Pedestals

When you deeply admire someone, it may be said that you place them on a pedestal. The expression comes from the fact that many Classical statues of gods and heroes were elevated by being placed on pedestals. The express purpose of the pedestal is to showcase the object on it by virtue of separating it from its surroundings.

Sometimes the purpose is to make the object truly imposing, placing it so that we must look up at it. Other times, the purpose is to bring something that might otherwise be overlooked up to the level of our eyes so that it is not missed. If you have beautiful treasures that are quite small, showcasing them on a pedestal will be more effective than placing them on an end table with other objects.

A pedestal can also be a lovely design element by itself. It might be purely decorative, or you might use it as a flat surface right inside the door where you can place keys or set down the mail when you come inside. In fact, you can use a pedestal as a table in any room where you need one.

Classically Inspired Pedestals

Often, pedestals have Classical themes and scrollwork like Ionic, Doric, or Corinthian columns. Designers have also taken their liberties, however, in crafting unique pedestals from all kinds of materials, in all heights and colors. You can bring in a pedestal for simple elegance, but you can also use one for fun and a dash of unexpected style.