Creating Tablescapes

While the artist captures a still-life with brush or pen, the preeminent British designer, David Hicks (1929 - 1998) would bring back textiles, etchings, and other objects d’art from his travels abroad, then artfully arrange groupings or still-life compositions in his client’s homes. Hicks called these still-life compositions tablescapes, and soon the term and practice took hold with other designers.  His mantra relates the philosophy behind his creations:

“What is important is not how valuable or inexpensive your objects are, but the care and feeling with which you arrange them.” 
- David Hicks (1929-1998) - British interior designer

The beauty of the tablescape is that in combining everyday objects or accessories in interesting groupings, the composition commands a greater presence and can become much more interesting than any solitary object. 

How to Create a Tablescape Display

Creating tablescapes is a form of artistic expression.  But there are some basic principles behind creating an effective tablescape composition.  With some practice, anyone can become a tablescape artist. Where is the best place to craft a tablescape creation?  The principles apply to any flat or tabletop surface, be it coffee table, end table, mantel, piano or dining room table.  Here are some guidelines to get you started:

• Select the items for your tablescape based on the size and scale of the table surface.  You’ll still want your table surface to serve its functional purpose, so leave room for drinks, reading materials, lighting or the place settings.  Don’t overcrowd the surface.  Sometimes less is more! 
• Choose an odd number of accessories for your composition.  Arranging items in groups of three, five, seven, or nine is more interesting and pleasing to the eye than an even-numbered grouping.
• Layer objects as an artist paints a landscape scene: Create a background, mid-ground and foreground.
  • place the tallest, most vertical object in the background (candlesticks, vase, sculpture, decorative lamp)
  • place a chunky or organically-shaped object in the mid-ground (bowl, vessel, plate on a stand, box, clock)
  • place a linear shape in the foreground (tray, books, picture frame)
• Create highs and lows in a tabletop display to give dimension, depth and fluid movement to the arrangement.
• Try using a stack of hardback books as a pedestal to elevate objects that need more height in a display.  If a dark-colored or wood accessory is too similar in color to the tabletop surface, place a contrasting or light-colored book beneath it to help it pop off the surface.
• Arranging accessories that relate to the same theme can make for an attractive and cohesive display. (For instance, a potted floral + a pair of pretty garden gloves + a bunny statuary.  On the flip side, items do not need to maintain a common theme to make a successful grouping.
  

  

• Introduce and vary textural elements and shapes for contrast.
  • light vs. dark
  • shiny vs. matte
  • round vs. geometric
  • curves vs. straight lines
• Incorporate organic elements into the display to add life to the room.  Fill bowls, vessels, glass pillar holders with fruits, vegetables, coffee beans, dried beans, sand, shells, rocks and foliage.
• Use fabrics and textiles to add pattern and create interest. 

Consider these points guidelines - not a formula.  Layering accessories and arranging a pleasing display may take some trial and error.  But keep in mind that the point in crafting a tablescape is to create a still-life composition of items you find interesting.  Incorporate objects that speak to you.  Some of the most beautiful displays can be created from everyday objects.  Take the time to arrange them with care and meaning and create your own David Hicks inspired masterpiece for your home.  Then when the spirit moves you, find new treasures and start anew!

Check my next post on tips for arranging your bookcases and shelves.

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