10 Ideas for Styling Small Pedestals
I hope everyone is having a wonderful week so far… we’re halfway to the weekend! Many of you asked for more styling posts that include ideas or tips for layering decor in your home. Today, I wanted to share 10 ideas for styling small pedestals. Pedestals are such a versatile piece of decor because the key to curating a designerly vignette is all about layering. Pedestals allow us to add height, elevate, and layer to our heart’s content. There are multiple uses for smaller pedestals- click through for some ideas and to brainstorm with me! I think you’re going to be pleasantly surprised by how this simple, budget friendly object can really make a big difference in terms of design. Let’s dive right in, shall we?
1 // Enhance a Lamp Base
Pedestals and lamps go hand-in-hand. If you have a table lamp that could use a little height or added interest, a pedestal is a great way to create an enhanced look. The little corner lamp on my demilune in our formal living room has always looked a bit low to me. I never loved where the top of the shade intersected with the artwork behind it. A pedestal turned out to be an easy design fix that added the perfect amount of height!
2 // Corral Countertop Items
I prefer to keep kitchen essentials out on my countertop, but don’t like the look of countertop clutter. An easy solution is to use a pedestal to corral and group items together- making them appear visually organized and contained. I used this marble ogee pedestal from our shop to keep my salt & pepper mills neatly gathered next to the range.
3 // Bedside or Vanity Catchall
Similarly to my kitchen counters, I enjoy having an organized bedside table. Pedestals are an easy way to add style while giving us a place to drop everyday essentials- like jewelry. You can also use this styling trick on your vanity table to keep perfumes or cosmetics clustered together. These pretty details make a big difference!
4 // Protect Surfaces When Burning Candles
I always have a pedestal, trivet, or tray positioned beneath my candles. They look beautiful, add height, but most importantly- they protect the furniture, stone, or surface beneath the candle. I used this pedestal from our shop, and I love the way the black marble pairs with our black Tuesday Made candles.
5 // Add Height To Floral Arrangements & Plants
Slide a pedestal under your fresh florals or plants. It adds a fun element to simple planters or vases, and it also protects your furniture from any water damage from drainage during watering.
6 // Elevate Everyday Objects
I think there is something to be said about finding beauty in the ordinary. It’s easy to elevate everyday objects that are otherwise eyesores, by making them feel more intentional with a pedestal. I leave my laundry products out on an open shelf, and by gathering them on a pedestal- they have a better sense of belonging that seems to align with my aesthetic.
7 // Create a Base for a Bust
It’s no secret that I love three dimensional artwork… I think it gives areas in our home a gallery feel. My favorite trick is adding a more substantial base to my busts or sculptural pieces with the addition of a pedestal. I used a marble pedestal to add height and balance to my horse head bust, above. It gives it a sense of stability and better fits the furniture pedestal beneath it. If you need to take up more visual space, a pedestal is a great way to do that!
8 // Prop a Basic Container
This clawfoot pedestal is by far the best-selling decor item in our shop, and for good reason- it pairs well with everything. You’ve probably seen me style it beneath plenty of candles and all sorts of random things, but it’s currently living in our guest bathroom. Why? I wanted to add some special touches to the space that felt interesting. Over the holidays we had house guests and they all commented on how the simplest of things in that bath felt really cool. It’s amazing how a clawfoot pedestal make an ordinary glass jar filled with cotton swabs seem unique. Play around with pedestals and see how you can instantly make the most basic containers look elevated.
9 // Create a Focal Point When Styling Pottery & Urns
Sometimes a vignette feels lacking or falls short of our expectations. See if a pedestal can help create a more defined focal point. For example, my oversized white vase was blending with the book beneath it (in a bad way). It needed a little contrast and height to fill some of the negative space and combat the monochromatic look that was happening. I slid a pedestal under it and it immediately solved the problem. Doesn’t it give it a gallery feel? It’s not precious by any means, but the pedestal really makes it look more expensive.
10 // Catch Soap Drips
The last simple idea I wanted to share is the addition of a pedestal beneath hand soap. I’ve found it not only looks nice, but it catches drips and creates a cleaner vignette. The majority of the hand soaps in our home are accompanied by a pedestal. You know I love splurging on soaps that smell & look incredible, so this feels like an appropriate addition.
I hope these tips for styling small pedestals got your wheels turning. I’m such a fan of elevating everyday objects, and pedestals are such a great way to do that. Do you have any pedestals, trays, or trivets in your home? If so, where are they styled or what are they paired with? I’d love to hear some of your own ideas! Would you try any of the ones I shared in this post? I’m all about photographing and sharing these types of styling posts, so I was glad to hear you wanted more of them in the year ahead! Have an awesome day and I’ll see you back here on Friday. I’ve got a Facebook Marketplace post planned and I’m eager to dig up some cool finds!