You're doing a good job. All I'd like to see is a third item on the tray --- and it doesn't have to be a rabbit. I'm just feeling cutesy today.

Rabbit from a set of two: https://www.etsy.com/listing/608102930/set-of-2-ceramic-rabbit-figurine-ceramic?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=rabbit%20pottery&ref=sr_gallery-1-7

I change up my coffee table “junk” with the seasons...so maybe something seasonal like a ceramic pumpkin or two? Or a pumpkin scented candle? I agree though, looks great already!

I agree, it looks very nice! Keep in mind that a coffee table is often used daily for things like coffee, remotes, quick meals, etc. The more you put on it, the more you will move (or inevitably break/stain.) As interior designers, we often get caught up in pretty pictures, but it's important to keep in mind the daily use of the space! Yours will be nice because it has two tiers for things that need to be moved temporarily. We'd love to see pictures of the final product! Good luck!

I think it would look nice without the tray. Just remove it and enjoy some usable space.

Agree with athomeeileen. When did it become more important to stage stuff than to actually use the coffee table for it's intended use?

Thank you so much to everyone! Everyone’s advice is very helpful and I’m thankful for the help. I will “let life happen” and wait for special pieces to come my way.

Looks good as is. However...

If you had a wood tray w/a smooth interior bottom rather than a basket, it might prove more useful for setting things in it -- especially a drink or something/anything w/liquid that needs to be level and/or needs some kind of coaster.

When I first started housekeeping, I didn't realize I needed to protect the bookcase on which I'd set clay and ceramic flower pots from moisture making its way through the trays beneath the pot. I ended up w/damage to the wood. Do find something water cannot pass through ( preferably something clear so as to not detract from the beauty of the flower pot) on which to set that flower pot to protect your stuff from moisture.

Stores, including the Dollar Tree, that sell candles usually have a glass "coaster" five or six inches wide that you could use to protect your book/table/basket from any moisture that might otherwise make it through the bottom of your flower pot. Or, better yet, find something w/more "side" to it to catch more water in case the plant accidentally gets over watered.

What's missing is space. You can't use the coffee table for anything without moving something.

Rule 1: Not every space has to be filled with something.

Rule 2: Books are not coasters for plants. Always show respect for books.

Rule 3: The books on top should be the ones you are currently reading, as though you just laid it there. Books for display go on a display shelf.

IMO a coffee table is there to use for your coffee or a drink or even some nibbles when entertaining and if you load the thing with decor kind of misses the mark.

Our coffee table, in the family room, is the one space I don't decorate at all -- it's always full of drinks, books, remotes, phones, maybe a puzzle or some office work. It's a blessed relief to have a bit of free space in between. Have a couple things you put there when entertaining (which might be a nice cheese tray rather than a plant!), but don't worry about it the rest of the time! :)

It all depends on your lifestyle, how you use the space. Funnily enough, I could imagine people decorating the table for every day and then emptying it (somewhat, at least) when visitors come around to allow for more cups or glasses, plates of snacks etc. They might not use it that much otherwise, but like it looking pretty.

Sooooooooooo ... where'd you get the tray? I love it and if you don't mind, I'd like to buy it for my house. <a little chagrined, but I really like the tray!>

google rattan handled trays? They are everywhere

https://www.google.com/search?q=woven+handle+trays&biw=1905&bih=877&tbs=vw:l,ss:44&tbm=shop&ei=5XPKW-s-5LCPBMjnkNgH&start=20&sa=N

Ah, they're rattan! And I'm the worst Googler ever. Thank you so much for taking the time!

I have the same tray, Hobby Lobby. I can't lie I bought it for my living room large ottoman but it's a pain in the butt, and not sturdy enough to bring in or take away snacks. Sure is cute though.

following

The one thing that would annoy me is the mirrored (?)bottom shelf....it reflects everything ...adds to a cluttered look.....maybe the trays ....books....on the bottom shelf ?

Hi Rachel-
Congratulations on your first apartment!
How exciting for you!
If you are brave enough to show us the rest of your living room, maybe we can make some more suggestions.
I don’t see any throw cushions on your sofa. If you don’t have any, why not get some and their covers are an opportunity to incorporate the colors of your art.
Good luck!

Because it is mirrored on bottom, you get two trays. Always consider what is reflected in any mirror. It should be something interesting or beautiful.

Thank you again to everyone for the pointers! I love this forum because reading these suggestions is super helpful.

Yes, the tray is from Hobby Lobby. I got it for $7 here in California.

Only changes I would make would be to angle the tray slightly...somehow little touches like that are pleasing to the eye...and maybe add a small stack of round coasters to the tray so your guests (and you !) will have something to put their drinks on.

Love that suezbell mementioned Dollar Tree. It is one of my favorite stores for inexpensive items to fill out small gaps in my decorating scheme, particularly holiday items. Yes the store is inexpensive, but finding things in unusual places for small amounts of money is a challenge I appreciate. Enjoy your independence and you have done a very nice job on your coffee table arrangement.

Check out Inspire Me Home Decor on Instagram. She has amazing ideas on how to style coffee tables.