Who better to start off my brand new ‘How To’ series than having Nicole from The Builders Wife as my first guest!
As fate would have it, Nicole and I had the same hairdresser. My hairdresser mentioned my name to Nicole and then Nicole started cyber-stalking me. I noticed Nicole liking a lot of my posts and so I decided to cyber-stalk her. It was then I realised that her home, that regularly features on her blog, was just up the road. I contacted her to confirm if she did, in fact, live in the same suburb and the rest is history! Now we’re neighbours and friends!
Over to you Nicole!

Today I’d like to share with you, my 5 tips to styling a buffet or side table. These tips could be applied to just about any flat surface, like a bedside table, shelf or coffee table.
5 tips to styling a buffet or side table
1. Have a Theme
Group similar items together, for example, candles or photos, then add little trinkets that match those items, keep similar colours together also. Mix inexpensive and quirky items together to create an interesting story.


2. Use Light
Add a group of candles or a lamp or two to help create the mood of your side table or buffet. The light draws the eye to the area you have styled, and so it should, you want to show it off!

3. Use Various Heights
You don’t want to have all your items lying flat on the table, add some interest by using different heights. Perhaps place a mirror over the top of the table to draw the eye from the table up. Varying heights will draw different people to different pieces. Use a stack of books or magazines to assist with height.


4. Always Use an Odd Number of Items
Use several items similar in size in shape in a group to create maximum impact. For example piece together several blue and white ginger jars of varying heights but similar sizes to give a real wow factor. Groups of 3 or 5 are more visually appealing than groups of even numbers.

5. Have Fun
Decorating should never be stressful, it should be a reflection of your unique personality. There is a lot of joy to be had in creating these spaces, if it doesn’t work, try again. Enjoy the process and that will shine through in your finished product.

Nicole xx
Nicole Cox
Latest posts by Nicole Cox (see all)
- How To Style A Buffet or Side Table - October 23, 2015
Thank you for having me, my wonderful friend, this one was a fun one to share. xxx
Loveing the blue and white oriental style pieces 🙂
me too!!!!
Me three! 🙂
Oops my comment went to spam! Retyping here: Nicole has fabulous style. I love the way she has styled the buffets in her home. And yes I learned about grouping items in odd numbers when I styled my buffet. 🙂
Too kind Bec, thank you xx
Looks great. There are so many talented people out there not afraid to let everyone see just how good they are.
Thank you Natalie 🙂
LOVE IT!! I am such a vignette freak. I love styling it up and these are awesome tips.
Thank you Mel, I don’t think you need any tips though 🙂
I love it and so timely for me. I’ll be styling our new house in the next few weeks.
I love those white hydrangeas.
Thanks Nicole and Eva. x
Can’t wait to see some pics Sarah xx
What a small world! Love how your hairdresser played “matchmaker” Love Nicole’s style! Using an odd number of items – I like that one 🙂
Love your work as always Nicole! How brilliant that you two are neighbours and able to connect this way – I love the blogging community, just incredible! x