Elevated Autumn: Styling a Luxe Coffee Table & Mantel
There’s something about fall that makes me want to layer textures, warm up my color palette, and create spaces that feel both inviting and refined. Autumn décor doesn’t have to be cliché or overwhelming—sometimes it’s about the quiet details that bring in richness and warmth while still feeling elevated.
A Mantel that Frames the Season
The fireplace is often the anchor of a room, and autumn is the perfect time to let it shine. I love using a garland to ground the mantel and instantly set the tone for the season. For this look, I chose a mix of dried florals and foliage in deep burgundies, rusts, and soft golden tones. The colors nod to fall without leaning too heavily into Halloween or Thanksgiving, making it an arrangement that can last throughout the season.
The trick is finding a garland that feels collected rather than manufactured—something with layered textures, a mix of stems, and a natural flow. Draping it loosely and letting the edges fall in a slightly imperfect way keeps it feeling organic.
I worked on this room on Sunday, and I was intentional about building a foundation that can last all the way through Thanksgiving. I wanted something warm and layered, but not so specific that I’d have to completely redo it in a few weeks. The garland, the coffee table accents, and the overall color palette all give me that rich autumn feel while staying flexible.
Up next? Creepy skulls, witches, and ghosts that I can layer in for October. I love that the room has a timeless fall backbone, so the Halloween details will feel like playful accents rather than a full redesign.
Shop Similar Garland Styles:
Deep Burgundy Eucalyptus Garland–perfect for moody, romantic tones.
Rust + Gold Dried Floral Garland–warm autumnal hues that feel timeless.
Pumpkin Garland–a fun option that transitions beautifully into Thanksgiving.
A Coffee Table that Blends Style & Function
The coffee table is one of my favorite places to create small design “moments.” Stacking oversized books—like Louis Vuitton and Tom Ford—immediately elevates the look. I often use books as foundations, treating them as mini stages for other objects. Here, I paired them with a vintage-inspired brass lamp, a mercury glass candle, and a favorite fragrance bottle to layer in personality and warmth.
When styling, I always think about contrast and balance:
Textures – glossy book covers against aged metallics and soft fabric nearby.
Heights – varied levels keep the eye moving and the vignette interesting.
Function – the table still needs to serve its purpose, so I leave open space for coffee mugs, remotes, or a cozy fall cocktail.
Shop Tabletop Accents:
Checkered Glass Candle–adds warmth with soft reflective light.
Brass Accent Lamp–a small-scale piece that makes a vignette feel intentional.
Decorative Coffee Table Books–versatile for layering year-round.
Designing for Transition
What I love most about this arrangement is how easily it transitions. With just a few small swaps, this same setup will carry me from early fall through Thanksgiving, and then into winter.
For October: add a subtle pumpkin or two (I love velvet or ceramic styles that feel elevated).
For November: layer in warmer candles and dried wheat stems for Thanksgiving vibes.
For December: remove the autumnal garland, and replace it with evergreen or a winter berry garland for a festive feel.
Shop Transitional Seasonal Accents:
Velvet Pumpkins–chic and reusable year after year.
Antique-Style Brass Candle Holders–timeless and easy to style season to season.
Evergreen Garland–a beautiful piece to swap in for winter holidays.
Final Thoughts
Elevated design is all about balance: classic pieces, layered textures, and a thoughtful touch of the season. By curating timeless staples like art, books, and collected objects, and then layering in seasonal accents, you can refresh your home with minimal effort while still making it feel intentional and luxe.
It’s about creating a home that feels warm, lived-in, and welcoming, while also having those styled moments that make you pause and smile.
Love,
Lindsay