Always looking for ways to refresh our home for the season, I quickly transformed a $30 thrift-store coffee table into a lighter, airier piece that works better for warmer weather. Below is the table’s original bookish, low-profile look:
And here’s the updated version with a brighter, more reflective feel:
I exposed more of the glass tabletop to create a cleaner silhouette that’s also easier to dust. On the lower shelf I balanced an oversized vase with two neat stacks of books, which visually anchors the arrangement and prevents the vase from overwhelming the table. For contrast and texture, I added a sculptural white shell ball and an antler candlestick — both introduce interesting lines without cluttering the surface.
To finish the look, I made a small DIY tweak using a kitchen knife…
When I realized I didn’t have a pillar candle handy, I repurposed a wider votive by trimming it down into a short pillar. A few careful slices and I had a perfectly proportioned candle to top the tablescape. It’s a simple, cost-effective trick that gives the arrangement a polished finish. What do you think?