Tabletop decorating is hard for me. Is that weird? I have managed to get my coffee table down but nightstands still pose a challenge. I think it’s because I like to decorate with things I love or mean something to me and not just random stuff. I also have certain elements I like incorporated. Maybe I am too picky? Today I am sharing my latest vintage coffee table decor because for once, I am in love with it, maybe it will inspire you to freshen up a stale spot in your house!
Last week I shared why I use a mood board to help me pull a room together and I feel like this table is that mood board condensed. It has a bunch of elements I love and I’ll share why!
Tips for the perfect vintage coffee table decor:
- Mixed metals – I love that the decorating world is no longer married to one metal at a time. Mixing metal adds warmth and depth to a tabletop, it’s an important element in my opinion. You can grab vintage silver plates, pots missing lids, broken pieces and more for a song at thrift stores – perfect for this application.
- Something old – To add age and patina I used old vintage books and a tarnished silver serving dish my sister gave me. The handle was broken so it made the perfect planter! (here are some other cute thrifted planter ideas if you need extra inspiration) Mixing old and new is a signature move around here and I love the way it makes a room feel lived in. Scavenge through your cabinets and pull out something you haven’t used in a while!
- Something new – So your coffee table doesn’t look like grandma’s attic add something new and trendy to your vignette to keep it lively and fresh. For me, the plants are my new addition. This might mean simply painting an olf thing to make it like new!
- Something Blue – Ok – maybe not blue but color is a necessity. This room is a neutral palette with pops of green, enter the plants again. They really brought this table to life! Can you keep a secret? Some of my plants are real and some are fake. My hope is that you can’t tell the difference. I’m not a huge fan of faux plants, so if I use them they have to be really good!
- Varying Heights – You want an array of heights. All the same plane is boring on the eye and then nothing stands out. Use vintage books, boxes or trays to elevate smaller items or items of the same height.
- Togetherness – I always think things look better in a group and often the group looks better gathered on a tray! It’s also the perfect way to add another element of texture or material, like with this wire basket tray. You could use a table runner, placemat, fabric, basket, tray or anything else large enough to hold your vignette.
- Layer texture – Texture adds interest and dimension to a coffee table. The smooth glass, shiny silver, wirey tray, linen and paper on the books, light and airy plants and compact groups of leaves. They are all different and work together. I’m pretty sure there is a lesson in there somewhere!
I hope this vintage coffee table decor gave you a little extra “umph” to get your tabletops in gear! You know you’re my best friend when you share the projects here! I am always so grateful to spend a moment with you. Have a beautiful day.
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I’m a sucker for succulents! Super cute, Kim!!
thanks friend 🙂
Oh my, I have that same silver bowl….or one so similar as to not matter. It is currently holding STUFF in my sewing room, but I think I need to turn it into a succulent planter now! My sewing room needs a little green. I always love you vignettes, they give me so many ideas!
thanks – you can use silver for so many things, I just love that you are using it somewhere!!!
Great tips, Kim! I bet you get a lot of questions about that window with the rug… It always catches my eye! 😉
thanks Julie – it was a great find for sure!
I love love this vignette. Just what my room needs. Thanks!!!
yay – such a simple combo of things you probably already have!
Love your coffee table decor, Kim. I have my parents big wooden coffee table with lots of scuffs and marks. I’ve thought about refinishing it but for the moment I love it the way it is. It is decorated with a large open book showing a beautiful southern plantation, a crystal bowl and candlesticks. I, too, have a silver casserole dish that would be perfect for a tall orchid or two. Thanks for the inspiration. As a side note, there is also a magazine with our Aggie 12th man on the cover.
Gig em ags!
whoop – love the Ags and your special touch! An orchid would be gorgeous in a silver bowl!!!
Delightful arrangement and reminded me I have several silver objects that I can stir up to try some of these arrangements. Thanks for the ideas again.
yes – go dig through your cabinets pronto!!! 🙂
Tried your idea yesterday and loving my new look. My little curious dog spotted it and stood on her back feet to get a better look. Think she likes it too.
I love this!!! It’s always nice to have a furry little helper! Thank you so much for sharing!
I absolutely *love* this vignette. To me, it is perfect!! I completely agree, when things are together on a tray, placemat, etc, it pulls it all together. Otherwise, it can seem like a cluttered mess. Lol
That makes me so happy Wanda – Trays do the job for sure!