I don't really know why but classic attracts me cos it is often rather practical and can still be stylish. Love a hidden shelf in a coffee table too.

At the moment I don't have a coffee table but a good tip is to use a tray to display or place items on as you can easily pick it up and move it if you need more space or to clean the table. You could use a wooden one, rattan or even a vintage silver plated tray, whatever suits your style. As for items, a few lovely coffee table books stacked neatly, a decorative container, maybe a bowl with wooden, glass or ceramic balls, a hurricane lamp with candle could be placed on the table and a vase of flowers is a must. Look around for items that suit the theme of your decor, ie if it's coastal you could use a lovely piece of white coral, a blue and white vase and some lovely books on coastal style.

Ok if putting coffee table I would put rug under table if it is sitting on the carpet not in lounge area

Have a look at this gorgeous coffee table from trit house