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DIY Projects: Changing Your Look by Changing Your Table Arrangements
A guide to table decorations
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and a stay-at-home mom.
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst,... More »
Last week, when I interviewed Iro from Busy Bee's Blog, I was especially impressed with the way she kept the look of her living room fresh by regularly changing what's displayed on her coffee table. Often, we think of "diy projects" as something major, or something that requires a drill, but sometimes something as simple as great placement of a candle can give a room a whole new lease on life.
The best table displays tell a story - they share something about your life and your interests - and they're visually appealing as well. Books, bowls, photos, flowers, knick-knacks - anything's fair game for table display. The art is in how you display it. There are no hard and fast rules, but when you're putting together a display, consider these factors:
1. Size and quantity. Big or small - that is the question. Should you cover your table with tiny things, or opt for one really big design element? Or mix it up?
2. Height. Most table displays tend to be fairly low-profile, but sometimes a super-tall vase adds the perfect amount of drama. The only guideline here is to make sure that nothing on the table gets in the way (nobody likes looking around the flowers to chat). If it's that tall, make sure it's moveable.
3. Color. My own living room is full of dark wood and calming green - which is why I love adding something bright red to the table display. In other rooms, sticking with the color scheme, instead of going for the contrast, is the right move.
4. Texture. Texture is so underrated, I think. I love the idea of using a rough cloth to cover a smooth surface, or of adding a bowl of clean marbles to top a rustic table.
5. Content. Table displays are best when they're about you. When you display books you love or pieces that tell a story about that trip you took, Every element can start a conversation.
The best table displays tell a story - they share something about your life and your interests - and they're visually appealing as well. Books, bowls, photos, flowers, knick-knacks - anything's fair game for table display. The art is in how you display it. There are no hard and fast rules, but when you're putting together a display, consider these factors:
1. Size and quantity. Big or small - that is the question. Should you cover your table with tiny things, or opt for one really big design element? Or mix it up?
2. Height. Most table displays tend to be fairly low-profile, but sometimes a super-tall vase adds the perfect amount of drama. The only guideline here is to make sure that nothing on the table gets in the way (nobody likes looking around the flowers to chat). If it's that tall, make sure it's moveable.
3. Color. My own living room is full of dark wood and calming green - which is why I love adding something bright red to the table display. In other rooms, sticking with the color scheme, instead of going for the contrast, is the right move.
4. Texture. Texture is so underrated, I think. I love the idea of using a rough cloth to cover a smooth surface, or of adding a bowl of clean marbles to top a rustic table.
5. Content. Table displays are best when they're about you. When you display books you love or pieces that tell a story about that trip you took, Every element can start a conversation.
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| Sometimes simple arrangements - like this bowl and book - are the best. |
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| I love the way these colors work together, and the way the stack comes together to form one silhouette. |
| Adding something green and living gives this room a dynamic energy. |
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Iro goes zen with a calming rock garden.
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But then she mixes it up with books and an alligator that couldn't be cuter.
Here, one cool, intricate bowl works as a nice contrast to a highly tailored, nautical space.
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Sometimes the best look is a completely empty, clean table. So serene!
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| I was drawn to this bowl - it's a cool shape and looks like it has a story. |
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This arrangement is unusual and cool - fussy meets organic in a way that's perfect for this space.
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| These sculptures are a fantastic size for the table and add so much interest. |
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This little burst of color on the table makes me smile.
Ideabook updated on Oct. 15, 2009.
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Iro's books and the alligator look really cool together.
Thank you for including two of my pictures in your very nice post about coffeetables. Houzz is really starting to feel like a home to me, as I 'm so often a guest here! And you are great host, with the warmest treatment ever!
Always a pleasure!