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Friday, June 3, 2011

Pedestals

I am not entirely sure why, but I've had a long time interest in pedestals. It's probably related to my interest in architecture and history.
Suzanne Kasler. This is actually a pair, the mate is on the the other side of the table.

I had someone ask me once if I could find them a "thing" that is used for plants and statues! Often they are confused with plant stands. Pedestals are more substantial in every way as their main function is to support heavy statues, vases and busts. When I think of pedestals, I tend to think of them as being mostly from the Roman era or Victorian period. Of course, neither of these are entirely correct, but I mention it because I think others may share that perception or may consider them to be too formal or old fashioned. 

Pedestal with a bust. Classic combination.

I also love old garden urns and spent years on a quest to find a matching pair and then of course matching pedestals. Pairs of either have eluded me. It's not that I can't find pairs, I just can't find pairs that I like and can afford! Twice I have found pairs. Once at an auction and once at an antiques show. They were so exquisite, I wanted to cry.

The lion heads make the pedestals interesting and fun!

During the late 90's I purchased two pedestals from two different shop owners. One is  painted cream and you saw it here topped with a black antique garden urn in my dining room. The other is a gorgeous antique pedestal. The only information the shop owner provided was that it came from an estate, is made from mahogany and is believed to be English.
My pedestal topped with a giant finial.


The last of this season's peonies. It's an ever changing display on the pedestal.
This pedestal weighs a bloody ton and takes two people to move it! The detail on the bottom even in it's crumbling state charmed me. I paid about $300 for it and remains one of my favorite things. I wish I new it's age, details of it's original owner and what kind of house they lived in?

Detail of the base.
One of the most appealing aspects of a pedestal, is they take up dead space and make dull corners more interesting.  I love using mine for seasonal displays of flowers or branches. All pedestals look amazing topped with finials, urns, sculpture or a fabulous bust. They are especially perfect in dark corners that don't get enough light for plants or trees. I also love to see a pedestal at the end of a hallway or in front of a window, they add so much interest.

In the corner of a hallway.

A pair flanking the french doors of an Americana styled breakfast room.

Pedestals really do work with any style or decor, which makes them just about the perfect accessory! Don't care for classic or antique versions? How about some with a modern twist?

Mariette Himes Gomez


Thomas O'Brien

This glass pedestal is incredible. You wouldn't want anything obstructing that view!

Acquired Objects just went through similar agony to mine of trying to find a pair of pedestals and instead cleverly chose to created her own, with the help of her handy husband. She needed a pair on which to place two recently acquired antique urns. The pedestals were based on a magazine cover. You can read about the details here, they're fantastic!

Mary McDonald. I am almost positive these are from the Wisteria catalogue from a few years ago!
 For those who don't want to spend the time searching for the perfect pedestal or making your own, catalogues such a Wisteria and Restoration Hardware can yield some decent pedestals. Don't forget to check e-bay and 1st dibs too. For the die hard treasure hunter, check your local antiques dealers, salvage yards and don't forget to check Grandma's attic!!!

Except where noted images courtesy of Elle Decor, Tradtional Home, House Beautiful,Vernada

17 comments:

  1. Rebecca, I love your pedestals and would l would be thrilled to acquire a really interesting one!
    Great examples, I will have to be on the lookout. I like the one that tapers at the top also!

    Come and enter my amazing $250 Giveaway from Tracy Porter!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  2. Okay, now I
    NEED a pedestal!
    I've always loved
    them and you've
    just reminded me
    why. I also have
    a small collection
    of garden urns.
    Love the detail on
    your pedestal!
    xx Suzanne

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  3. Your pedestal is lovely with that amazing urn...not to mention the peonies that were in it! I've been looking at 'plant stands' lately but now you have me thinking that maybe it's pedestals I need to be searching out...thank you!
    xo J~

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  4. Like Suzanne, you now have me thinking that I should find a really cool pedestal! I love both of yours, and I love the rug under the mahogany one too! And I can never afford the antique urns I find either, I can only imagine what a pair would set you back?!

    Kat :)

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  5. I love pedestals of any sort!I have kind of died and gone to heaven with this post!

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  6. Your blog is a new discovery for me. I have been browsing through it and it is so full of wonderful ideas and inspiration! I am your newest follower. x Sharon (South Africa)

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  7. Your pedestal is lovely, especially with the flowers on it. Don't you just love it when you buys something that you are really happy with. Enjoy! Ange

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  8. Until this post I hadn't given much thought to pedestals, but you're right they are so perfect in so many interiors. And they have a great many uses-I will be on the look-out now for a handsome one.
    Sam

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  9. Wonderful post. Pedestals are so stately. And they always remind me I don't have a posh enough life. I still think I could get away with one...but oh, to find it. I have looked too and never see anything I love and can afford. I saw a stone one years ago that I loved but sadly it weighed a ton and was far from home. groan. And anyway, I would need a bust to go on it. So for now, I dream...

    xo Terri

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  10. I love pedestals too. I'm a huge fan of grungy old ones with concrete urns or statues on top. I don't have one myself, but would love to. Love all of these pics. Have a great week. Mona

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  11. What a great post on where and how to use pedastals! My mother has one - or is a plant stand? I'll have to double check next time I'm there! I know it belonged to my great grandmother....so odds are it's a pedastal!

    xo Elizabeth

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  12. Wow Rebecca I love this post! Who doesn't love pedestals and you're right they're so useful in those dead corners. Wait until you see mine although I only have one stained so far. Love yours and like you I love urns too but the price jeez.

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  13. Fabulous post Rebecca!! I agree - they work with every style and I love that they add a strong architectonic element to the room. Yours looks stunning with the urn and peonies atop!!

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  14. How refreshing! And what a great look/idea! I think I need to bookmark this b/c I would love to incorporate this look in my hubs office somehow, thanks!(we have two "things" in my living room, that I think are plant stands, that we use as pedestals, but the ones here are so much for sophisticated!)

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  15. Beautiful post on pedastals! I love them in corners, end of hallways and in foyers. They can, as you have shown be beautiful focal points to house a pretty piece of art or sculpture. This post definietly has me thinking of them again...and wondering where I might be able to use one!
    Have a wonderful day.

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  16. Rebecca,
    You've provided some beautiful examples of pedestals. I love the fact that they're such versatile pieces, and that their compact size can add huge architectural impact.
    Love your blog!
    Your newest fan and follower,
    Wendi :)

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  17. The zinc pedestals in the last pic are fantastic...I've had pedetals for my foyer on my list of things I need for along time...along with dozens of over things!

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