Lykta, Streamer and Boule Vas: Styling Small Home Objects
By Skultuna I Officiell webbutik – Skultuna 1607 | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: Guias Práticos
A practical guide to grouping a brass lantern, a leather Streamer bowl and a small Boule vase so each piece reads clearly without crowding the surface.
Quick answer
Start with the largest piece, usually the Lykta, place the Streamer bowl slightly off to one side, and let the small Boule vase sit forward as the lightest element. Keep the group to three objects and leave visible empty surface around them.
Why brass and leather need breathing room
Brass and leather both carry visual weight even when the object is small. A polished brass lantern reflects its surroundings, while a leather bowl absorbs light. Placing them too close together makes the brass look louder and the leather look flat. A hand's width of empty surface between objects usually restores the balance.
The same logic applies on a sideboard or shelf. If the surface is shallow, move the lantern toward the back corner and bring the bowl forward rather than lining all three objects up. Depth reads better than a straight row.
When the group should stay minimal
If your room already has patterned wallpaper, a busy rug or several framed works, stop at two objects. The Lykta and the Boule vase alone give you height and a small focal point without adding another texture. Save the Streamer bowl for a quieter surface such as a hallway console or bedside table.
Avoid treating this as a rule for every shelf. A single object can be enough on a narrow ledge, and adding a second piece just to fill space often makes the arrangement look staged.
How to arrange the group step by step
- Clear the surface and mark the footprint: Empty the sideboard or shelf completely, then place the Lykta first at the back, slightly off-center. Leave at least a hand's width of bare surface on both sides. Common mistake: centering the tallest object, which splits the group into two weaker halves. If the lantern cannot sit off-center without hanging over an edge, choose a narrower object instead.
- Set the Streamer bowl beside, not behind: Place the bowl to the left or right of the lantern, pulled forward by a few centimeters so their outlines do not overlap. Check the size guide before ordering so the bowl does not crowd the lantern's base. Never place a lit candle in the bowl near the lantern's brass body or any fabric; extinguish flames before they reach the holder.
- Bring the Boule vase forward: Set the small Boule vase in front of the gap between the other two objects, slightly offset rather than dead center. Keep it empty or use a single short stem so it stays the lightest element. If the vase hides the bowl's rim from your usual viewing angle, move it a few centimeters sideways.
- Step back and check the silhouette: View the group from the doorway you actually use. You should see three distinct heights and a clear gap of surface between each object. If two outlines merge, remove one object rather than adding a fourth. A group that only works from directly in front is too tightly packed for daily use.
What each piece contributes
- Lykta design Pierre Forssell: Pierre Forssell designed the brass Lykta in the 1960s while employed at Skultuna Messingsbruk; the recreated version forms its holes during casting rather than with a welding flame. The lantern's pierced pattern throws small points of light, so it works best where those shadows can fall on a plain wall or tabletop.
Lykta design Pierre Forssell - Streamer Brun - Model B: The Streamer bowl is available in a size option and the catalog notes that live candles must never be left unattended and should be extinguished before reaching the holder. Check the size guide before buying and keep any flame well away from the leather surface and nearby textiles.
Streamer Brun - Model B - Boule Vas - Extra Liten: The Boule vase is designer Olivia Herms's second product for Skultuna and takes its name from the French word for sphere. Its rounded, compact form suits a forward position in a group, where a taller lantern behind it will not be blocked.
