Table Decor

Table decor

Table decor is about the small details that make a table feel considered, whether it's an everyday dinner or a celebration. At Dims Studio you'll find table decor in hand-painted ceramic and faience, shaped like fruit, vegetables and sea creatures, alongside a glittering snow globe, an LED-light croissant and sculptural paper flowers that hold their shape without water. Here's a guide to motifs, materials, sizes and styling, so you can set the table you want.

Fruit and vegetable figures in ceramic

One of the core groups in the range is figures shaped like fruit and vegetables in genuine Italian ceramic, hand-painted by a family workshop founded in 1965.

Giant lemon figure: 46 cm in Italian ceramic

The Giant lemon figure is a 46 cm tall lemon in genuine Italian ceramic, hand-painted so the colour varies slightly from figure to figure. It's designed as a floor object, for example next to an armchair with a basket, on the kitchen windowsill or on a console table in the hallway, but also works as a striking centrepiece on a long dining table at a summer party.

Carrot figure: part of the Filiberta series

The Carrot figure is a hand-painted carrot figure in Italian ceramic at 17 cm, part of the Filiberta series of fruit and vegetable figures. It works well on the kitchen shelf together with other figures from the series, as a colourful detail in the middle of the dining table or tucked in among books on a shelf.

Comparing the fruit and vegetable figures

Figure	Size	Material	Producer
Giant lemon figure	46 cm	Italian ceramic	Selected by Dims Studio
Carrot figure	17 cm	Italian ceramic (Filiberta series)	Selected by Dims Studio

Sea creatures and shellfish: langoustine, fish and shell motif

The sea is another recurring theme in the range, both as sculptural figures and as bowls and platters for serving.

Langoustine figure in Italian faience

The Langoustine figure from Caja Company is a hand-painted langoustine in genuine Italian faience at 21 cm, where each figure has its own character due to the manual painting. It suits a white linen-clad table next to a ceramic jug of lemons, a bookshelf among cookbooks, or a console table in the hallway.

Rainbow fish figure in ceramic

The Rainbow fish figure from GiftCompany is a hand-painted ceramic fish in rainbow colours, measuring 20 x 5.2 x 6.5 cm. It's designed as a colourful decoration that can sit in the bathroom, on a shelf or on a windowsill, but also works well as a small, playful touch on a festively laid table.

Shell bowl: bowl and storage in one

The Shell bowl from &Klevering is a ceramic bowl with a detailed cockleshell relief, hand-painted in sand beige and white, measuring H 6.5 x Ø 16 cm. It works both for storage, for example rings and hair clips on the bedside table, and for serving olives, herring or ice cubes at the dinner table.

Rainbow fish platter: a serving platter in stoneware

The Rainbow fish platter from &Klevering is a hand-painted serving platter shaped like a fish in yellow, green, orange, brown and blue tones, cast in durable, food-safe stoneware. It measures 25.5 x 17 x 2 cm and suits serving prawns, oysters or mussels, bread at the breakfast buffet, or tapas in the middle of the table.

Material: Italian ceramic, faience and stoneware

The figures and platters in the range are made from several different ceramic materials. The Giant lemon figure and the Carrot figure are cast in genuine Italian ceramic, while the Langoustine figure is in Italian faience, a finer type of ceramic. The Rainbow fish platter is in stoneware, which is fired at a higher temperature than ordinary earthenware and is therefore denser and more impact-resistant, making it suitable for serving wet foods like shellfish. What the hand-painted pieces have in common is that colour and details can vary slightly from figure to figure, because the painting is done by hand.

What is Italian faience?

Faience is a finer type of ceramic than ordinary earthenware and stoneware, often characterised by a thinner body and a smooth, glossy glaze. The Langoustine figure is made using this technique, giving the figure a more detailed and lighter surface compared with the heavier Italian ceramic figures like the Giant lemon figure and the Carrot figure.

How to care for ceramic and faience figures

• Hand-wash serving platters and bowls with mild soap, and avoid scouring pads and the dishwasher, so the hand-painted glaze stays intact.
• Dust figures with a dry or lightly damp, soft cloth.
• Avoid placing the figures where they could tip over or be exposed to hard knocks, as ceramic and faience are fragile materials.
• Position the figures where morning or afternoon light can catch the glaze, so the colours stand out more clearly.

