living room decor | The Oak Furniture Land Blog - Style and Inspiration for your Home Style and Inspiration Mon, 17 Feb 2025 11:52:16 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/cropped-OFL_Leaf_Stem_RGB_Green-32x32.png living room decor | The Oak Furniture Land Blog - Style and Inspiration for your Home 32 32 How to style your coffee table https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/how-to/styling-your-coffee-table/ Mon, 17 Feb 2025 11:30:59 +0000 http://blog.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/?p=2139 A coffee table is more than just a functional piece of furniture — it anchors your living room, bringing stylish practicality to your space. Whether you’re hosting guests, enjoying a…

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A coffee table is more than just a functional piece of furniture — it anchors your living room, bringing stylish practicality to your space. Whether you’re hosting guests, enjoying a quiet morning coffee, or simply unwinding after a long day, a well-chosen coffee table serves as the perfect surface for drinks, snacks, and decor.

Beyond aesthetics, many modern designs feature built-in storage, such as drawers and shelves, helping you keep everyday clutter neatly tucked away. From sleek Japandi designs to more generous, rustic styles, the right coffee table can enhance your room’s ambience while offering the convenience you need for daily living.

If you need help incorporating these pieces into your existing decor, read on for plenty of inspiration.

Getting started

A coffee table and sofa-living room furniture-warm wooden coffee table with drawers-green velvet chaise corner sofa-patterned cushions-oversized ornate mirror-floral patterned rug

Original Rustic coffee table | @my_barratt_mey

Choosing the right coffee table starts with understanding your personal style, your storage needs, and how it fits into your overall living room design. Is your aesthetic cottagecore and cosy, sleek and modern, or a bold mix of eclectic elements? Defining your base style will guide your selection, ensuring your coffee table enhances and complements your space.

To bring your vision to life, consider creating a mood board on Pinterest. Collect images of coffee tables, living room layouts, and interior styles that inspire you. This will help you visualise how different shapes, materials, and finishes work together, making it easier to find a table that not only looks amazing but also feels like a natural extension of your home.

In the round

A sofa, coffee table, and TV unit-living room furniture-textured neutral rug-pale oak coffee table-cream sofa-neutral TV unit-clever storage-exposed brick walls-cream draped curtains

Halo coffee table | Malvern sofa | Maze rug

Practical and stylish, a round coffee table or a nesting coffee table is a great choice if you need flexible furniture that adapts to your space. The circular design of our Halo coffee table is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, with a spacious shelf for stacking books and magazines neatly together.

The perfect match

A coffee table and TV unit-stylish living room-wooden coffee table with geometric design-matching wooden TV unit-gallery wall-warm neutral walls-patterned rug-fresh flowers in striped vase-floral image on TV

Parquet coffee table | Parquet large sideboard | @at_the_mcgillens

For a seamless and stylish living space, consider choosing coffee tables and other furniture pieces from the same or a complementary range. A well-coordinated look helps create visual harmony, making your room feel intentional and thoughtfully designed.

Start by selecting a coffee table that complements your existing furniture in terms of material, colour, and design. If you already have wooden pieces, choose a coffee table in a similar wood tone or finish to tie everything together effortlessly.

Scandi saviour

A coffee table and sofa-living room furniture-wooden coffee table-storage shelf-two-seater sofa

Durham coffee table | Thornley sofa | Clouds metallic rug

Minimalist Scandinavian style remains a timeless design choice that works beautifully in both contemporary and traditional homes. When styling modern pieces, opt for architectural and decorative accessories in a neutral colour palette to bring this look to life. If space is a bit tight, the Scandi-inspired Durham range offers the perfect small living room coffee table.

French farmhouse style

Oak Furnitureland Burleigh weathered oak coffee table, console table and dark green Bramble sofa in a light-filled living room.

