Accessorizing a Coffee Table With Three Different Vases

Group three round or curved vases at the center of the coffee table to balance a room dominated by straight lines and rectangular furniture. Using three different colors, such as blue, yellow and red, and three different sizes for the vases, creates an attention-getting display. Create a warm, inviting atmosphere with three terracotta, bamboo or ceramic vases, if the room has an industrial feel or predominantly cool colors such as blue or gray. Natural materials and colors such as yellow, orange, red, rose and lime help to counteract the effect of environments that look dark, austere or industrial.

Balance a room full of soft textures, such as plush carpet, upholstery and cushions, by creating a coffee table arrangement of three different vases made of metal or glass that have straight lines, such as rectangular and square chrome vases, geometric crystal vases or tubes of clear glass in three different heights and widths.

Arrange the three vases so they decorate the table without interfering with the coffee table's function. Sit on one of the main seats near the coffee table, such as the sofa. Position coasters for drinks — and anything else you want to use on the coffee table, such as a book of photography or a small array of current magazines, so that they're within reach.

Situate the vases so they're out of the way of anyone reaching for a drink or other item. For example, line the vases up in a vertical row in the center of the coffee table with the shortest vase in the front — nearest the sofa — and the tallest one in the back.

Make an asymmetrical arrangement on a square or rectangular coffee table by pairing the smallest two vases 8 to 10 inches from one corner near the sofa and center the largest vase an equal distance from the opposite corner near the sofa. Group the three vases in the center or 8 to 12 inches off-center for an asymmetrical effect on a round or oval coffee table.