How To Use Pedestals & Plinths In Your Home
How To Use Pedestals & Plinths In Your Home

How To Use Pedestals & Plinths In Your Home

An increasingly popular alternative to a traditional side table, pedestals and plinths come in a variety of materials, and it’s their versatility interior designers love most. Here, we asked the pros to share their buying and sourcing tips – plus, we rounded up some of our favourite pieces available now…
By Georgina Blaskey

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Choose The Right Material & Style

“A pedestal is actually the base of a column, so you usually have a chunky base with a tabletop to display things on. A plinth, however, is a solid block often crafted from one piece, which can be used to display decorative items or even functional pieces like a lamp. As for the material you go for, that will depend on your interior style. It's important to consider what materials you have in the space already, as well as the overall feel of your home. For a more minimal approach, concrete will look the part, whereas marble will add a more contemporary feel. In a country or more traditional setting, natural stone will work, but something crafted from wood may nod to the more rustic aesthetic.” – Samantha Wilson, interior designer & founder of Collection Noir

“It’s also important think about what you want to display on your pedestal or plinth. Do you want it to be the hero of the room? If so, opt for a neutral material. If you want the pedestal to be the main feature, consider marble – even a coloured marble – that could stand on its own without any additional styling.” – Anna Unwin, Interior stylist 

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NO17 HOUSE

Find The Right Position

“Both pedestals and plinths are incredibly versatile – that’s what’s so appealing about them and why they’re so popular with interior stylists and designers. They work well in most settings, especially hallways and bathrooms.” – Anna

“Positioning will largely depend on how you want to use them. If you're looking to use either for display purposes, put them in the hallway or living room where they can take pride of place. If, however, you want them as a more functional piece, place them by the side of a sofa or armchair, or in even in the corner of a room with a lamp or plant on top.” – Samantha

Styling & Balance

“In terms of styling, it again depends on your overall design taste. If you want a more minimalist and contemporary feel, choose more statement, structural pieces. A shapely vase or vessel works best. Plants, meanwhile, will incorporate a touch of nature to soften the space. It’s all about balance. Always place items singularly or in odd numbers. Groups of threes or fives work well, though it all depends on the size and scale of the arrangement. Try to use items of different heights and sizes to create a sense of variety and stand back to check it doesn't look too heavy. Alternatively, one statement item, such as a beautiful plant or hand-crafted ceramic vessel, will look effortless and chic.” – Samantha

“I’m definitely a minimalist and, in my opinion, less is always more. If you’ve opted for a simple style, it can take a huge abstract object; if your pedestal is more ornate, go the simple route.” – Anna 


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For more information, visit AnnaUnwin.com & CollectionNoir.com

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