Burleigh coffee table | Burleigh console table

Our chateau-inspired Burleigh range introduces instant French style to any space. Pair with neutral tones and rustic accessories to add to the farmhouse feel, while the warm weathered finish brings a pleasing homely touch.
Style tips

Once you’ve chosen your coffee table, simple touches can effortlessly elevate its impact in your space. A ceramic bowl, a pretty branch or bunch of blooms, and a stack of books or magazines are easy, affordable ways to add interest. Follow these hints to experiment with styling and make the most of your space…

Follow the rule of three:

Objects arranged in odd numbers tend to be more visually appealing.

A coffee table and sofa-living room furniture-dark wooden coffee table with black marble top-fluted design-dark wood-cream upholstered sofa-wooden console table

Oliver coffee table | Jude sofa | Eden rug

Add a mixture of heights:

Try introducing plants, accessories, and books of varying sizes to create visual interest and draw the eye to different levels.

Two sofas and coffee table-living room-two seater sofa-wooden coffee table with drawers

Newton coffee table | @livingwith_sienna

Stack magazines and coffee table books:

To create more space and add character, place one or two objects on a pile of coffee table books or magazines for a thoughtfully curated look.

A coffee table and sofa-living room furniture-wooden coffee table painted neutral-neutral walls-neutral 2-seater sofa

Henley coffee table | Malvern sofa

Add a decorative tray:

Highlight your favourite decorative accessories in one stylish spot.

Parquet coffee table and dark blue velvet sofa in neutral living room scheme.

Parquet coffee table | @laura.elizabeth_

Dual function furniture

A corner sofa and footstool-living room furniture-cream corner sofa-matching storage footstool

Malvern modular corner sofa | Malvern footstool | @ourwelshhomeuk

If you don’t have space for a coffee table, a footstool offers a versatile solution, providing both ad-hoc seating and a surface for drinks and snacks — just add a tray on top! Opt for textured upholstery, like that featured in our Malvern sofa and coordinating footstool in beige fabric, to create a serene and stylish room scheme.

Browse our full collection of oak coffee tables and more to find the perfect one for you. Plus, don’t miss our complete buyer’s guide to choosing the right size coffee table for your space.

Let us know how you style your coffee table by sharing your photos using #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome on Instagram.

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How to choose a rug https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/inspiration-station/choose-area-rug/ Tue, 03 Oct 2023 09:33:41 +0000 http://blog.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/?p=3019 Rugs are a great way to add character and cosiness to your home, and we've got some top tips to help with choosing the right one for your home.

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Not only do they add warmth and interest to your home, but rugs also really finish off a room. Area rugs are perfect for large and small spaces where you want to protect your flooring while softening the overall aesthetic. They’re also useful for delineating spaces so work well for grouping furniture in large open-plan rooms.

Whether you’re looking for something bold to add colour to a room, a textural design to lift a neutral space or just wondering how big you should go, here are some tips to make it a little easier when the time comes to choosing the right rug for your home.

Types of rug

Brick wall with cream rolled up rugs, a brown leather chair and a dark acacia and metal side table, with a cream rug in the foreground.

The first thing to consider is the type of rug that’s right for you. You’ll need to think about where the rug will be used so you can determine whether you should go for a low-pile or high-pile style.

Low pile rugs

Vibrant blue velvet accent chair with three rugs rolled up against a brick wall, with a large plant also in shot.

Low-pile rugs are great for busy areas of your home that get a lot of foot traffic, such as hallways or living rooms, as they will stand up to wear and tear better. A good underlay will make low-pile rugs more comfortable for sitting on – ideal if you’ve got young kids who will be playing on the floor.

Placing a rug under dining tables is a simple way to zone your dining space. Low-pile rugs are best here to allow dining chairs to move in and out freely, plus you can vacuum up crumbs easily.

High pile rugs

Flatlay of colourful shaggy rugs in blue, grey and brown tones.

