Jack's Love List #29: Coffee Table Trinkets

The must haves for Coffee Table Styling

Jul 05, 2025

There’s something wildly satisfying about a beautifully curated coffee table. It’s that perfect little patch of your home that says “I’ve got it together”—even if the rest of the room is hiding laundry piles and half-drunk cups of tea (guilty). Whether you're styling from scratch or just want to zhuzh things up a bit, this week's Love List is all about those finishing touches that bring charm, warmth, and a little bit of "look at me!" energy to your living space. Think beautiful books, sculptural bits, soft scents, and trays that make even your remote look chic. Lets dive in!

Trays:

A good tray does more than just keep your bits and bobs in place—it’s the secret weapon of a well-styled coffee table. Whether you love a layered look or lean minimal, these beauties add instant polish. They’re also brilliant when styling footstools or upholstered ottomans, giving you a firm, stable surface for things like candles, vases, or your third cup of tea that you'd rather not tip over. Practical and pretty? Which you know I love to see it.

First up, this John Lewis x Collargie is such a sweet piece. The Jaipur Rose design is soft and elegant with just the right hit of warmth to add a pop, but remain muted. Collagerie always gets colour so right, and this tray is a perfect little lift for neutral schemes or darker wood tables. Style it with a bud vase and your favourite candle for a eclectic moment.

Also in John Lewis, this octagon tray total standout if you're after something a little more sculptural. The shape makes it feel super considered and contemporary—ideal for modern spaces or if you're trying to break up too many round edges in a room. I have a similar tray to this in an aged mirror which I love.

Scallops are still everywhere, and this pink and green colour combo from TK Maxx Home is just too good. A little bit Wes Anderson, a little bit vintage ice cream parlour—it brings personality in spades. Style it with something playful: a stack of colourful matches, a curved candle, or even a little trinket box. It adds the perfect pop of colour and fun to your styling. They’ve got a number of different colour combos too, including a lovely blue and yellow number if you're after something equally joyful with a slightly cooler edge.

If you're looking for something a little more neutral and timeless, TK Maxx has you covered. This rattan-effect option is perfect for the calm colour lovers. Cream and white is a classic combo, and this tray strikes a lovely balance between softness and natural texture. Style it in a coastal-inspired space or on a whitewashed coffee table for that effortless harmony. It’s one of those pieces that looks far more expensive than it is—and my favourite detail? The bamboo-effect handles in that darker tone. They add just the right touch of luxury.

Equally, if you're a fan of a neutral space, Matalan have a great option with their black wooden footed tray. This little footed number has that elevated look (literally) that gives your display some height and structure—plus it’s under a tenner?! Yes please. It’s ideal for stacking a small book, candle, and maybe a decorative bead chain. It also makes a fab base for a breakfast-in-bed moment if you’re feeling fancy (which we know I am).

Books:

The 'coffee table book' has been around for years now, and like many of you (I’m sure), I’m totally guilty of judging a book solely by its cover when it comes to display. Whether it’s matching a colour scheme or suiting the vibe of a space—cocktail books in the snug, fashion covers in the bedroom—you name it, I’ve done it. So, it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t give myself a little plug here. Around four years ago, I had the pleasure of co-authoring an interiors book 'The Art of Home’ alongside three incredibly talented others. It’s packed with interior inspiration and, yes, it has a very lovely cover that would look right at home on your coffee table.

H&M Home have a great little collection of The Little Book of titles, all centred around iconic luxury brands—from fashion favourites like Gucci, Chanel and Prada to jewellery giants like Rolex. I love a collection of items like this on a coffee table or shelf; it instantly looks considered and pulled together, like you’ve really thought about the space (even if you picked them up in a single scroll session). Even better? Some of them are currently on sale—down from £14.99 to as little as £7.00 or £8.00. Luxe look, high-low price tag. Yes please.

The destination-name books by Assouline have become hugely popular recently, and I have to admit—I’m a big fan. Each one is dedicated to a dreamy location, from Ibiza to Palm Beach, and they come in the most gorgeous, bold colour schemes. Think hot pinks, sunshine yellows, sea blues... they're basically designed to be shown off. Stack a few together and you’ve got an instant pop of colour and a built-in conversation starter. They bring that luxury travel vibe into your living room without even needing a passport. That said, I’m yet to bite the bullet myself—at £85 a pop, they’re definitely a bit of an investment if you’re just looking for a styling piece. But if you’re after something that’s both beautiful and collectable, they’re hard to beat. One day, one day...

Candle:

Candles and coffee tables—honestly, one of the most iconic duos since Morecambe & Wise or Will & Grace. The two just go hand in hand. There’s something about that soft flicker that instantly makes a space feel more inviting, more you. And with so many amazing brands and scents out there—from the big-name perfume houses to artisan finds at your local craft fair—it can be hard to know where to start. So, I’ve done the work for you and rounded up a few of my absolute favourites.

Diptyque has been a love of mine for many years—both Dave and I wear their fragrances, so it holds a bit of a sentimental spot in our home. But when it comes to their candles, I couldn’t possibly pick just one. There are three that I absolutely adore for their rich, atmospheric scents. First up is Feu de Bois, which is my go-to winter burn. It has the most fabulous woody, fireside scent with notes of birch, juniper, and cade. It smells like curling up beside a log burner in a very chic cabin—pure comfort.

