Bar Styling: How To Go About It With Artisan Mia Sylvia Herrod

Gifted textile artist, award-winning fabric sculptor, and creator of fine art fabric installations, London-based Mia Sylvia Herrod knows a thing or two about spatial design, the art of storytelling through textiles, and styling. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to style your bar or buffet, Mia’s magic touch makes her the one to turn to — whether to assist you personally for an event or to spark endless ideas, which she shares abundantly on Instagram. While her dramatic draped sculptures command attention and transform spaces, her meticulous eye for detail extends effortlessly to styling.

Picture a meandering outdoor dinner table, wrapped in billowing silk caught by the wind and adorned with clusters of deep-hued grapes, or a cocktail table tied with a playful, oversized bow. Mia has mastered the balance between artful textures and practicality, transforming even the simplest spaces into moments that feel both curated and alive. Here, she shares her philosophy and tips for bar styling — bringing elegance and a touch of drama to every gathering.

1. Embrace Negative Space

“Try looking at negative space as your friend — not as something that always needs to be filled,” Mia advises. For her, allowing art and styling to breathe creates an effortless elegance. “Obviously, that’s easier if you have the privilege of a larger venue and a smaller guest list,” she acknowledges, “but it’s something to keep in mind regardless of the space.”

2. Work With Varying Heights

Working with varying heights is another way to create visual interest. “If you’ve got a bar or table, incorporating plinths at different levels and draping fabric over them can make the setup feel so much more dynamic,” she says. “We’ve gotten so used to flat tables where the only height comes from florals, but introducing layered heights adds depth and makes the space far more engaging.”

3. Opt for Elevated Fabrics

For Mia, the choice of fabric is pivotal. “Fabric can really make or break a table,” she explains.

“Polyesters, especially stark white ones, tend to feel dated. Even if the floral installations are stunning, pairing them with a stark polyester cloth can cheapen the overall look.” Her solution? “An ivory linen instantly elevates the space. It’s a natural texture that complements everything beautifully, adding a sense of timeless sophistication.”

4. Prep, prep, prep

Attention to detail is essential, and preparation is key. “A wrinkled polyester tablecloth that hasn’t been steamed can completely let down an otherwise perfect design,” Mia notes. Her advice? Invest in quality fabrics and ensure they’re impeccably presented.

Her personal favourite is a lightweight cotton. “It’s close to my heart because my mum used the same fabric to decorate her home in her 20s. It feels so beautiful and full circle,” she shares. While cotton remains a staple, Mia also loves experimenting with sculptural fabrics like taffetas and silks. “They’re amazing to manipulate — they add a dimension that feels both modern and timeless,” she says.

“Try looking at negative space as your friend — not as something that always needs to be filled, allowing the area to breathe”

5. Explore Hand-Dyed Fabrics

But her passion for natural dyeing is where her creativity truly shines. “I hand-dye fabrics using plants, flowers, food waste, and even scrap metal,” Mia explains. Rusted metal creates “gorgeous, rich, rusty tones,” while dried avocado skins yield unexpected shades of pink. “It’s always fun because people don’t expect such beauty from something so simple.”

6. Be Mindful of your Color Palette

When styling spaces, Mia leans towards neutral tones. “They’re a calm canvas that allows other elements to shine. But with the right lighting, even neutral fabrics can transform,” she notes. Her favourite lighting effects mimic nature. “There are rotating lights with films that create the look of sunlight filtering through trees. It’s stunning — like being outside when you’re really indoors.”

7. Ensure the Flow of a Space

Mia’s expertise extends beyond materials to the flow of a space. “There’s an alchemy in how you place tables and their proximity to key elements like the dance floor and bar,” she explains. “If these are too far apart, the flow of the event can feel stagnant. Bringing them closer together creates energy and connection.”

Textile installations play a key role in defining meaningful spaces. “They can frame areas, making them feel either inclusive or exclusive,” Mia says. For larger receptions, she often recommends a statement installation over the dance floor. “It transforms the space, giving it that special party vibe,” she adds. Others may prefer styling to focus on the ceremony area, creating a focal point of beauty for the event.

Ultimately, Mia’s approach is about cohesion — using textiles, layout, and design to ensure every element of a space feels considered, inviting, and effortlessly elevated.

See more of Mia Sylvia’s work through her website or The Lane directory.