Are you looking to add a little finesse to your living room, or bring some extra personality to your space? Take a look at your coffee table. Your coffee table shouldn’t be a catchall for knick-knacks and junk. It should be an intentional space that helps set the mood for your room. Follow these nine easy steps to determine what to put on a coffee table and how to arrange it to the greatest advantage.

1. Consider your coffee table – The first step to creating a beautiful display is to consider your coffee table, both the style and the size. Your display should complement the design of your table—traditional, transitional, modern, etc. The proportions of the items on your display should also fit with the size of your table. You don’t want an oversized plant on a small table and, conversely, a single small item will look unbalanced on a large coffee table.

2. Select your items – Start by collecting the items you want to display. Need some ideas? Here are some classic choices, along with more unique ideas for your coffee table display.

• Coffee table books: Choose picture books on your favorite topics, such as animals, travel and cooking. Pay attention to the look of the books, as well as the topics, for the best visual stack.
• Flowers: Pick a vase that can be filled with live flowers or quality artificial flowers.
• Green foliage: Assorted green foliage, again fresh or faux, can liven up your display. Choose simple pots, like white ceramic, that will coordinate well with your vignette.
• Candles: A classic choice, choose a group of candles for your display. Tips: Group an odd number of candles together and select candles of varying heights for an interesting display.
• Small sculptures: Add some texture and design to your table top with a small sculptural piece. Choose a sleek metallic sculpture or opt for a more industrial piece to suit the aesthetic in your room.
• Coasters: These items are practical, but they can be pretty too. Choose a few eye-catching coasters that will add some color to your display.

3. Choose a focal point – If you are having trouble choosing items for your display, it can help to select a single piece or a grouping to be the focal point and build around it. A large plant, bright vase or other item can be your focal point—just make sure it’s something you love.

4. Use trays to group and organize – A beautiful wooden tray, glass bowl or platter can help organize your display and make your display look more intentional.

5. Make sure it is balanced – Achieving balance doesn’t mean you have to start seeing double. Instead, consider the visual weight of items. The position of your items on your table, the size and weight of the items themselves, and the colors can also affect the balance of your exhibit.

6. Add some texture – This design element is often under-looked, but it can have a big impact in your overall display. A little greenery, a metallic piece or something soft can add visual interest to your group. Don’t be afraid to mix media!

7. Edit – When it comes to coffee table displays, less really can be more. Take a look at your work and consider whether you can remove anything and still get the same effect and, in some cases, actually improve the look of your vignette.

8. Review your work from all angles – If you are happy with your coffee table display, it’s time to take a walk around your living room. Look at it from all angles, and consider if there is any awkward spacing or gaps that need to be filled.

9. Keep it fresh – You’ve created the perfect vignette, but even the most thoughtfully styled scene can look stale after some time. Refresh your coffee table arrangement with the seasons. Coffee table books featuring autumnal scenes can replace sunny summer books, and be replaced by Christmas tales in the winter. Candles are easy to swap out with each season, updating the color in your space and filling it with your favorite scents. Florals are an easy swap too, and don’t forget the vases. Choose something light, perhaps an elegant glass vase for summer stems, and a substantial piece of pottery for your autumnal flowers. A tabletop Christmas tree is an easy way to decorate your coffee table for winter.