Trade Secrets: Five Tips for Fabulous Tablescapes
Tablescapes are an exercise in visual storytelling. They are meant to be changed up occasionally so they are a great way to herald the current season, or inject some personality into your room.
Here are 5 tips to help you create fabulous tablescapes using things you probably already have somewhere in your house or yard!
1 Start with lighting
A single interesting lamp or a pair of buffet lamps (tall and skinny) on either end of the console or entry table will not only shed light in that area of the room, but provide some structure and a starting point for your tablescape.
2 Include something organic
No, we are not talking about pesticide free food here ... I mean something natural like flowers, a plant, branches, a nest, seasonal berries or greens, a bowl of fruit … a little something organic always adds life to a room or a tabletop.
3 Strive for balance rather than symmetry
While symmetry can be useful and is a great tool to create a more formal feel, for the most visual interest aim for balance. Huh? What do you mean? Rather than static pairs of things, I mean use odd numbers of like items in varying shapes or textures (candlesticks, frames, etc) and/or vary the height of similar or identical objects with decorative boxes or books. Items should relate in some way to other pieces without being mind-numbingly repetitive. The overall distribution of your selections should be visually balanced ... picture your tabletop like a seesaw - the goal is to arrange your objects so that it stays level!
4 If you are including framed photographs, mix it up
There is nothing more boring than a barren table top full of identically framed 5 x 7 portraits all standing sentinel at a 45 degree angle. Vary the heights, sizes, and orientations and even the shapes of the frames – I also prefer frames that coordinate (in style or finish), but don’t match for a far more interesting ‘collected’ feel.
5 Edit, edit edit
Too much of a good thing is still ... too much! Resist the urge to cover every square inch of space with stuff. You need to leave some blank space to give the eye a break and allow the viewer to appreciate your thoughtful arrangement.