Designing a beautiful home isn’t just about large furniture or bold statement pieces—it’s also about the small, curated moments that breathe personality into a room. Surfaces like coffee tables, shelves, sideboards, and nightstands can easily become cluttered catch-alls—or blank and uninspired. But when styled with intention, they become the soul of a space. In this guide, you’ll learn how to use candles, vases, books, and other small items to tell a story, create visual balance, and add that polished, magazine-worthy touch.
Outline
- Why Surface Styling Matters
- The Power Trio: Candles, Vases & Books
- Surface-by-Surface Styling Tips
- How to Layer, Stack & Group Like a Designer
- Styling Mistakes to Avoid
- Seasonal Switch-Ups
- Final Thoughts: Keep It Personal
Why Surface Styling Matters
Styling small surfaces does more than just make a space pretty—it adds mood, warmth and personality. Whether it’s a stack of art books topped with a sculptural candle or a single ceramic vase on a shelf, these details speak volumes.
Benefits of well-styled surfaces:
- Makes your space feel finished and elevated
- Adds depth, warmth and texture
- Allows for personal expression
- Can be easily updated seasonally or for guests
Think of surfaces as your canvas—and accessories as the brushstrokes.
The Power Trio: Candles, Vases & Books
Let’s break down the three classic elements that can transform any surface:
Candles
- Add light, scent, and softness
- Come in endless shapes: taper, pillar, sculptural, or jar
- Can be grouped or placed solo for a bold statement
Try:
- A trio of taper candles in staggered heights
- A single oversized sculptural candle on a side table
- Scented candles on a tray with matches for a functional accent
Vases
- Sculptural by nature—whether empty or filled
- Offer shape, texture, and material contrast
- Pair well with florals, branches, or left bare
Play with:
- Ceramic, glass, matte, or glossy finishes
- Mixing sizes (e.g. one tall, one short, one bulbous)
- Repeating tones from your colour palette
Books
- Add structure and height
- Are perfect platforms for layering objects
- Reflect your interests (fashion, travel, architecture…)
Use them to:
- Elevate candles or small objects
- Add colour and pattern with their covers
- Create layers: think flat stacks, vertical leaning books, or grid
Surface-by-Surface Styling Tips
Coffee Table
- Use a large tray to group items
- Stack 2–3 books with a candle on top
- Add one low vase with fresh or dried stems
- Leave space—don’t overcrowd
Console or Sideboard
- Anchor with a large mirror or framed print
- Place a tall vase on one side, a stack of books on the other
- Add a candle and a small decorative object for the centre
Nightstand
- One book (or a small stack)
- A candle or a small lamp
- A bud vase or carafe with water
- Keep it minimal for restful vibes
Open Shelving
- Mix books (some vertical, some horizontal)
- Use vases and bowls to break up repetition
- Add candles, small art pieces, or framed photos
Styling tip: Always vary height, shape, and texture. Your eye craves contrast!
How to Layer, Stack & Group Like a Designer
The Rule of Three
Group items in odd numbers—three tends to look more natural than two or four.
Create Levels
Use books or trays to elevate smaller items. Play with height to keep the eye moving.
Contrast Materials
Mix soft with hard, matte with shiny, organic with structured.
| Layering Tip | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Book stack + candle | Structured base + soft glow |
| Ceramic vase + metal bowl | Earthy + reflective contrast |
| Tall object + low object + middle-sized filler | Natural balance |
Styling Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Overcrowding the surface | Leave breathing space—less is more |
| Matching everything too perfectly | Add contrast in shape, tone, and texture |
| Ignoring height | Always vary tall and short items |
| Keeping everything in the centre | Use asymmetry—group items on one side |
| Only using decorative objects | Mix with functional ones (like a candle or a book you actually read) |
Seasonal Switch-Ups
Change your styling with the seasons for fresh energy.
Spring/Summer
- Fresh greenery or florals
- Light, airy ceramics
- Coastal or natural textures
Autumn/Winter
- Darker, moodier candles
- Books with warm-toned covers
- Heavier vases, layered with branches
Don’t be afraid to rotate your favourite pieces!
Final Thoughts: Keep It Personal
At the end of the day, great surface styling tells your story. Let your coffee table, shelves, and bedside table reflect what you love—books you actually read, candles you light, objects that remind you of your travels or memories.
The key isn’t perfection. It’s intention.
✨ Coming Soon on the Blog:
- Shelfies 101: How to Style Instagram-Worthy Bookshelves
- The Best Sculptural Candles That Double as Art
- Styling Trays: Your Secret Weapon for a Curated Look
What’s your go-to combo for surface styling? Tag us in your #styledsurfaces for a chance to be featured!
