Creating a Pretty Display on Contemporary Accent Tables

Usually finding their place in a prominent space in many living rooms, contemporary accent tables have  to look good while serving their  function. You might want to accessorize them with a few items so it will look great and compliment the style of your room. On the other hand, you would not want to overcrowd them  and obstruct anyone’s view. Below are some great  ideas for accent table displays that will make the most of their  style, form and function.

• Flowers, books and other decorative objects are the usual pieces that you will find on an accent table. Feel free to use them and experiment with them on top of your table. It is hard to go wrong with the classics.

• A big bowl of flowers would be great for an accent table. Position it off-center and balance it on the other side with a stack of three or five books (grouping items of odd numbers tends to be pleasing to the eye). You can also use a decorative piece like the Handmade Blown Glass Standing Plate with Iron Stand with Red and Yellow with Ochre Shades Finish by Ambiente.

• Consider using books as pedestals. If you have an item that you want to display but is too small, put it atop a stack of books. It adds height and can make a nice contrast with the streamlined books if the object above it is sculptural.

• It would be great to have a mix of items. Look at objects for their texture, color, size and shape and try to look for a pleasing mix. For visual interest, pair shiny items with dull, curved with straight, hard with soft and textured with smooth.

• Try to include at least one very interesting item. This can be anything from a decorative box to a unique vase like the tranSglass Cut Decorating Vase, Satin by Artecnica.

• Use a tray like the Sea Blue with Pewter Bottoms Ceramic Trays by Howard Elliott to corral smaller items. Trays are a great choice because they add focus and organization.

• Consider using items all in one color but give it some interest by varying either their texture or shade.

• Try to avoid using things that do not look good from all angles. An example of this would be a picture frame.

• Think about incorporating a small decorative box where you can store your remotes. Aside from looking good, it will make everyone know where to find them.

• Look into the overall style of the room and consider it when buying and decorating your accent pieces on top of the table. The objects should enhance the décor and not stand out like a sore thumb.

Whatever you do, never overcrowd your table. After all, it still needs to be functional as it is also used to put up feet, set down drinks, or serve whatever purpose your home might need. Keep in mind that displays are meant to enhance the look of a piece but they should not hurt or overwhelm its functionality.