Style Your Coffee Table Like an Editor

Meet one of SELF's Editorial Assistants, Alyssa. When's she not scoping out the latest pop culture trends for our Entertainment department, Alyssa can usually be found DIYing. We tap into her craftiness to find out what she's whipping up every week.

"Styling" a home is something that I didn't really think my about until I got my own place. Apparently there are certain ways you can pull things together to make your home look profesh and, you know, Pinterest-y. And what gal doesn't want a Pinterest-worthy home, am I right? Here are a few quick tricks I've learned for styling a chic, "I'm-not-trying-too-hard" coffee table.

Start with what I like to call an "anchoring piece" -- usually, a lamp works best. We used a fun colorful chevron one, which immediately draws your eye to the table. The height adds a bit of dimension, so not everything placed on the table will be on the same level. Looking for another cool lamp option? We love this yellow one from West Elm.

Next, add a few conversation starters -- books and art are perfect for this. A fun photograph or piece of art will get guests talking-the artist-driven site Society6 has great affordable and quirky options. Stacking the books largest to smallest or arranging them by color will keep the look visually organized and interesting. Best part? You can pick one up for a quick read if you're ever bored (when you're not watching Real Housewives, that is).

Use a tray to pull it all together! This is a very common design trick -- essentially, it allows you to have a stylish catch-all for your other trinkets that don't have another home. (You can think of it as design for slackers.) Pile on a few magazines (maybe SELF, just sayin), a pretty-smelling candle (we love Anthro's Capri Blue scent) or a vase of flowers. Rest assured, your coffee table will look pulled together and perfect, just like mine does. (And yeah, I'm brushing my shoulders off!)

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Image Credit: Alyssa Longobuco

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