The art of arrangement

Grouping together collections of objects is a stylist's dream but can sometimes be a source of confusion for a home decorator. Should you place picture frames all the same together or vary the shapes, colours and sizes? Would a mix of old and new chairs work better than a purely vintage lineup? Is it better to cram a shelf, tabletop or mantelpiece full of objects in the hope that one of them stands out from the crowd or should you aim for a discreet display of three objects?

As a general rule, grouping similar objects together in groups of three works better than a pair of things. Eclectic collections supply visual interest and random picture frames look perfectly find as long as there is variety to create an engaging visual feast. When displaying only a few objects, make sure they are in keeping with the overall style of a room. Three church candles on a mantelpiece will look good in a simply styled room, for instance, but will get lost in a room where riotous colours dominate.


Group pictures
A lined-up display works best if all the individual elements are quite different from one another. In Vicente Wolf's New York loft he has ranged a collection of black and white photographs along two seamless shelves to create a gallery beneath which many styles of occasional chair make a witty parade.