course, coffee table books never hurt.

'Incorporate a couple of elegant coffee table books, either layered or arranged at varying heights,' says Leah. 'Choose books with rich, autumnal covers or themes that evoke the cozy, nostalgic essence of fall. Position them slightly off-center to create a base that anchors the rest of your decor. These books not only add a touch of sophistication but also serve as conversation starters.'

Stephanie Housley, founder and designer of Coral & Tusk, agrees, saying she loves decorating the coffee table with games. 'A vintage deck of cards, rummikub, and dominos' are 'all easy and fun to have at the ready,' she says.

These coffee table styling ideas will have your living room ready for fall hosting before the seasons change. Remember to avoid the most common coffee table mistakes, and lean into the fall spirit, for a stunning centerpiece your friends and family won’t stop talking about.