How to create the perfect vignette. Article
Ethos Design

So, what on earth is a ‘vignette’? According to Dictionary.com a vignette can have a few different meanings but one definition is “any small, pleasing picture or view”. When used in interior design, the term vignette refers to those beautiful groupings of objects, books and vases arranged on surfaces around a home. A well-arranged vignette can give your home a polish and personality and can become a wonderful talking point with guests if the objects chosen have meaning to you.

One of the most obvious places to create a vignette in your home is on a buffet or sideboard, and they don’t have to be difficult to create if you follow a few simple ideas.

Keep it symmetrical

Arranging things symmetrically is the simplest form of vignette and can be very effective. The key is to use interesting objects.

At it’s most elemental form, you can choose two matching objects, with a central item (make sure this piece is a different height). Although the two vignettes below are for very different styles, both use this technique. And don’t feel you need to use two lamps (although this is very common); don’t forget to consider two vases, two candlesticks or two tall matching sculptures.
 

You can also keep things a little more interesting by placing your central object on a small stack of books or a tray. Or try having multiple, matching items in the centre.

Create a pyramid

Another simple way of arranging a vignette is to create a pyramid with the tallest item in the centre, and a layered arrangement of smaller items to form a visual triangle. This can be one of the most striking styles (and is great if you only have one lamp or sculpture for that table!). A triangle or pyramid style arrangement is also the perfect way to display a striking vase of flowers.
 

Using a ‘tick’ shape

Follow Nike’s lead and arrange your objects in a tick (like a lopsided ‘L’). This arrangement is one of the most common, and can also create the most interesting vignettes. The key here is to choose the tallest object for one side of the vignette and a second tall object for the other side (making sure it’s not quite as tall as the first).

But this style can quickly become very layered and interesting when you begin to add objects, following the tick shape. And don’t be afraid to flip your ‘tick’ backwards either!
 

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Anna Williams is the owner of Australian e-decorating firm, Ethos Design. For more information about her decorating services please visit our profile, or our website at .

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