How To Style A Buffet Table For A Timeless + Eclectic Look

When we first moved into our home one of the spaces that felt the most incomplete was the dining area. With only a table. chairs + area rug it was boring to say the very least, so I made it a point to purchase a buffet table STAT! Then that buffet table sat undecorated, up against a big blank wall {seriously, not even a hint of wall decor} for a very long time. It took quite awhile to really figure out how I wanted to style this piece in a way that made it functional, timeless {read, not trendy} but still have an eclectic feel that reflected the personality of our home.

As you may have heard before, decorating is a journey not a destination. Personal tastes + seasons change, items break, things get lost or go out of style + all of these factors influence what we style with. However, there are some fairly straight forward decorating “rules” to follow on how to style no matter what decor pieces you are using. I only say these are “rules” because they are what we as humans are natural drawn to + our brains to process as visually or aesthetically pleasing {like symmetry, scale, grouping + contrast}. Read on for how to create a buffet table {or any console table} that you will love!

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“RULES” TO FOLLOW

The overall basics to consider are: visual weight, color repetition, white space + contrast, groupings, texture + balance.

1. Visual Weight

This will decide where our eyes settle; the larger the object, the more attention it will attract. There should be balanced visual weight when looking at a display both horizontally + vertically.

2. Color Repetition

Color repetition is important for tying the over all scheme together. Pick roughly 3 colors that you want to repeat throughout the display + use them as primary, secondary + tertiary. For example, I used black as the primary color so it is present in large pieces such as the buffet table itself + the oversize lanterns on the wall; white was the secondary color because it creates great contrast with almost any other color, especially the black; and blue was the tertiary color + was used sparingly as pops of color + in varying shades. Green also plays a bit of a tertiary role in the green foliage, green bottle + green taper candles. If you have a relatively neutral canvas, I think two complementary tertiary colors are OK to use.

3. White Space + Contrast

Along the same lines as color repetition, without contrast items won’t stand out or draw the eye to the next visual area. And without white space the eye doesn’t have time to rest or comprehend groupings which can create a feeling of chaos.

4. Groupings

Groupings should be displayed in odd numbers, preferably in 3’s. This is enough to draw our attention + see things as similar but also process information without being overwhelmed. It’s what is naturally attractive to our eyes. Within the grouping make sure there is a variation of height as well.

5. Texture

This adds dimension + depth to a display. If a rough wood table was decorated with all the same color + textured wood nothing would stand out.

In the picture above you can see how I played with texture. Corks in a cut glass bowl, puffy hydrangeas in a curved vase + well-loved textured + stained recipe cards in a sleek modern picture frame. On the other end of the buffet table I displayed white blown glass vases on a rustic wooden pedestal. These all sit on top of a textured metallic + linen runner.

This variation + playing with texture allows for each piece to stand out on it’s own but also provides visual interest by juxtaposing texture.

6. Balance

Probably the most important overarching design element instrumental in pulling all of the above together is balance. When things are off balance the eye will only settle on what draws the most attention making the entire display will seem unattractive + chaotic.

Here is a picture of my buffet table now. Note how all the elements to make each “subdisplay” stand out but also cohesive enough that they complement each other + everything is balanced without being overall symmetrical.

WHAT TO DO

So how do you create your own look? In addition to utilizing the design elements above, take these steps to create a buffet table that reflects who you are.

1. Define Your Style

Are you going for a minimalist look or super traditional? I don’t ascribe to one particular style {and encourage others to not strictly adhere to one either} but rather I like to have a nice balance between new, modern pieces + well-loved antique or rustic pieces. The key is to pair them together so that the elements blend together rather than stick out like a sore thumb.

2. Hang Artwork or a Mirror

Without something to draw the eye vertically, anything you put on the buffet will fall flat. I went with a very simple bevel-edge mirror to not detract too much from the other decor pieces, plus it’s relatively neutral enough that I can change directions between modern + traditional or even some glam without such a big piece needing to be changed. Here are a couple examples of modern-traditional mirrors that make a statement without being the whole statement.

3. Add In Lighting

Whether through candles or table lamps, adding in ambient lighting will take your buffet table to a whole new level. I have not yet added a table lamp but it is something I may consider down the line. What I do have are two very large, hand made metal lanterns with glass hurricanes flanking the mirror. These were added to play off our wrought iron chandelier + black buffet + give a rustic edge to the otherwise modern/glam mirror.

What I love about these lanterns are the lines are modern with a hint of traditional style in the scroll that holds the lantern ring. And when you look at them close up the rough metal adds a rustic texture that keeps the overall look from being too cold. The other option would be to add wall sconces that are either hardwired or plug-in {with a cord cover!} but make sure those lights can be dimmed!

4. Go Horizontal

Since we are mainly talking about a horizontal surface it is important to be able to ground all of the vertical elements + the surface of the buffet may not be able to do this alone. Using a runner, either in a pattern or high contrast to the buffet itself, draws the eye back down to the table top + decor elements. A low tray to display drink bottles or other decor is another great way of achieving this + creating a grouping.

Since our buffet is black, I added a horizontal element of a silvery/champagne colored metallic + linen runner with beaded edges. This creates a lot of contrast + a clean looking canvas for the other decor pieces to stand out. Also added was a round drink tray {to break up all the hard lines} + a rustic pedestal that ties in the rustic wall lanterns + gives more texture to the display.

5. Go Vertical, Again

Now that we are working on the actual buffet table top be sure to create variations of height to connect the vertical design elements on the wall. This is super easy to achieve with candles, a tall vase/flower arrangement, bottles, a lamp or stack of books.

6. Give It Personality + Life

This can be achieved in so many ways. The way I chose to incorporate personality was through a couple old recipe cards in a modern double-sided floating table frame + using my grandmother’s cut-glass crystal bowl to hold corks. Bringing in natural elements like plants breathes new life, texture + color into the table. Never underestimate to power of a plant to elevate a look to a more refined level.

One Final Look

After following these steps take a step back + look at the space as a whole. Does everything mesh well together? Does your gaze natural flow or is it constantly drawn to one area? If the look is cohesive, is each element or sub-display able to stand out on its own {in a good way}? Is there balance {height, color, texture}? Keep adjusting, adding or subtracting items until you achieve the look you want. And if you feel stuck, taking a little time away then reapproaching it with fresh eyes + mind can be incredibly helpful!

You can shop my look below:

I would love for you to share your own displays tagging @vita_mode on IG or with the hashtag #VMbuffettablestyle