Are you familiar with the key elements of modern centerpieces? Think of Scandinavian design.
I find that I’m drawn to modern table centerpieces versus traditional centerpieces.
Traditional centerpieces usually consist of large and/or elaborate floral displays and candelabras. There is an ornateness about them. Whether the decor pieces are ornate, or the floral bouquets, there is a lot of detail in them.
Whereas a modern centerpiece is considered simple in its aesthetic. Not cluttered, not composed of lots of elements, and not ornate.
It can be loud. It can be soft. It can be rustic. It can be shiny. But it’s still simple and minimal.

If you are wanting modern centerpiece ideas for your dining table or coffee table, consider the key elements of modern centerpieces when creating them.
I’ve listed them below, along with a few examples displayed on my own dining table…
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5 Key Elements of Modern Centerpieces
1 ~ A primary element of modern centerpieces is having “clean lines”
What do I mean by “clean lines”? I am referring to the objects in your centerpiece being basic in shape. Think of squares, circles, and triangles.
There might be an exaggeration of these shapes, but the shape itself is simple.
You can see the simplicity of the lines in the vase below and how it is an exaggerated shape.

Elements in modern centerpieces aren’t ornate, with lots of detail. There isn’t flourish to the items. You won’t see scallops or swirls or intricate patterns.
2 ~ Odd numbered items
Modern centerpieces typically consist of 1, 3, or 5 items. But still keeping it simple (hmm, I seem to be repeating this word a lot, lol!).

Occasionally there will be two items in circumstances where they are the primary focal point and make a statement.
In the image below I used two simple taper candle holders of the same size as the centerpiece. You can see the clean lines and how using just two makes a quiet statement.

Simple and functional = key element of a modern centerpiece.
3 ~ Solid colors or simple block patterns are key to modern table centerpieces
Following the element of clean lines for modern centerpieces, the same applies to the colors and patterns used in them.
A modern centerpiece doesn’t consist of a variety of colors or busy patterns.
The pattern itself isn’t as important as the simplicity of the pattern.
4 ~ Exaggerated shapes and sizes are acceptable in modern centerpieces
You can have a lot of fun with exaggerated shapes and sizes in modern centerpieces.
They don’t need to be uniform.

Modern centerpieces can be chunky or thin, tall or short, or a combination of those elements.
You can see in the image above the variety of shapes and sizes, which are tied together because they are the same color.
5 ~ Keep your centerpiece minimal
The key element of a modern centerpiece is to keep it minimal.
Modern centerpieces don’t need a variety of elements, which is what makes them SO easy to create.

Don’t feel that you need to add to your centerpiece. Keep it simple and minimal, and you will achieve an attractive modern centerpiece with little effort.

Keep these 5 key elements of modern centerpieces in mind the next time you are creating a centerpiece for your dining or coffee table. They will simplify your design process and ensure an attractive modern centerpiece display.
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