Cosy high-pile rugs, such as our Shaggy or Dakota designs, are ideal for low-traffic areas of the home such as bedrooms. And, they’re lovely to sink your toes into when you get up in the morning.

If you have wooden or tiled flooring, shaggy rugs introduce instant texture that brings added comfort to your home. These plush, fluffy designs create a luxurious finish that really ups the cosy factor in any space.

What size should you go for?

Two neutral rugs on the floor, with two others rolled up resting next to a bench.

The best way to decide this is to measure out the area you want to cover. There should be at least a foot or two of visible flooring around the room. This will give you an idea of the size you’ll need before you set out to find your dream rug.

Our rugs come in three different sizes to offer plenty of options to suit your space. In a living area, generally speaking, all the front legs of the furniture should sit upon the rugs. Stay away from postage-stamp size rugs right under the coffee table as it will make your room look smaller.

At the same time, you don’t want to waste a lot of money buying a large rug that sits fully underneath the furniture as you’ll essentially be paying for a rug that you won’t even see. And if it’s in front of a sofa, then it should run the same or slightly wider than the width of the sofa.

Rugs for other rooms

Collection of cream rugs on the floor and two rolled up, with a brown leather chair also in shot.

In a dining room, the rug should be large enough so that when you pull out your chair, the chair remains on the rug. In most cases, you’ll also want to match the shape of your rug with the shape of your table, so rectangular tables suit rectangular rugs and round tables suit round rugs.

In a bedroom, you might want to consider two smaller rugs on each side of the bed or one that’s large enough to cover two-thirds from underneath the bed and at least a few feet on either side of the bed and in front of it.

What material should you choose?

Collection of cream rugs rolled up against a brick wall.

Choose from a range of different materials depending on your needs and budget. Our Kennedy, Mayfair and Ohio rugs are hand-tufted and made from 100% wool to offer a naturally luxurious finish.

We also have a range of polyester rugs – designed to be hard-wearing and practical for every home. Be sure to utilise an underlay to make thinner rugs more comfortable underfoot. On the upside, they’re normally less expensive than wool rugs so if you tend to change the style of your room frequently it may make more sense to buy something you won’t feel guilty replacing every few years.

Finally, natural materials, like jute rugs, are great for high-traffic areas although less comfortable underfoot than wool or cotton rugs. However, they are very practical and don’t require as much care. Simply beating the rug outdoors will loosen any dust and debris and keep it looking great for years.

Remember there are never any hard and fast rules when it comes to decorating. The most important thing is to buy what you know you will love for years to come. Find the perfect rug for your home by shopping our latest rug collections. We’d love to see how you’ve styled rugs with your Oak Furnitureland pieces at home. Tag us at #OakFurnitureland and #GrowYourHome on Instagram.

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How to use and style a nest of tables https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/general/use-nesting-tables/ Thu, 19 Aug 2021 12:05:59 +0000 https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/?p=16231 Nesting tables date back to the 18th century, first designed by Thomas Sheraton, who created the “quartetto table,” a set of four stacking tables used for activities like needlepoint and…

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Nesting tables date back to the 18th century, first designed by Thomas Sheraton, who created the “quartetto table,” a set of four stacking tables used for activities like needlepoint and board games. While their popularity waned for a time, they have experienced a revival in modern homes, thanks to their practicality and adaptability.

Today, a nest of tables can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. From industrial-style metal frames with marble tops to a more traditional nest of tables in oak, there’s a design to suit every taste.

Whether you’re short on space or love entertaining guests, these versatile tables offer endless possibilities. Read on to discover plenty of placement and styling ideas.

Why choose a nest of tables?

Kitchen seating nook with a brown sofa, nest of two tables and small plants.

St. Ives nest of tables | @edwardian_house_to_home

A nest of tables, also known as nesting tables, is a versatile and stylish furniture staple that adds both functionality and aesthetic appeal to any home. Consisting of a small set of tables that graduate in size, they fit neatly together, often without the legs touching. Though traditionally seen as classic or old-fashioned, nesting tables have evolved into modern, chic pieces that complement contemporary interiors just as well as traditional ones.

