This picnic table-style coffee table is decorated with clay vessels in black and white, three stacks of hardcover books, a natural antler, and a black bowl of twine balls. It rests on a textured, white rug with a white sofa nearby.
35 Elevated Examples of Coffee Table Book Décor
By
Published: January 8, 2023
Updated: November 30, 2023
Books and coffee tables are such a natural partnership, you may not realize all the different ways you can use them in your décor. There’s nothing wrong with simply placing a beautiful book of photographs or art prints on your coffee table, but there’s so much more you can do! There are a number of elements a book can bring to your coffee table without even being opened: its color, its cover images, and its height.
Groupings of books can be very effective on a coffee table. While you’ll most often see books stacked flat, you can also stand them up and lean them against other objects–traditional bookends or anything else that fits the bill. Stacked books are an easy way to add levels to your coffee table décor, allowing you to raise and lower things like figurines and sculptures, potted plants, candles, or other ornaments. Gathering books of particular colors can emphasize part of your palette, whether you’re looking to coordinate or add a splash of a contrasting color.
Let’s explore examples of coffee table book décor that will take your space to a whole new level.
PHOTO:
This rectangular coffee table has a natural wood surface and a rich hunter-green base. Its surface is simply decorated for spring with a clear glass jar of fresh daffodils set in a flat round basket, and a stack of white books. Bay windows and board and batten paneling are accented with wooden bamboo shades ad a leaning blanket ladder.
PHOTO:
This rough-hewn coffee table with wheels is accessorized with a large black potted plant, a bowl of wooden beads, a glass vase of black river rocks with a candle, and a stack of white hardcover books. A brown suede sofa is draped with a thick, white planted, and the white fireplace mantel is decorated with stacks of small pumpkins and a gilded mirror.
PHOTO:
A whitewashed coffee table with a glass top is accessorized by a willow basket with three vases and a white flower arrangement inside, and a stack of vintage books with a wooden bookend on top. A gray tufted sofa accessorized with white throw pillows is illuminated by the light from a nearby window.
PHOTO:
This gray living room centers around a tufted, beige sectional sofa, a gray oriental-style carpet, and a modern slate gray round coffee table decorated with a bowl of wooden beads, a potted plant, and a stack of hardcover books. Wooden beams add depth to the ceiling above.
PHOTO:
In this modern gray living room, stacks of black and white hardcover books support natural wooden beads and air plants next to a silver tray of candles and wick scissors. A gray sectional wraps around the round, dark wood table with white pillows adding a touch of contrast.
PHOTO:
This bowl shaped coffee table is decorated with an arrangement of metal sphere sculptures between two stacks of books. In the center is a white ceramic bottle that holds an arrangement of dried red lilies. A white bowl and a knot sculpture complete the picture.
PHOTO:
A minimalist arrangement centers around a textured stone bowl. Next to it are two beeswax taper candles with a bedpost shape. In front, two books support a shallow white scalloped porcelain dish.
PHOTO:
A stack of black and white hardcover books supports a gray marble bowl on this glossy black coffee table. A woven pencil cup and a glass vase of green branches rest nearby.
10 of Modern White Marble Coffee Table
PHOTO:
- theangabode
A white marble coffee table with a black metal frame hides away a storage basket underneath while sporting a small wooden tray with a potted fern. A jar candle to the left and a stack of two hardcover books to the right decorate the surface. A leather loveseat and white fireplace add to the traditional look.
PHOTO:
This greige living room showcases a wooden coffee table accessorized with a rustic wooden bowl of moss balls and a stack of hardcover books in neutral colors in front of a white couch. A trio of brass candlesticks rests on top of the books.
PHOTO:
This floral-themed coffee table decor features a frosted vase of blush pink peonies, a rock crystal, a mug, and a stack of books about dahlias and peonies. A gray tiled fireplace is visible on the back wall with a thick wooden mantel and gilded mirror on the wall above.
PHOTO:
On this wooden coffee table, a white tray corrals an arrangement of decor that includes a tall white vase of leafy branches, a stack of glossy hardcover books, and a green glass jar candle with a wooden lid.
PHOTO:
A black square table is accented by a stack of coffee table books with black, beige, and white hardcovers. Two gavels and a knot sculpture rest on each stack of books. A stone tray with an amber jar candle and a white vase of greenery complete the decor.
PHOTO:
An artfully composed stack of brown and white hardcover books supports a white ceramic pot with a lid and a wooden handle on this natural wood coffee table.
PHOTO:
This elegant square white coffee table with drawers is decorated with a round white vase of purple foxgloves, a red and white porcelain bowl, and three stacks of hardcover books in gray, blue, and white. The table sits in front of a light blue sofa, with a white fireplace on the other side.
