I recently purchased this console table from Wayfair to display in my dining area. I thought I would share some of the “golden rules” that I use when styling a console table or something similar like bookshelves. Below are six things that I keep in mind when styling a display piece.
Use symmetry when displaying your items. When displaying your items, make sure they are symmetrical. This can be achieved through the use of similar colors displayed throughout the piece and/or using objects of varying heights. This allows the eye to move around instead of focusing on one item or one side of the console table.
Incorporate a variety of natural textures or materials. To create interest and depth, it’s nice to incorporate pieces of varying textures and material. For example, here I mixed wood with glass, combined with cloth from the books and the clay jug. If I had included items that were just glass or just wood, the table would sort of go “flat” or one dimensional.
Display items that are meaningful or a representation of your interests. With the excitement of a new purchase, it’s tempting to run to Hobby Lobby or HomeGoods to quickly fill your space. But, it’s important to stop and look around to see what items you already have in your home that can be incorporated into your new piece. This not only saves money, but provides opportunity to display items that are meaningful to you or have a story behind them. Remember, your home is a reflection of yourself. In this instance, the only new piece I bought was the wooden dough bowl to hold a bottle of wine that is special to me. The rest of the items are family heirlooms, books by people I admire, or special finds from antique stores.
Less is more. It’s easy to go a bit overboard when it comes to decorating. There is an impulse to keep adding more and more things until you achieve the look you want. But, I’ve learned that sometimes less is more. Putting too many objects on one piece can make it look too cluttered or busy. Instead, allow one or two pieces to really shine via placement or size, and anchor with a few other interesting items.
Think outside the box. Just because this is a console table in my dining area, doesn’t necessarily mean I have to include items related to the dining experience. While I did include wine, most of the items I decided to display were an extension of my living area, which is only separated by the placement of my couch. Because I live in a small home with an open floor plan, I like for things to “flow” from one room to another, including the types of material, texture, and colors I use to decorate.
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