10 tips for creating decorative vignettes

One way to add distinctive style to a room is to create a vignette: a grouping of treasured items artistically arranged on a table, shelf, or piece of furniture. From framed beach photos and some 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 showcase 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 elements.

1. Work on odd numbers. Usually 3, 5 or 7 works best.
2. Vary the heights of each element. In most cases, you don’t want two elements with the same height.
3. You can try a single item vignette – this is when you use the same items in different heights and sizes. For example, a group of vases that are the same basic style but in different shapes or colors.
4. Single color vignettes are a group of complementary Prayed Similary elements of the same color. An example of a complementary vignette would be a combination of a white antique mirror with white candle holders and candles, and a white pitcher with white flowers. An example of Similary it would be a grouping of all white vases in different heights and shapes.
5. For the most part, you want to create depth with your vignette. (Although some bullets work well in rows.) A typical rule of thumb would be to place the tallest item at the back and move each item forward from tallest to smallest.
6. Dried or real flowers are always a nice addition to your vignette. It adds life, dimension, and possibly a delicious aroma. You can create an entire vignette simply by using plants and flowers.
7. Use big books to add texture and height. If the items you’re using don’t quite balance, use some stacked books to even out the heights. The books should be relevant to you or to the vignette space or layout.
8. Vignettes of a texture or pattern are basically the same concept as vignettes 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 jugs.
9. Always keep in mind that you want to complement your surroundings. So you may not want to put a Disney vignette in your formal dining room. Unless you’re looking for a whimsical touch, antique cookie jars and copper cookie cutters in a booth make 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). Miniatures are a beautiful addition to a room, but they’re not meant to be all the attention.