How to Make a Perfect Vignette!
Vignettes and tablescapes are those pretty little “landscapes” of beautiful items displayed on every horizontal surface in any professional interior design photo. These little “arrangements” are far from accidental, and could be considered a minor art form in itself. There are so many different opinions on the use of vignettes, some feel they can look too stillife-y and contrived, others think they are a must in any room.
Whether you love them or hate them, vignettes can be of great inspiration for getting the most out of a small space without compromising the overall look of the room.
So where would you create a vignette? The answer is quite simple; literally anywhere! Rearranging the items on your windowsill, mantle, shelves, dresser top or even night stand can have a dramatic effect, and here are some tips and inspiration for creating the perfect vignette.
One approach to creating a vignette is to start with a large background object, like a mirror or a framed picture. A mirror or picture frame can be hung on the wall or placed on the table surface, leaning against the wall. You can even layer it by placing a smaller picture in front of the other. Build the vignette from here, paying close attention to proportion, color and composition.
Two popular compositions are the V and the A -shapes. Lets take a look:
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THE V-SHAPE:
Starting with a mirror or a framed picture, create a V-shape by layering objects. Start with a tall object like a lamp, and add a few fitting accessories with the lowest point being around the centre. We are not trying to create a perfect V here (more like a tilted back L). Below is another example, starting with a layering of picture frames or mirrors:
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Notice how the tallest items are placed at the side of the tallest frame. If it was placed on the opposite side, the overall result would too square, like a box, which we are trying to avoid.
Lets put it to life by looking at some V-shaped vignettes created by the professionals:
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ASHLEY PUTNAM / LONNY MAGAZINE
A simple vignette in the classic V shape. Can you see the V?
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ERINN VALENCICH via DECORATI / MORE PICS HERE
A subtle V-shape vignette created by layering no more that 3 items in front of a framed sea fan.
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THE A-SHAPE:
This basic shape could not be more simple, and still I think it is one of the most dramatic.
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A nice example of the A-shape vignette.
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Two beautiful A-shaped vignettes. See, you can create them anywhere, even on your bedside table =)
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SYMMETRIC VIGNETTES:
VIEW MORE IMAGES
Symmetry looks ordered and simple, and a pretty symmetric vignette is not hard to achieve. Here are a few examples for inspiration:
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CHARLES FAUDREE VIA KATIE DID
A beautiful symmetric vignette. Don’t worry about creating perfect symmetry with all items, it’s enough to have a few main items to create the symmetric frame for the vignette.
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A simple symmetric vignette compliments the amazing eagle console table without overshadowing it.
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Your entryway can be both functional and beautiful at the same time, as proven by Dayka at Life + Style. Her vignette includes a bowl for keys and change, and a basket underneath the console table for paper recyclables. Beautiful and practical!
The best thing is you don’t really need to go out and buy anything, just rearrange what you already have! If you use a picture as a base, you can build a vignette around that color scheme. If you lack a tall item, go out and get a few branches and arrange them in a slim vase. Smaller objects work best in groups or pairs, some prefer to use only odd numbers like 3 or 5 similar items. Your only limit is your creativity!
Comments ( 13 )
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Of course I don’t mind!! Thanks for the spot on your wonderful blog! Hope your holidays were well. :)
Dayka
Dec 29 09 at
10:27 pm
Great post! And one of the best decorating blogs out there. :-)
Keep up the good work in 2010. Happy New Year!
Olga Adler
Dec 30 09 at
4:37 am
Now this is a GREAT post! So much inspiration w/ a great lesson attached.
adrianna
Dec 30 09 at
7:20 pm
Thank you so much for your sweet comment. It means a lot coming from you =) And happy new year to you too!!
theLennoxx
Dec 30 09 at
11:24 pm
Thanks Lennoxx, some great ideas here, thank you so much. Am just about to subscribe to your blog now that I have found you. So much to read/see, so little time…..sigh
Di xx
Beachtropic
Feb 10 10 at
4:11 am
Linda this is a great post,I forgot about the “v’s” and “A’s” just do it by eye naturally now. Thanks for reminding me! You’re terrific! Really enjoy your site and your pics!
marie g
Mar 23 11 at
6:59 pm
Tanks Linda for suggesting this post again to me. I am now studying the detail to learn types of items to decorate with now that I understand ‘shapes’.
Black and white photos or colour ones?
Timber, silver or white frames?So much to learn!
Ideas Woman
Jan 17 12 at
8:07 pm
The viginette that you have posted there is a purple painting in the photo, what kind of table is that, that is functioning as a bed side table? I searched for tier table with no results. I really want a table like that for my bed room, do you know what it is called? A response would be appreciated.
Mona
Apr 16 12 at
2:22 pm
Hmm, I’d go more in the direction of “etagere table” or etagere side table”. Good luck Mona, hope you find it =) xox Linda
UPDATE: Here’s a link to a very similar table =)
Linda @ theLENNOXX
Apr 24 12 at
8:51 am
