Creating Stylish Vignettes

What in the world are we talking about? In the context of design, a vignette is a grouping of decorative objects displayed on a shelf, tabletop or other surface. Three-five items work best, paying close attention to the composition of colors, shapes, textures, heights and widths of the artifacts. Less is more and it’s important to select your pieces carefully. It’s best to use things that have one or more of the following attributes:

1. Special personal meaning like family heirlooms, photos or souvenirs from your travels
2. Some history (think vintage)
3. Noticeably good quality

No. 3 does often translate to higher prices, but not always! I never turn my nose up at a good deal or an unexpected find at the corner market. If it works, it works regardless of the price or where it was purchased. On the other hand, I also try to avoid buying something that’s just ok because the price is right. I’ve made this mistake, immediately regretted it and then gone back and spent more on the better item because the space was just calling for it.

No one item should stand out drastically from the rest. Each individual piece stands alone in its beauty and significance but when they’re all together, they blend and become a curated collection that feels exactly right for that spot.

You can keep it as simple as a vase of flowers on a tray next to a couple of vintage books but be very selective and intentional with each of the items. It should look natural and make you feel at home.

Fresh flowers are always a great choice! Rarely is there a vignette that isn’t greatly enhanced by an arrangement, just be sure that the colors are working together with everything else in the room rather than introducing a whole new palette into the space. Everything, including the flowers, should blend and complement one another.

Should the items always be grouped horizontally? No, not necessarily! Above is an example of two objects on the top and three on bottom. Below you’ll see two objects on top and one stack of books on bottom. They work in unison and our eye still groups them together as one whole.

A good vignette will fill a gap without dominating the space. It plays well with all the other objects in its environment and helps balance the room.

Thanks for reading! I hope this inspires you to pull some of your favorite things together into a beautiful vignette in your own home. If you’re planning a residential project in middle TN and would like some design guidance, please reach out! I’d be honored to serve you.