How to Design a Decorative Vignette

Decorative vignettes are lovely displays of treasured objects found on console tables, end tables and nestled on shelves. These arrangements add detail to your home's decor and a personal touch to your rooms. Designing a vignette to compliment your space takes nothing more than a little time and thought.

Things You'll Need

• Large table
• Selection of your treasured objects

Instructions

1. Gather together your accessories, trinkets and treasures. Set them out on a large table so you can see them all at one time.

2. Sort through the items, grouping like items together. Put all your candles and candleholders together, all your vases together, all your ceramic figurines together, and continue on until all the objects on the table are divided into groups.

3. Within each group, sort the items by color, shape or size. Your criterion is to arrange each group so the items relate to each other within the group.

4. A rule of thumb for vignettes of like items is to use 3 items of different colors and heights, or 3 items with different shapes. For example, if you want to create a vignette using candles, use 3 candles, each of a different color and height, but of the same shape. For something like vases, you may to use three different shapes but keep the height and color similar.

5. Choose three items from any group and arrange them on the table or shelf you are going to use for the display. This is the simplest kind of vignette and can be effective in a modern design scheme.

6. Expand on that vignette. Go back to your groups and choose another item from another group that will compliment the existing vignette. For example, if you chose vases, a bowl of similar colors and material may blend well. Place this item with your vignette.

7. Build on your vignette in this way until you have between 5 and 7 items. The key to a visually pleasing vignette is the relationships between objects. Use color, shape and height for visual keys. Keep the materials similar, but not necessarily the same.

8. The successful vignette will have 3 core items, and 2 to 4 complimentary items. The 3 core items need not be centered, but should be the focal point, with the other items acting as accents.

9. Store the remaining items, keeping the groupings intact. When you want to design a new vignette, you’ll be able to do so more quickly.

Tips & Warnings

• You can compliment a simple vignette by placing it on a small length of vintage fabric or lace.

• You can also create outdoor vignettes with large pots and garden accessories.

• Avoid cluttering up your vignette. Keep the core items the focal point.