Tuscany nest of coffee tables

The key advantage of nesting tables is their space-saving design. Stackable when not in use, they are ideal for compact living spaces and can be easily pulled apart when extra surface area is needed. The flexibility of stacking tables allows you to rearrange them to suit your needs, whether for serving snacks, displaying decor, or even as an impromptu footstool.

Canterbury nest of tables | @our_radleigh_home

Their versatility goes beyond practicality. With countless styles, finishes, and materials available, a nest of tables can complement any decor — from rustic farmhouse aesthetics to sleek, minimalist spaces. They epitomise practical elegance, offering both form and function in one neat package.

Where to place nesting tables

Oak Furnitureland industrial-style Detroit glazed nest of coffee tables in a living room with an inky blue wall.

Detroit nest of coffee tables | @clean_and_cosy_home

Nesting tables can be used both within and far beyond the traditional living room setting, so we’ve collated some convenient and creative placement ideas to inspire you…

    • Lounging essentials: A nest of coffee tables is a popular choice for multifunctional living rooms that need to adapt for hosting duties.
    • In awkward corners: Transform unused spaces into stylish nooks with a decorative lamp or houseplant.
    • Bedroom nightstands: Swap bulky bedside tables for sleek nesting tables to achieve a modern look.
    • Bathroom vanity: Perfect for displaying beauty products or toiletries in smaller bathrooms.
    • Playrooms: Create kid-sized surfaces that are easy to move and store.
    • Conservatories: Display plants at varying heights for an indoor garden sanctuary.

How to style a nest of tables

Original Rustic nest of tables

While often chosen for their practicality, nesting tables can also serve as eye-catching decorative features. Here are a few tips for styling them effortlessly in the home…

  • Layer with purpose: Use the varying heights to create depth. Place a statement lamp on the tallest table, a stack of coffee table books on the middle one, and a decorative bowl or candle on the smallest.
  • Incorporate natural elements: Add greenery with small potted plants or vases of fresh flowers to bring life and colour into the space.
  • Play with textures: Mix materials like glass, wood, metal, and ceramics to add depth and visual interest.
  • Keep it minimal: For a clean, minimalist look, select a few carefully chosen items, such as a single sculpture or framed photo, to keep the tables clutter-free.
  • Reflect your colour palette: Tie the look together with accessories that complement your room’s existing colour scheme.

Can you customise nesting tables?

Hove nest of tables | @number10herwick

If you have an older set of nesting tables, you can easily give them a fresh look with a bit of DIY. Depending on the wood finish, simply sanding them down and applying a new coat of paint or varnish can revitalise their appearance. Alternatively, we offer a variety of painted styles and finishes, saving you the hassle of doing it yourself.

Detroit tall bookcase | Detroit large sideboard | Detroit nest of tables | @our_ascot_home_anwyl

Whether you’re looking to save space, add flexibility to your layout, or simply introduce a stylish new element to your home, a nest of tables is a fantastic choice. Their ability to adapt to different settings and functions makes them a timeless piece of furniture.

St Ives nest of tables | @taraandlukehome

Thinking of adding a set to your home? Explore our latest collection of nests of tables to find the perfect fit for you. And don’t forget to share how you’ve styled yours by tagging us on Instagram with #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome.

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How to decorate with neutral paint colours https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/general/how-to-decorate-with-neutral-paint-colours/ Thu, 12 Aug 2021 15:35:11 +0000 https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/?p=23426 Neutrals are back in for 2021. As we’re starting to find excitement outside of our four walls, our homes are once again becoming a calm place of sanctuary from the…

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Neutrals are back in for 2021. As we’re starting to find excitement outside of our four walls, our homes are once again becoming a calm place of sanctuary from the busy world. What better way to achieve this feeling than with peaceful neutral decor and colour schemes?

