10 tips for creating decorative vignettes

One way to add distinctive style to a room is by creating a vignette, a grouping of treasured items artistically arranged on a table, shelf, or piece of furniture. From framed beach photos and a few seashells to a lush collection of antique pottery, vignettes can add layers of interest to any room. They can express the mood of the space from whimsical to elegant and are a real opportunity to display items that represent your personality and tastes. Although vignettes are very personal, here are some guidelines that would work for almost any artistic grouping of items.

1. Work with odd numbers. Usually 3, 5, or 7 work best.
2. Vary the heights of each item. In most cases, you don’t want two items the same height.
3. You can test a vignette of an element – this is when you use the same elements in different heights and sizes. For example, a group of vases that have the same basic style but in different shapes or colors.
4. The bullets of one color are a group of complementary gold Similary items of the same color. An example of complementary The vignette would be a combination of a white antique mirror with white candlesticks and candles, and a white jug with white flowers. An example of Similary it would be a grouping of all the white vases in different heights and shapes.
5. For the most part, you want to create depth with your vignette. (Some bullets work fine in rows though.) A typical rule of thumb would be to put the tallest item in the back and move each item forward from tallest to smallest.
6. Dried or real flowers are always a nice addition to your vignette. Adds life, dimension, and possibly a delicious scent. You can create a complete vignette simply by using plants and flowers.
7. Use cool books to add texture and height. If the items you are using are not fully balanced, use some stacked books to level the heights. The books should be relevant to you, or to the space or layout of the panel.
8. Bullets in a texture or pattern are basically the same concept as bullets of the same color, except that you are working with elements of a basic texture. For example, a grouping of all baskets or a group of stamped jars.
9. Always keep in mind that you want to complement your surroundings. Therefore, you may not want to put a Disney vignette in your formal dining room. Unless you’re opting for a whimsical touch, vintage cookie jars and copper cookie cutters in a hutch are a conversation-worthy display. Study the space and the elements that will accentuate it.
10. Make sure your vignette doesn’t dominate the space (unless it’s part of a focal point). Vignettes are a lovely addition to a room, but they’re not meant to attract all the attention.