The coffee table is the centerpiece of a living or family room. How you accessorize it is critical.

Decorate a coffee table the way a designer decorates a room. Using texture, color, contrast and scale are all important when considering accessories. Items that contrast with the surface of the table add interest. A light-colored table looks far more interesting with dark items and vice versa. Mixing smooth items such a glass vase, with a rustic box provides visual interest. And vary the height and scale of the objects. Candlesticks, a vase of flowers, branches or, one of our favorites, a white orchid are great options for taller accents.

Books are always wonderful. You can make a few stacks or just use a couple. Scale the books to the size of the table and stack them to any size that looks right. And make the subject matter of each personal and important to you. Show off who you are. It’s your home.

If you have several smaller items you want to display, consider a tray to arrange those items so that you create an interesting collection. Spreading them out can make the table look disorganized and messy.

Consider a 360 degree POV when placing an item. Leave photo frames for shelves to hide the backsides.

We are big on finding a beautiful box to keep the remote in if there is a TV in the room. Not only does it become a beautiful element on the table it hides a utilitarian element. An antique, a family heirloom, or clean and simple but made of beautiful materials like walnut or Carrara marble could be perfect.

However, creating a menagerie of several items is not for every room. In a room where the scale of the furniture is large and the look is modern and minimalist, consider one statement piece — a sculpture, large plant or beautiful bowl may be all you need.