British home decor brand and paint specialists Lick, has teamed up with award-winning interior designer Kelly Hoppen CBE, known as the ‘Queen of Neutrals’, to create six timeless neutral paint colours to decorate your home with.

dark grey painted oak furniture bedroom

Grove bedside tableGrove double bed

Tash Bradley, Lick’s Lead Interior & Colour Specialist, said these timeless neutral paint colours, known as Palette 04, are designed to help us create ‘balance and calmness’ and ‘soothing spaces to retreat to and relax in’. Sounds good to us!

Industrial style furniture in living room

Brooklyn TV unitBrooklyn coffee table | @kas_interiors

What is a good neutral paint colour?

A good neutral paint colour is any shade that serves as a quiet background for other elements. Neutrals are usually grey and beige, whites and browns, but very light shades can be neutrals even if they have a hint of colour in them.

Neutral paint colours are a reliable option for any room if you’re looking to create a calming and tranquil space. Kelly Hoppen has long been an avid lover and advocate of neutral palettes. She said: “I love using them because they provide the perfect, quiet, easy backdrop for so many looks, materials and styles of furniture and furnishings.” Neutral colours are super easy to pair with other shades to create exactly the look you want.

neutral living room decor with

Shay Bookcase | @mrs_roobottoms_home

Kelly Hoppen x Lick

We love this collaboration because Kelly Hoppen is such a veteran of creating perfect neutral interiors. She’s done the hard work for us by choosing this palette, which she said ”offers a truly timeless appeal that will work with every home design.” Here are our favourites from the collection and tips on how you can style them in your home.

The perfect light grey paint

Light grey is the ultimate neutral shade because its lightness provides a comforting and calm backdrop in your home. Grey 11 from the collection has subtle hints of blue, but is still light and grey enough to be a neutral colour.

Light grey paint

Brindle living room

Brindle coffee tableBrindle display cabinet

To style this versatile shade, go bold and contrast it with darker tones in your interiors such as inky blue painted furniture like the Highgate range. Or for a fully neutral palette, consider matching it with some grey and white painted furniture. For more inspiration, check out our blog on how to style grey and white painted furniture.

Blue painted triple wardrobe in neutral room

Highgate triple wardrobeHighgate 5 drawer chest | @merford_manor

The best dark grey paint

If you’re wanting a darker look, Grey 10 is definitely the shade for you. Its cool undertones give an impactful and sophisticated feel to any space and this is definitely a colour that will stand the test of time.

Lick dark grey paint sample

Brindle grey painted furniture office

Brindle deskBrindle stool

The best way to style this grey wall paint is to complement it with light grey tones in soft fabrics, like our Morgan sofa range. You could also choose wooden furniture with grey tones, like the solid oak Willow range. Read this blog for a comprehensive guide on how to decorate with grey.

A gorgeous greige

Greige is a famous neutral in between grey and beige, and is the perfect choice if you’re not sure which to go for. There are two greige paint colours, Taupe 01 and Beige 04, in the collection and both are warm tones which will give a chic and elegant finish to any room.

Lick paint taupe 01

Taupe 01

To style these greige shades, stick to warm natural woods like our Original Rustic range, for that cosy farmhouse feel. These neutral shades can also work as a beautiful backdrop to brighter tones, so if you have colourful curtains and fabric chairs or striking artwork you want to incorporate, these are the perfect shades to pair with.

Hove white painted oak bed

Hove double bed | @ourhomemadeofthree

Finally, we can’t share our pick of these timeless neutrals without featuring Kelly Hoppen’s favourite. As she put it, ‘if I had to pick a favourite, it would have to be Beige 05, it is a beautiful soft linen shade which pairs so well with fabrics.’

