topic Re: Do I need 3 items? in Home

Do I need 3 items?

qualitygal — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 13:40:27 GMT

Want to get a lantern, that I can decorate, with every seasonal change. But I also want an hour glass. My table is round, and will be in my front window. Do I need a 3rd item, as my husband thinks we do? I haven't bought them yet, but bronze would go with a clock and lamps I already have in here.

What do you think?

Re: Do I need 3 items?

Imaoldhippie — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 13:47:19 GMT

Its very hard to say for me with no visual. I would put what you have and "live with it" for a while. Something could be added later if you chose.

Re: Do I need 3 items?

goldensrbest — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 13:51:26 GMT

I would try out things you have, then if none works for you, go out shopping, also try homegoods, macys, different places,have fun with it.

Re: Do I need 3 items?

Janey2 — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 14:00:52 GMT

@qualitygal When decorating there is a Rule of Three...objects look better in a group of three. That being said, my eye likes to see things in groups of two for some reason. Without knowing the size of the table and objects only you can make that decision. What I would do is buy three objects ( as long as you can return) and see if you like the two or need a third.

Re: Do I need 3 items?

phoenixbrd — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 14:02:29 GMT

I like your idea of a seasonal lantern....just change out the trimmings on the lantern, easy and festive.

Re: Do I need 3 items?

ValuSkr — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 14:13:21 GMT

I like the Group of Three rule. If you can't think of a third item to add, I'd use just the lantern and put the hourglass someplace else.

Re: Do I need 3 items?

author — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 14:52:45 GMT

Sometimes all it takes for "that third item" is something you already have: a small ceramic bird or other creature, a flat decorative platter or small bowl, add something in the bowl, an album, a few old books, lots of things will work.

If you get the two things you want and love that look, stop there, but try a third from what you have, and if nothing works go shopping and have fun with the hunt. Keep us posted on what you finally decide....!

Re: Do I need 3 items?

faeriemoon — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 15:59:18 GMT

A small stack of books would make a great "third item."

Re: Do I need 3 items?

FranandZoe — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 16:00:30 GMT

How 'bout a Luminara candle?

Re: Do I need 3 items?

nomar — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 19:22:19 GMT

Sometimes all I do is add a seasonal sprig of some size to tie in the other 2 items. There is the 3rd thing the decorators say we need.

Re: Do I need 3 items?

sometimesQVCaddict — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 19:44:23 GMT

You do NOT "need" to do anything your heart doesn't tell you to do in decorating YOUR home/space. Do what makes you feel happy! I'm certainly not a follower of what complete strangers or "trends" tell me to do for sure! And let's be honest, do decorators or designers really have our best interest at heart or are they getting us to spend money to line their pockets?

If you feel like 3 things, go for it! If 2 makes you happy, do that! If 11 is your favorite number, put 11 things together! lol Good luck!!

Re: Do I need 3 items?

Kachina624 — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 20:03:37 GMT

@ValuSkr wrote:
I like the Group of Three rule. If you can't think of a third item to add, I'd use just the lantern and put the hourglass someplace else.

The most visually pleasing arrangement is an uneven number of objects. @qualitygal Your hubby is very astute.

Re: Do I need 3 items?

AuntG — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 02:19:26 GMT

They say to go with odd numbers. I think the seasonal lantern and hour glass are perfect, so you could try adding a stack of coasters. I have some for each season and we truly use them.

Re: Do I need 3 items?

Oznell — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 12:36:15 GMT

This kind of experimentation is so much fun, and I have a feeling your eye will tell you in the end, what turns out to be right for you, @qualitygal .

That said, one idea I love is @AuntG 's proposal of a stack of coasters to add to the other two handsome items -- I have ceramic coasters that look like some kind of exotic black stone, with veining, and often use them decoratively with my other items-- yet they're 'practical', yay.

Re: Do I need 3 items?

author — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 13:28:39 GMT

@Oznell I love the idea of a stack of beautiful coasters as the "third" item - pretty, interesting, yet very practical to have at the ready!

Re: Do I need 3 items?

kate2357 — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 16:04:06 GMT

I have to admit to liking the look of odd numbers, whether in my decor staging or in planting flowers ... I use the 3/5/7 rule for myself. I also like the look of different heights when putting together display items. Sometimes my third item can be plant based. This time of year it's easy to find evergreen items to use that will stay fresh looking long enough. I like pine, cedar or eucalyptus sprigs or even sprigs of baby's breath if I want something white.

Have fun decorating. Your eye will tell you what looks pleasing to you. That's what counts most.

Re: Do I need 3 items?

Duckncover — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 00:39:36 GMT

A grouping usually looks better with three items and staggered in height. The larger lantern with seasonal changes sounds like a nice idea.

I would definitely look at HomeGoods, At Home, or Tuesday Morning to see what choices are there.

Re: Do I need 3 items?

Mominohio — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 00:42:11 GMT

I personally cannot see just the two items looking good. In my opinion, since they would be taller pieces(??), I think a third thing would be warranted, and in my opinion, something low and that compliments or ties the two pieces together would be good. A book with a suitable cover to lay with them comes to mind, even better if the title would have something to do with light or time.

Re: Do I need 3 items?

stevieb — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 01:15:19 GMT

Personally, I think three would look better. I might consider a pretty table clock.