A coffee table is a classic companion for your living room, but what happens when this focal point is less than fabulous? You could possibly display an array of decorative flowers or unscented candles, but if you are looking for something more modern and less ‘old-fashioned’, books or magazines can be used to bring a chic and sophisticated ambiance to your less than fashionable coffee table. This is where ModCloth.com comes in; this fashion apparel website has a bookstore and décor section that sales interesting books that can demonstrate your inner fashionista and/or academic overachiever, (even if you haven’t read the books). Also, these books can be a great ice-breaking conversation stater. A featured and popular novel ModCloth sells is Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, an entertainment undead take on the Jan Austen classic. If you want less literal literature, ModCloth also carries light picture-filled reading such as, New Fashion Designers, the whos who of recent and modern fashion. Ultimately, according to your personal taste, you could add any novels or magazines to your coffee table to add a sophisicated look to your whole house.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, $12.99 and New Fashion Designers, $39.99 available at ModCloth

- Justin Hazelton