Snow globe and light: the fun details on the table

Alongside the figures, the range includes a couple of playful details designed to surprise.

Layer cake snow globe: festive decoration for birthdays

The Layer cake snow globe from &Klevering is a snow globe with a colourful layer-cake motif, made from durable plastic and measuring 8 x Ø 8.5 cm. When shaken, the glitter swirls around the cake, making it a natural detail at a birthday table or as a small extra gift for a cake lover.

Croissant with LED light: a lifelike table lamp

The Croissant with LED light from Kersten is a croissant in sandstone with a built-in LED light, lifelike right down to the layers of the dough, measuring 17.6 x 11.7 x 8 cm. It can sit on the kitchen counter or shelf, where switched on it gives off a warm glow, or be used as a fun night light. Note that batteries are not included.

Paper flowers: permanent greenery without water

For anyone who wants a natural motif on the table without any upkeep, the range includes two sculptural paper flowers from Danish brand Studio About.

Palm leaf in ochre yellow

The Palm leaf in ochre yellow is a sculptural palm leaf in a warm ochre tone with an 80 mm diameter. It works well on a shelf between stacked books and a small vase, as an eye-catcher on the dining table for an autumn setting in terracotta and rust tones, or on the bedside table alongside a lamp.

Pampas paper flower in pink

The Pampas paper flower in pink is a handmade paper pampas grass stem at 48 cm that holds its shape permanently without water or care. It suits a tall glass vase on the floor, a narrow vase on the desk, or grouped in threes to fives at varying heights on the chest of drawers in the hallway.

Animal figures for the wall in the same universe

Alongside the figures for the table, the range also includes a series of wall decorations from German brand GiftCompany, cast in polyresin and hand-painted with sculptural detailing. The Panther head wall decoration, the Leopard head wall decoration and the Pink leopard wall decoration all measure 13 x 16.5 x 14 cm, while the Shark wall decoration measures 15 x 20 x 20 cm and the Pink octopus wall decoration measures 6 x 20 x 16 cm. All five have a moulded or mounted hanging fixture on the back and are designed for the wall rather than the table, but belong stylistically to the same colourful, playful decoration family as the figures on the table, and can create a cohesive look if you combine table and wall in the same room. See the full range under decoration.

The material behind the wall decorations

Polyresin is a cast blend of synthetic resin and mineral filler that's lighter than ceramic and better at reproducing sharp, sculptural details like fur, fins and tentacles. Unlike the hand-painted ceramic and faience figures for the table, polyresin withstands minor knocks better, but should still be wiped with a dry or lightly damp cloth and kept away from direct sunlight over long periods so the hand-painted colour doesn't fade.

Table decor as a gift

A single figure or a snow globe is an easy but thoughtful gift idea, as it's both decorative and comes with a clear occasion built in. The Layer cake snow globe is perfect as a small extra gift for a birthday, while the Giant lemon figure or the Langoustine figure suits someone who loves setting the table and hosting dinners with guests. The Croissant with LED light is an original gift for a baker, or anyone who'd simply like a cosy light source in the kitchen. See more ideas under hostess gifts and birthday gifts for her.

How to use the table decor

How you use the table decor depends on whether it's meant to be a permanent part of your home's decor or a detail for a specific occasion.

For everyday table setting

The Carrot figure or one of the smaller figures can sit permanently on the dining table as a colourful detail, while the Shell bowl is practical for salt or olives at the daily dinner.

For celebrations and birthdays

The Layer cake snow globe is a natural detail for a birthday table, while the Rainbow fish platter and the Langoustine figure can set the theme for a celebration with shellfish or summer food. Combine with a wedding table or confirmation table if the occasion calls for it.

For a seasonal table setting

The Palm leaf in ochre yellow suits an autumn setting in warm, earthy colours, while the Pampas paper flower in pink can be used year-round as a soft, organic element that never wilts or needs changing as the season shifts. Because both pieces are made from paper, they can also be stored from year to year and brought out again whenever the mood should be recreated. Also see our range of table settings.

As a cosy detail at home

The Croissant with LED light works as a cosy light source in the kitchen or on a shelf, while the Giant lemon figure can stand as a striking floor object that doesn't necessarily move to the table but still belongs to the decoration family.