PHOTO:
This greige living room with a dark geometric patterned carpet features a sturdy, rectangular coffee table decorated by a white bowl of black beads, a gray vase of juniper branches, and a stack of books supporting a pillar candle and a snuffer. A wood ceiling and beam give the room an organic feel.
PHOTO:
White living room entertainment center is complete with shaker cabinets and multiple shelves. Shelf decor is carefully arranged within each cubby. A rectangular wood table stands next to a gray sofa with patterned throw pillows.
PHOTO:
On this gray rectangular coffee table, a round flat basket and a potted plant stand to either side of a stack of gray and white hardcover books supporting a wooden square chain link sculpture. Large windows allow in abundant natural light to illuminate the space.
PHOTO:
The focal point of this living room is a large, round wood coffee table decorated with stack books, vases, and greenery. Grey couch pillows accessorize the large sectional couch, while light from the window illuminates a gallery wall of family photos on the back wall.
PHOTO:
In a warm-toned sitting room, this rustic log coffee table is decorated for fall with an orange vase of oak leaves and a stack of books supporting an orange fabric pumpkin. Light gray built-in shelves are featured along the back wall with book pages creating a cohesive tonal display.
PHOTO:
This gray square wooden coffee table is decorated for spring with a cream-colored ceramic vase of eucalyptus branches, a black fabric basket of twine balls, white ceramic bunnies, a taper candle in a soapstone holder, and a stack of books. A gray armchair rests in front of a white shiplap fireplace with arched, white, built-in shelves nearby.
PHOTO:
This natural wood coffee table features hardcover books in neutral tones that support a horse sculpture and a pillar candle with matches and a wick trimmer. They sit next to a bouquet of white flowers.
PHOTO:
This two-tiered gray stone coffee table supports a storage basket on its lower level and a large vase of magnolias on top. A stack of books beneath a white knot sculpture accent the surface. Two tan sofas and a matching rug create a natural scene, which is echoed in the brown, gray, and leather throw pillows.
PHOTO:
A light gray fabric sofa with white and blush cushions and throw sits below an off-white wall with floral artwork. A wooden coffee table displays a woven tray with books, a candle and potted flowers. A dining table with wicker-back dining chairs stands below a beaded chandelier.
PHOTO:
This natural tree stump coffee table holds a potted ivy plant in a wooden stand and a stack of gray and white hardcover books. A black chain link sculpture adds contrast, while a light gray section sits on a white and gray geometric patterned rug. A white, millwork wall displays a floating shelf with modern prints.
PHOTO:
Books in charcoal gray and white support a bronze bowl of fruit on this coffee table, and act as color accents that echo the two ceramic vessels next to them. A rough round white planter completes the arrangement. The neutral palette continues with the light gray sofa and white kitchen behind the sofa.
PHOTO:
The decor on this coffee table is arranged into a pleasing composition of three elements, including a black vase of eucalyptus, a stack of books supporting a pillar candle, and the second stack of books supporting a white handkerchief edge bowl. A black side table is placed along the wall with a guided mirror hung above.
PHOTO:
Two white hardcover books support an abstract sculpture on this round wooden coffee table. A vase of fresh flowers and a pillar candle in a glass holder are set next to the book. A white sectional sofa sets a backdrop for the space, standing on a neutral rug.
PHOTO:
This warm neutral living room includes a white stone fireplace, a linen couch, and a natural wood coffee table stacked with books. A silver potted succulent and a heart-shaped wooden bowl rest on top of the books.
PHOTO:
This cozy living room features a coffee table with a basket holding a throw blanket, a stack of books, yarn, coasters, and a potted plant. The second stack of books supports a candle in a glass shade next to an artichoke sculpture.
PHOTO:
A cozy nook in the corner of a room contains a rustic wood coffee table with knitted ottomans and a round, wood centerpiece containing books and glass jars. Beige couch throw pillows line the length of the sofa, while framed white prints are hung on the wall above. A small side table with a horse statue and potted plant is tucked into the corner.
PHOTO:
This coffee table features an eclectic array of items with vintage appeal, including a glass bottle with daisies, old-fashioned magnifying glasses, and skeleton keys arranged around stacks of antique books.
PHOTO:
In a white living room decorated for Christmas, a natural wood coffee table holds a low, round, woven tray with a potted plant, a stack of books, and a jar candle. Next to it is a stack of white books. An illuminated tree stands in front of a white shiplap wall and window with a dark bamboo shade.
PHOTO:
A wooden tray holds an arrangement of decor items on this coffee table, including a floral art print in a frame, a white jar candle, a stack of old books with the covers removed, and a potted succulent. The tray rests on a woven runner with a black sofa visible along the back wall.