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10 Ways to Keep Your Decor Grounded

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, on purchases made after following an affiliate link. See my full disclosure here.

October 15, 2013 By Jackie

Not every decorative arrangement needs something underneath it, but tabletop arrangements can benefit from being grounded. On a large surface, using something under an arrangement can help ground and unify the grouping.

How to Ground Your Decor

Using a tray is the most obvious way to ground an arrangement.  You can never have enough trays. See the 10 trays you need to style every surface in your home.  But, there are other ways to ground your decor.

10 More Ways to Ground a Decorative Grouping:

1. Mirror

A mirror laying down can act like a tray. Use a mirror with a frame or a simple beveled edge. Remember the mirror will reflect everything you set on top of it, so make sure the underside of your objects are attractive. The reflective quality of the mirror can also double light, so candles on top of a mirror are especially pretty.

2.  Runner

On a dining table, console table, or even a dresser, a table runner can be used under decorative items. A runner adds a layer of color and texture. I used a table runner under this simple holiday centerpiece to add another layer of texture and to give the arrangement more presence.

ornament centerpiece

3. Books

A short stack of books can help ground an arrangement. Books don’t have to be underneath all the items in the grouping, they will still create a connection with the surface. Smaller objects can be placed on top of the books for added height.  Or, use books under a matching pair to vary the height, like I did here with these geese.

mid century modern geese figurines

4. Wood Slab

A simple wood board or a tree ring is a slightly rustic and inexpensive way to ground an arrangement.

5.  Cutting Board

There are so many pretty cutting boards these days. Use one on a bar, dining table, or kitchen counter.  I used a cutting board to display my DIY plaster gourds.  And, a fun striped one on our snack bar.

plastergourds3

DIY Bar Cart top shelf

6.  Picture Frame

Just like mirrors, you can lay a picture frame flat to act like a tray. Put pretty paper or fabric under the glass.

7.  Tile

A large, Decorstive tile is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to ground a grouping. Try a marble or slate tile. Many tiles are now available in larger 12 x 24″ sizes.

8.  Placemat

Round-shaped or wood-tiled placemats can add texture and interest under decor. In my son’s room, I felt his silver lamp (bottom right corner) was lost sitting on top of the blue nightstand. I added an acacia wood tile placemat, which instantly added warmth and helped the silver lamp stand out.

DIY Painterly Duvet Cover

9.  Charger

For smaller arrangements a pretty charger works like a tray. In our guest room, I used a hammered silver charger to hold a water carafe and glasses.

Red Glass Door Cabinet Nightstand

10.  Shallow basket

Flat, shallow baskets work too. Look for round or rectangular baskets with short sides, 4″ or less.

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10 Trays You Need to Style Every Surface in Your Home
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Interior Styling: From Inspiration to Action

Comments

  1. Dominique says

    October 15, 2013 at 7:45 am

    Where did you get the red cabinet? I’m in love with it. Loved this post! Growing up my mom always had a placemat in my room that matched the comforter. I’ve been on the hunt for an inexpensive tray for months now!! World market has wood slabs that are inexpensive but I can’t seem to find a tray.

    • Jackie says

      October 15, 2013 at 8:51 am

      Dominique, The little red cabinet is from Target. It comes in yellow, teal, black, grey, and probably a few other colors now.

  2. Sarah @ 702 Park Project says

    October 15, 2013 at 7:49 am

    Great post! I love all the layering!

  3. Lisa says

    October 15, 2013 at 10:41 am

    I love the striped cutting board. Did you make that yourself?

    • Jackie says

      October 15, 2013 at 12:44 pm

      Lisa, Nope. I try not mess with things that touch my food :) I found it at HomeGoods.

  4. Bonnie {Quintessential Quarters" says

    October 15, 2013 at 11:42 am

    Great tips! I hadn’t thought of putting a placemat on a nightstand, but I love it and will definitely be trying it out.

    • Jackie says

      October 15, 2013 at 12:44 pm

      Bonnie, Isn’t it great? I loved that wood tiled nightstand and only bought one, not knowing what I would do with it. I love the texture it adds. I am kicking myself for not buying more of them before they were clearanced.

  5. Shanna says

    October 15, 2013 at 2:19 pm

    Jackie, I’m in love with the red cabinet too! And its full of neat stuff, but it doesn’t look cluttered at all. It looks perfectly arranged! Thanks for sharing your decorating tips!

  6. Cristina says

    October 16, 2013 at 6:05 pm

    This post was so timely! I just used a round seagrass placemat to arrange two vases (different heights) filled with different florals and a small pumpkin on my dining table. Can’t believe I hadn’t thought of that before.

    • Jackie says

      October 16, 2013 at 6:11 pm

      sounds like perfection. I bet the sea grass adds wonderful texture to the arrangement!

  7. Kiri says

    October 20, 2013 at 3:36 pm

    What great tips. I’m always wondering why some vignettes seam to ‘float’ on whatever surface they’re on. Now it makes sense…. gotta get grounding!

  8. robyn says

    June 24, 2014 at 10:22 pm

    I LOVE the black/white bedding! Do you mind sharing where you found that?

    • Jackie says

      June 26, 2014 at 12:38 pm

      Robyn, It was from the DwellStudio line at Target about four years ago. I would check online to see if they still carry it.

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