Creating Stylish Vignettes: How To Style A Shelf

Do you have a space in your home--a shelf, a table, maybe a dresser or end table--that can use a little pizzazz? Maybe you are hoarding dusty knickknacks on your fireplace mantel without any real visual appeal?  These areas are the perfect places for you to create beautiful vignettes!

A vignette is a grouping or arrangement of items--such as the aforementioned knickknacks, plants, photos and frames, vases, antique items, heirloom pieces, etc.--all displayed in an eye catching and visually appealing way.

Creating a vignette is a terrific way to style a shelf or style a mantel easily and affordably.

Creating Stylish Vignettes: How To Style A Shelf

​I have several different vignettes in each room of my home that showcase the theme or design I have going on in the room.  For example, in my kitchen I’m going for a country farmhouse look, so I use shelves to group items such as little porcelain hens and chickens, small woven baskets and candles in various heights and in colors that are complementary to the decor.  In my living room, the color scheme is gray and white, with mirrored accents--a lot more contemporary and modern than my kitchen.  The vignettes on my tables and shelves in that room include nickel-plated candlesticks, faux, colorful flowers in mirrored vases, family photos in chic glass and metal frames and a few plants (okay, okay, fake plants) and lamps of various heights.  No matter what you choose for your vignette, make sure YOU like it.  After all, it's your home!

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Since I love the look of vignettes in my home so much, I thought I would put together a few tips and tricks for creating beautiful vignettes in and around your home, too!

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..some items from around your home, or shop for inexpensive pieces you’d like to have as accent pieces.  Make sure you choose objects that support your theme and decor of your room.  Items don’t have to be pricey; sometimes you can pick them up for a steal at thrift stores, Goodwill or even the dollar store.  Photo frames, faux and/or real plants and flowers, artwork, candles, candle holders, books and baskets all make great pieces for vignettes!  

...items of various heights.  Taller items will catch the eye first, drawing attention to your grouping.  Try to find one piece that you would love to look at all the time--maybe a stately mirror or an unusual wall clock.  A secondary focal point would be smaller items, grouped in similar heights.  For me, I like to use taller items in neutral shades, then a few smaller, more colorful pieces.
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...the rule of three (or five...or even seven!).  Groupings are more visually appealing in odd numbers.  Remember though, the bigger the vignette the more busy it can become.  Be sure to use pieces in similar weights, shapes and colors (have I mentioned that before?).  If your vignette is on a table top, check it out from all angles.  Make sure items are in good shape, with no chips, cracks or nicks visible to the eye.

...different textures, patterns and colors.  Fabrics, wood, glass and metal are perfect elements to use in a vignette.  Remember-- color coordinate to your room!

​...accent pieces for different seasons and holidays.  For example, in the summer you might think about adding a large conch shell to your grouping, or a hurricane candle holder filled with sand or sea glass.  In the fall, add a pumpkin or a basket of apples.  In winter, a small potted Evergreen and birch branches.  You see where I’m going with this--you are only limited by your imagination!

Check out these different vignettes to get an idea of what you can do to style a shelf, table or other area in your own home:

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You May Also Like:

• How To Decorate Your Home With Stylish Cushions & Throw Pillows
• How To Create A Luxurious Home With An Affordable Budget

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The talented folks over at EZ Living Interiors and Furniture have put together this informative video on how to style a hallway table, and it features some great vignette suggestions.  Also, be sure and visit EZ Living Interiors for more creative ideas and design inspiration.

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I hope these tips and tricks inspired you to create your own vignettes.  If you have any around your home, or if you decide to create new ones, I’d love to see it!  Tweet me @athomewdaneen and show them off!
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