The art of arrangement can be tricky, but there's one formula that works almost every time. Framed artwork + a handsome table lamp + a stack of coffee table books = instant tablescape. We've seen this formula brought to life in countless house tours, catalogs, and magazines...
Each one of the photos above expresses a different relationship between the three components. Some have a cluster of artwork with just one or two books, others showcase a vintage lamp alongside more modern art. Most of them feature the artwork as the star of the arrangement, with lamps and books as supporting cast members. For more, click on the links below:
• 1 Apartment by Phoebe Howard
• 2 Kathleen and Alex's Guest-Ready Condo
• 3 Country Living
• 4 The Fahden's Clearly Clean and Simple
• 5 Tine K Catalog
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Comments (5)
Easy to do and easy to look contrived or retail like most of these. The trick is so it looks effortless, the items look like the have been together for years, harmony and interest.
Can we use "arrangement" or "tableau" instead?
"Tablescapes" makes me think of the dreaded Sandra Lee and her silk flowers.
http://www.semihomemade.com/tablescapes/
Apparently Nate Berkus is selling "ready-made" tablescapes on the Home Shopping Network starting in April. Isn't that cheating?
i don't like a bunch of superfluous stuff just sitting around. things need to have purpose.
Agreed! Purpose. My bf puts lots of little tchotchkes along the shelves of his side of the bookcase. It's impossible to dust or remove a book without rearranging every little thing. Just too much clutter for me.
As AbFab sagely said "Surfaces dahling! Surfaces!"