Lick paint biege 05

To style this colour in your home, embrace the natural tones and fill your room with real oak furniture. The wood textures in oak furniture, especially those of the Parquet range, will perfectly compliment the earthy hues in this shade. Finish the space off with some dried grasses to bring the outside in and you’ll have your very own calming oasis.

Parquet chest

Parquet chest | @thelightshesees

And those are our top picks of the Kelly Hoppen x Lick range. If you’re still trying to decide on paint colours, check out this other blog post from Lick on how to choose the best paint colours for a soothing sleep.

We’d love to see how you style these timeless neutral paint colours! Tag us on socials with the hashtag #OakFurnitureland, and don’t forget to follow our Instagram for more inspiration.

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How to mix and match your living room furniture https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/general/how-to-mix-and-match-your-living-room-furniture/ Mon, 29 May 2017 10:00:57 +0000 http://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/?p=15437 If you’re anything like us, you’ve got a stack of magazines somewhere, or a beautifully curated Pinterest board full of interior design inspiration. But despite our best efforts, it can…

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If you’re anything like us, you’ve got a stack of magazines somewhere, or a beautifully curated Pinterest board full of interior design inspiration. But despite our best efforts, it can seem really difficult to actually bring those visions to life in our home. How are we supposed to create a catalogue-ready living room set with our mismatched decor and far-from-unlimited budget? Thankfully, it turns out that you don’t need a perfectly matched living room set to create a stylish escape!

Mixing your living room furniture is a great way to incorporate pieces you already own and love into a new design scheme, and to make a truly personalised and unique room that is worthy of the magazines. And while it might seem daunting, by mixing and matching both new and old furniture pieces, you can create a cohesive feel that expresses your individuality.

Here are our top three tips for creating an effortless mix -and-matched living room style:

Create cohesion with scale

Chances are, you probably have a few beloved chairs or a treasured sofa that you really want to keep in your living room. We say, do it! A great way of matching new pieces with old favourites is to keep the scale of the furniture the same.

This means choosing pieces with a similar seat height and depth; you wouldn’t want to be trying to have a conversation looking down on someone while they’re sinking into a low chair! The back height of your furniture matters too. It helps to balance the look of the space.

Pop with colour and patterns

Embrace the art of mixing and matching by incorporating pieces that really pop and stand out amongst your other furniture. The simplest way to do this? Bring in an unexpected colour or pattern!

Don’t be intimidated by making a bold choice when it comes to accent pieces. Chances are, you probably have some clues in your living room right now that will make picking a colourful sofa or patterned armchair easy.

An easy way to pick a winning pattern is to look at the dominant piece of decor in your living room, whether that’s a sofa, a piece of art you love, your cushions, or even the rug! What is the main colour of that item? Use this as a jumping-off point when selecting a pattern. For example, if you have a lovely photo of the sea above your sofa, look for patterns with hints of blue, like our Brighton accent chair in Sea Spray fabric.

When adding a colour pop, look and see if there are any main shades in your room, and decide if you want to complement that, or create a pop of contrast. It’s all about your personal style here!

Link pieces with soft furnishings

Original Rustic living room

Original Rustic coffee tableGrayson sofaOriginal Rustic side tableOriginal Rustic bookcase

Grayson sofa original rustic coffee table

Original Rustic coffee tableGrayson sofa

If you’re looking to create some unity between different pieces you already own, the secret could be in the soft furnishings. Try swapping the cushions on your sofa and armchair, it’s a surprisingly simple way to unify mismatched pieces!

Bramble patterned sofa

Bramble 2-seater sofa

Think about bringing in other colours or patterns with throws and pillows too. Say you had a rug with purple in it, try using some tones of purple in the cushions to pull the room together. Or if you have a patterned sofa like our Bramble, try putting a coordinating throw or cushions across your armchair to create a visual flow.

By keeping those three tips in mind, perfectly mixing and matching your living room furniture really is that easy! Show us how you’ve created your own eclectic living room look, using #OakFurnitureland on Instagram.

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