Next is Vetyver, which still has that delicious smoky tone, but with a more tropical twist. Think bergamot, mandarin, and clove—it’s a little more exotic and has this lovely, Asian-inspired warmth that works beautifully year-round. Lastly, a hidden gem I discovered about three years ago: Essence of John Galliano. This one is a real treat—it’s only available directly from Diptyque, and it’s got the most incredible leather scent. Inspired by the designer himself, it blends dark bark, musk, vanilla, and that rich leather undertone. It’s cosy, sexy, and honestly one of the best-smelling things I’ve ever owned.

One of my favourite local finds is Sensual by Born of Botanics, a Yorkshire-based brand with a beautiful little shop right here in my hometown—tucked away on Stonegate, just a ten-minute walk from my coffee table (dangerously convenient). Sensual is exactly that: woody, warm, and exotic with a spa-like quality that instantly relaxes you. It layers rich notes of patchouli, cedarwood, vetiver, black pepper, rose, oud, ylang ylang and jasmine—basically the dream mix of sweet musk and earthy depth. It’s the kind of scent that makes you want to exhale and stay a while - so not always good for getting rid of unwanted house guests haha.

Another favourite of mine comes from The Naked Candle Co, a brilliant Manchester-based brand creating beautifully crafted scents with a sustainable twist. Their Amber & Gingerlily candle is warm, cosy, and just a little bit mysterious—the perfect vibe for darker evenings ahead. It blends amber woods and cedar with soft sandalwood, jasmine, lily, and just a whisper of ginger spice. It’s comforting without being too heavy. Made with natural soy wax, a cotton and linen wick, and high-quality fragrance oils, it burns cleanly and smells gorgeous from start to finish.

Decorative Objects:

The coffee table is also the perfect place to pop your objet d’art (we’re feeling fancy!). These little decorative pieces are what bring personality, layers, and that all-important visual interest to your setup. Whether it's something sculptural, quirky, or sentimental, these are the bits that make the space feel considered and totally personal.

I spotted this brass top hat on T.K.Maxx online and, honestly, I’m strangely drawn to it. Maybe it’s the childhood memories of playing Monopoly (dibs on the hat, always), or maybe it’s just because it’s so fabulously whimsical—but I think it would sit perfectly on a coffee table as a brilliant little talking point. It adds that playful, unexpected element that makes people smile. And at just £9.99? A total steal. They also have a fabulous pair of brass spectacles in the same collection, which I also rather love. Together, they’d make such a fun duo—quirky, unexpected, and totally charming.

Habitat have a couple of perfectly priced pieces that are brilliant for adding texture and sculptural form to your coffee table setup. First up is this rich, dark mango wood bud vase, currently reduced to just £4.02 (yes, really). It has such a beautiful earthy tone that brings a sense of depth and quiet luxury to your space for a very small spend. Style it solo for a minimal look, or pop in a few stems of fresh eucalyptus or soft ruscus to soften the edges.

They’ve also got a beautiful bobble planter that carries the same earthy palette but with a fun, tactile twist. It’s perfect for adding a bit of greenery—a little succulent or cactus would sit happily in it. And with a 10cm diameter, it could double up as a stylish pot for long matches or pens too, especially if you're a coffee-and-crossword kind of person. It’s the little details that make a space sing.

If it’s whimsical, cheerful pieces you’re after to spark (see what I did there?) a little joy and conversation, then Oliver Bonas is the one for you. They have this lovely green glass plant mister with brass hardware that perfectly balances style and function. It looks so good styled on a stack of books—exactly how I have mine on my own coffee table—but it’s also a gentle reminder to give your plants a little love while you sip your morning brew.

Another fun-but-functional piece I’m loving is their long red matches in a glass bottle, complete with a match striker on the base. They bring such a happy pop of colour and are actually useful for lighting your cosy evening candles—form and function done right.

And lastly, probably my favourite piece this week: the brass fish candle holder. It’s cute, a little bit quirky, and definitely a conversation starter. I love that it brings a sense of drama while still being totally versatile. Style it with multicoloured neon candles for a bright summer vibe, or keep it classic with tall white tapers for something more pared-back. Either way, I’m fully obsessed—as my ongoing affinity for fish-themed interiors clearly isn’t going anywhere.

Links:

T.k.Maxx Gold Metal Top Ornament £9.99 - Click Here
T.k.Maxx Gold Metal Glasses Ornament £16.99 - Click Here
Habitat Mango wood Bud Vase £4.02 - Click Here
Habitat Small Bobble Planter £3.50 - Click Here
Oliver Bonas Lys Green Glass Plant Mister £12.50 - Click Here
Oliver Bonas Red Lips Long Bottled Matches £15.50 - Click Here
Oliver Bonas Fish Gold Metal Triple Candle Holder £45.00 - Click Here

And there you have it—your coffee table is now fully prepped to be the star of the living room (or at least the place where your remote lives in style). Whether you’re team “minimal chic” or “more-is-more”, there’s something here to bring a bit of joy, texture, and the occasional brass fish into your home.

If you enjoyed this week’s Love List, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and follow—it really helps me keep the candles lit (literally). Got a favourite piece? Or just want to tell me you also chose the hat in Monopoly? Leave a comment below—I love a chat almost as much as I love a good tray.

Jack's Love List #29: Coffee Table Trinkets

The must haves for Coffee Table Styling

Trays:

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Books:

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Candle:

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Decorative Objects:

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P.S. This post does contain some affiliate links—these help me keep my content free and the coffee table candle fund topped up.

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