A glass tabletop often plays a supporting role in a room’s design, but with the right styling, it easily becomes a standout feature that adds character and charm.
Especially in smaller spaces, a glass coffee table creates the illusion of openness, allowing light to flow freely and keeping the room feeling airy rather than crowded. But beyond its functional appeal, a well-styled glass tabletop can be the centerpiece in your living room, office, or anywhere you showcase it.
This blog will explore seven creative ways to bring your glass table to life and elevate your interior style.
1. Focus on function
When styling any area of your home, it’s important to consider the furniture’s functionality.
What is the room primarily used for?
What are your plans for the coffee table?
Is it strictly a decorative piece?
Will it serve as an eating table, a magazine holder, or a footrest while watching TV?
Considering your table’s primary functions will help you style it accordingly.
For example, if you know feet will inevitably end up propped atop the glass, consider adding a tablecloth or other barrier. If you know drinks or snacks will be served here, add a decorative tray for coasters and placemats to keep stains at bay.
2. Craft a centerpiece
While a glass table may certainly serve as a utility object, it is also a focal point in the room. As such, your table should exist as a decorative piece, too.
One simple way to highlight your table is through a centerpiece. Consider adding a vase of faux or real flowers, potted succulents, a family picture, or a decorative tray in a color scheme that matches the room. This attention-grabber emphasizes the natural elegance of your glass table.
3. Add sentimental pieces
Incorporating sentimental items into your glass tabletop display is a meaningful way to personalize your space. Whether it’s a vintage photo in a sleek frame, a decorative bowl passed down from a grandparent, or souvenirs from a special trip, these items tell a story and bring warmth to your room.
Because glass is transparent, it doesn’t compete visually with the objects you place on it. Instead, it highlights them. This makes it the perfect surface for displaying cherished keepsakes that deserve to be seen. Sentimental pieces make your decor feel more authentic, spark conversation, and make your space truly yours.
4. Make seasonal swaps
Decorating a table is fun, especially when you add seasonal décor. Since a living room is usually a prime hang-out spot in your home, this is the perfect location to showcase some holiday spirit.
Your coffee table serves as a great place to swap out seasonal decorative elements. Add a strand of garland at Christmastime, fresh tulips for Easter, or a pumpkin gourd in the fall. These seasonal switches will keep your table interesting all year long.
5. Embrace balance and symmetry
As you style your glass tabletop, use symmetry to help balance the decorative elements. Nothing makes for a cluttered space faster than tons of knick-knacks sprawled everywhere.
Instead, opt for a centerpiece and style a few smaller items around it. Use a tall vase or candle holder to anchor the vision together. Vary the height and scale of items and group like objects together to keep your table balanced.
6. Play with color
Your coffee table offers the perfect stage for a pop of color. Whether you want to brighten a neutral space or add more color to an already vibrant room, your table décor will deliver that statement.
Adding a bouquet of colorful flowers is a straightforward way to breathe life into your tablescape. You might also want to add a colorful candle, a patterned ceramic jar, or a clear bowl filled with bright candies. These pops of color can tie your room together and breathe life into the space.
7. Use a tray
A decorative tray is a practical but attractive piece to incorporate into your table design. Trays can hold coasters, remotes, magazines, candles, or other small objects to keep them organized.
Choose from an array of shapes and sizes to best suit the room. A tray also helps build structure and symmetry into the design. Trays anchor down small pieces that otherwise might feel messy.
Glass table maintenance
Now that you’re ready to style your glass tabletop, keeping it looking its best is important. Here are a few simple tips to help maintain its clarity and shine for years to come:
- Clean regularly using gentle, effective methods, such as baking soda and vinegar, a quality glass cleaner, or a simple vinegar spray, to remove smudges and prevent buildup.
- Choose the right glass by opting for safety or tempered glass with a thick, durable surface and a beveled edge for added strength and a finished look.
- Protect the surface by always using coasters under drinks and avoiding direct contact with hot items, which can cause damage or marks over time.
With a little care, your glass tabletop will stay as beautiful as the day you styled it.
Past wax
Paste wax has been used for centuries to smooth out wood furniture, but it can be equally effective on glass. Apply a thin layer, let it dry, and then buff it with a clean cloth. If the scratches are shallow enough, the wax will fill the divots and help light reflect off the surface, creating a smooth look.
Metal polish
Another effective way to reduce superficial scratches is to use metal polish. First, clean the surface with glass cleaner and gently rub in the metal polish using a soft cloth. It might take more than one attempt to get the desired result.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste is an excellent buffing agent that you already have on hand. After cleaning the table surface with a glass cleaner, dab a small amount of toothpaste on the scratch. Apply gentle circular movements until you’re pleased with the results.
By following these simple maintenance tips, your glass tabletop will stay as stunning as the day you styled it — clear, bright, and free from damage.
Whether you’re decorating a new space or upgrading an old favorite, keeping your tabletop in top shape ensures it continues to enhance your room’s style and functionality.
Now, if you’re ready to elevate your space with custom glass that’s built to last, it’s time to turn to the experts — Murray Glass, your Utah glass company.
Choose Murray Glass for custom glass tables
If you’re ready to add a stunning glass tabletop to your home, the experts at Murray Glass are here to help! As a premier Utah glass company, we offer beautiful custom glasswork that will suit your needs and bring your dreams to life. A qualified glass technician will work with virtually any budget to create exactly what you’ve been imagining.
Contact Murray Glass today to schedule a free consultation for all your custom glass needs. We serve the Salt Lake City, Utah, area, including Draper, Sandy, Midvale, West Jordan, Murray, and the surrounding cities. Let us be your Utah glass company and take your home to the next level.
