How to Choose a Piece by Silhouette
Before you consider grain, size, or price, look at the outline. It is the first thing the eye reads and the last thing you forget.
Squint at the archive until the details blur, and the shape you keep looking at is probably the one for you.
Summary
- The silhouette is the overall outline of a piece and the strongest source of its character.
- Pieces range from tall and narrow to broad and low, with necks, shoulders, and bulges of varying kinds.
- Match the silhouette to the space where the piece will live.
Key takeaways
- Silhouette sets the mood of a piece.
- Think about where it will stand and how it will be seen.
- Trust your instinctive reaction.
Photographs of our pieces show a great deal: grain, color, texture. But the strongest impression usually comes from something simpler. The outline.
The squint test
Open the archive and squint, so that details dissolve and only the outline remains. Which shapes pull your eye? A slender form with a graceful neck? A heavy, rounded body with sloping shoulders? A leaning, asymmetrical one?
That first response is worth trusting. It tells you what appeals to you before you start rationalizing.
Types of silhouette
Though every piece is unique, some general patterns appear.
Tall and narrow. These have a vertical emphasis, with a narrow waist and a lifted plate. They suit consoles, mantels, and the ends of long tables, where height adds drama.
Broad and low. These sit close to the surface, with a heavy base and a wide stance. They suit coffee tables and dining tables, where sightlines matter.
Necked forms. These have a pronounced neck below the plate, giving a sense of poise. They tend to feel elegant.
Shouldered forms. These have a broad upper body, like a pair of shoulders. They feel strong, grounded, and a little sculptural.
Leaning or asymmetrical forms. These are irregular, with a lean or a twist. They feel lively and informal.
Consider the setting
Think about where the piece will stand. A narrow console calls for a narrow piece. A large, open room can take a heavy one. A cluttered shelf may need a simple form, while a bare surface can support a more complex one.
Also consider the viewing distance. A piece seen from across a room reads as a shape. One seen up close reads as a texture.
Think about candles
Remember that a candle will sit on top, adding height and a flame. A tall piece plus a tall candle can be top-heavy. A low piece with a tall candle may feel balanced. Try to picture the whole assembly.
Let it grow on you
The first piece you notice may not be the one you end up loving. Sometimes a quieter silhouette grows on you as you look. Take your time.
If you want to see how pieces look in a room, try The Styled Studio.
Common questions
Which silhouette is best for a dining table?
Broad and low forms generally work best, since they do not block sightlines.
Does the silhouette change with the candle?
Yes. The candle adds height and light, so consider the whole arrangement.
Keep reading
Every piece is one of one.
Browse the specimen archive and acquire the piece that speaks to you. Each is catalogued once and sold once.