Blog

There’s something about oak coffee tables that draws the eye — maybe it’s the soft grain, the weight, or maybe just how honest they feel in a room. They’re one of those pieces you don’t tire of. But styling them? That can be trickier than people think.

Too much, and it looks like a showroom. Too little, and it just feels unfinished. The key is finding that middle ground — a style that feels lived-in, not staged.

Start with One Thing You Use

It might be a stack of books you always pull from, a ceramic bowl where your keys land, or a candle you light on quiet evenings. Whatever it is, start there. Real use grounds your styling — everything else builds from that.

Mix Textures, Not Just Shapes

It’s easy to focus on height and forget about feel. A smooth glass vase, next to a woven coaster, next to a matte ceramic tray — that kind of contrast works beautifully against the oak’s soft, natural tone. You want the surface to invite touch, not just look good in a photo.

Let the Grain Do Some Talking

With oak, part of the charm is already built in. Don’t cover every inch. Leave breathing room so the wood can shine — especially if the table’s been made from a single slab or has any interesting knots or character. Minimalism doesn’t have to mean empty; it can mean intentional.

Use Colour to Set the Mood

Cooler tones like slate, sage, or off-white can soften the warmth of oak without clashing. And a single bold object — a cobalt book spine, a rust-toned candle — can bring balance. This is especially helpful if you’re trying to blend modern coffee tables into a more grounded or eclectic room.

Keep It Loose, Change It Often

A styled table doesn’t mean locked-in forever. Switch out a vase, swap books, and try seasonal shifts. It keeps the space feeling like yours, not something copied from a catalogue.

Styling oak coffee tables is about finding the rhythm between what looks good and what feels natural. The best setups are the ones that evolve with you. Let your table grow into the room, not just sit in it.

Transform your space with a custom oak table that’s as unique as you are. Shop with Fairmont Reed!