Mix motifs with care

Because table decor spans everything from Italian fruit figures to sea-creature motifs and a glittering snow globe, it's a good idea to stick to two or three motifs at a time on the same table, so the look stays cohesive rather than cluttered. Combine, for example, the Langoustine figure with the Rainbow fish platter for a consistent sea theme, or pair the Carrot figure with the Shell bowl for a more understated everyday setting. If you want to keep the table simple, a single figure, such as the Giant lemon figure, can easily stand alone as the only eye-catcher.

How to choose the right table decor

With figures, bowls, a snow globe, an LED light source and paper flowers in the range, it can be hard to know where to start. Use the guide below to find the table decor that suits your occasion.

Your situation	Our recommendation
You want a striking floor object	Giant lemon figure (46 cm)
You want a small colourful detail on the table	Carrot figure or Rainbow fish figure
You're serving shellfish	Rainbow fish platter or Langoustine figure as an eye-catcher
You need a bowl for olives or salt	Shell bowl
The table is celebrating a birthday	Layer cake snow globe
You want cosy light on the table	Croissant with LED light
You want greenery without upkeep	Palm leaf in ochre yellow or Pampas paper flower in pink
The table is being set for autumn	Palm leaf in ochre yellow in warm earthy colours

Brands behind our table decor

The range brings together several brands. Selected by Dims Studio is behind the Giant lemon figure and the Carrot figure, both in genuine Italian ceramic, with the latter belonging to the Filiberta series of fruit and vegetable figures. Caja Company supplies the Langoustine figure in Italian faience. &Klevering, the Dutch brand known for colourful, hand-painted ceramics, is behind the Shell bowl, the Rainbow fish platter and the Layer cake snow globe. GiftCompany contributes the Rainbow fish figure, and Danish brand Studio About is behind the two paper flowers, the Palm leaf in ochre yellow and the Pampas paper flower in pink. Kersten, a Dutch brand, supplies the Croissant with LED light in sandstone.

Frequently asked questions about table decor

What material are the figures made from?

Most figures are made from genuine Italian ceramic or faience, while the Rainbow fish platter is in stoneware and the Croissant with LED light is in sandstone.

Are the figures dishwasher-safe?

No, hand-painted platters and bowls should be hand-washed with mild soap. Avoid scouring pads and the dishwasher, so the glaze stays intact for as long as possible.

Why does the colour vary from figure to figure?

The figures are hand-painted, which means shades can vary slightly from piece to piece. That's part of the craft and not a flaw, and it's exactly that variation that makes each figure unique.

Can the Rainbow fish platter be used for hot food?

The platter is food-safe and can be used for both cold and warm dishes, from shellfish to bread and tapas, but it's not microwave-safe.

How big is the Giant lemon figure?

The figure is 46 cm tall and designed as a striking floor object or windowsill detail rather than a small tabletop figure, so it needs plenty of space if you want to display it.

Are batteries included with the Croissant with LED light?

No, batteries are not included and need to be bought separately.

Do the paper flowers need maintenance?

No, both the Palm leaf in ochre yellow and the Pampas paper flower in pink hold their shape permanently without water or any other care, and only need the occasional dusting.

Can the Shell bowl be used for anything other than serving?

Yes, it also works for storage, for example jewellery on the bedside table or soaps in the bathroom, and can be moved around the home as needed.

Is the table decor suited to parties and birthdays?

Yes, the Layer cake snow globe in particular is designed for birthdays, while the Rainbow fish platter and the Langoustine figure suit celebrations centred on shellfish and summer food. Combine several pieces if the table needs to carry a whole evening with guests.

Is the table decor suited to everyday use?

Yes, many of the figures and bowls are sturdy enough to leave out and use every day, not just for special occasions like parties and birthdays.

What's the difference between ceramic and faience?

Faience is a finer type of ceramic, often with a thinner body and a smooth, glossy glaze, while ordinary ceramic is generally somewhat coarser in texture.

Can the table decor be combined with other items in the range?

Yes, the figures and platters combine easily with our other table settings and decoration.

How many motifs should I use on the same table?

Stick to two or three motifs at a time, for example sea creatures or fruit, so the table feels coherent while the different shapes still add variety and life.

Do the wall decorations suit the same style as the table decor?

Yes, the colourful polyresin wall decorations with animal motifs belong stylistically to the same playful, colourful decoration family, even though they're designed for the wall rather than the table.