I think half the fun of decorating around my house is changing things up, using the pieces I already have. I love moving things from one room to another and seeing how they work in a different spot. And, I’m lucky enough to have a walk-in attic where I can easily access my “stash” of lamps, art, and other accessories.
I was helping a friend several months ago do a little rearranging and kept asking her if she had this or that. She mentioned that she didn’t have many accessories because she just didn’t know what to buy. It occurred to me that some of you might be in the same boat. While there’s a lot of trendy options, I do feel like there are several key pieces that are worth the investment, or at least the time it takes you to shop for them.
I really don’t buy new accessories all that often. I find that I’ve got a pretty good collection of things now that feel like “me” and can be moved around from room to room or changed up with the season. I also think that as you find your style over time, you’ll start to naturally migrate to certain pieces. But, if you’re still struggling with what to add to your home, I thought I’d share my top 10 home accessories for layering and rotating around to different spots in your house:
1. A pair of lamps (that aren’t buffet style). I find that a good pair of lamps with a substantial base and simple drum shades will work just about anywhere. I’m partial to glass or something neutral (white or a metal like brass). And, while tall buffet lamps work in some places (like buffets!), most rooms can use the visual weight of a bulkier lamp. I almost always buy lamps in pairs so they can moved around together or split apart to use in different places.
2. Glass vessels in different sizes. Glass is such a versatile accessory and adds some texture. I’ve found several big glass bottles at thrift stores, and the glass vase below came from TJMaxx. Glass objects look great grouped together (that’s what’s happening on my mantel now) or standing alone. And, it’s easy to put a branch of something green in it—or not. I also always keep an eye out for glass cloches (domes) in different sizes.
3. A (big) round mirror. Mirrors, in general, are great for opening up a space, but I find that a good round mirror can work in so many different places—over a mantel, above a buffet, over a sofa. Round shapes are good for softening harder lines in a space. In our last dining room, I even stacked smaller prints around a large round mirror. And, you know I’m always partial to a big sunburst mirror, which totally counts as round in my book.
4. Several decorative objects for layering. Call them knick-knacks, collections or whatever you will, but I think you need a few objects that can be used and layered in different ways. I’m partial to milk glass and my blue and white accessories at the moment. I also like to use textured objects like driftwood or pretty bowls. It’s always good to have several of the same type of objects for grouping. (And, there’s always my favorite trick of buying several objects at Goodwill or garage sales and spraying them all one color for an instant “collection.”) I always say that having a few bigger pieces of something is better than lots of little pieces to prevent visual clutter.
5. Garden stools. I’m still a big fan of the ceramic garden stool. I think they’re versatile and make the best little tables for tucking between chairs, under a console table or even under another accent table (like this). And, they’re easy to spray paint if you want to change up the color. (I’ve found all of mine at discount stores like Big Lots, Ross and Marshalls.)
6. Books. Not everybody considers them an “accessory” (more on that here), but I think they’re beautiful, full of character and can add instant personality to your room. I went to my local Habitat ReStore’s book sale a couple of years ago and filled my cart with colorful spines, pretty covers and clever titles. Someday, I might even read one of them. I think books are great for “filling in” hard-to-decorate spots.
7. A colorful or patterned throw. The right throw can be a really versatile piece for folding over the back of a lackluster chair or sofa. Or, drape one over a headboard, the foot of the bed, or a dining bench to add instant pattern that can be easily removed and washed. My favorite is the $20 black and white striped one from IKEA. I’ve used it in lots of different places around our house.
8. A pair (or two or three. . .) of bigger pillows with down inserts. Pillows give a room new life, don’t you think? When in doubt, go bigger rather than smaller for your sofa. I think 22”-24” pillows look best, and I put in a down insert that’s an inch or two bigger than the pillow cover so they’ll look really full.
9. A few pieces of framed art. You know I don’t think it has to be pricey or even professional, but it’s good to have a few pieces of art that you love, for whatever reason. It’s what makes your home feel personal, and maybe more colorful. . .
10. Woven baskets. I’m a basket addict because they’re textural and functional. I use them for toys, magazines, blankets, toilet paper, etc., and have one in just about every room. And, if I get tired of them, they can always be tucked away in a closet for more storage, or I could spray paint them for a new look.
I hope this helps as a shopping guide next time you’re out and about. Anything else you would add to this list?
I agree with your friend Emily, sometimes Im too overwhelmed by everything available out there! I love your list, I will definitely keep it close for when Im next putting a home together ;)
Emily, great post. These are the things I always make a beeline for when thrifting (minus the pillows). One can never have too many pairs of lamps, glass vessels or baskets.
These are wonderful suggestions! I too am always on the lookout for a great pair of lamps. Do you happen to remember where you got the orange pillow in your family room (the one next to the Chiang Mai pillow)? Thanks so much!!
Brenda, I had them made but the fabric is by Duralee.
Great list but don’t forget plants. . Plants can fill void like nothing else. A few small plants that require low or filtered light can be moved just about anywhere.
Great post. I would have to add a good lantern, preserved boxwood and an orchid….even if it is fake;) These are always moving around in my house every season;)
Agree with every single one. And now can we talk about your walk in attic and how jealous I am. What?! My issue is lack of storage. Boo.
When we looked at the house, I think I gasped when I first saw it :)
Lots of great advice! Thanks for sharing!
Memories! I love displaying pieces that have personal significance, such as the figurine my grandma gave me, a walking stick my dad made on a camping trip 20 years ago, etc. I very rarely by home accessories unless I know it will remind me of a special memory. :)
Great list!
These are great tips Emily! I always seem to have trouble with # 4… I have quite a few knick knacks but maybe I don’t have enough of the same kind to display them as a collection. A trip to Goodwill might be in order ;)
Great post and I have to remember this when I go shopping…I also love baskets!
Thanks so much for this post, Emily! I always look at your blog and love how you put things together. This helps me to know why you do it and the concept of using textures, colors, size and placement to create a beautiful space. I feel like I just got a free consultation on decorating! Thank you for taking the time to do this and to help all of us out here struggling to decorate our homes.
Love this post! I have a nice stash of things that I love too. The problem is that I don’t move them around often enough. Could you show some posts periodically with fresh ideas?
Great post Emily! Definitely some of my favorites too! I’m still on the hunt for the perfect large round mirror :)
This is a great post! Thanks for the ideas and I even have some of these same accessories. I am off to move some things around and dig out some others. Great fun for a cold cold day!
I love this list but I also love everything that you do! I live in Western Kentucky so if you are ever back here visiting, please come help me decorate my house.
Love this. I totally agree. The only one I would add is fresh plants…like something green and easy not to kill! :P
Your milk glass looks so pretty on your glass shelves with your books! I am always moving and rearranging my thrift store finds, so fun!
E+J
I definitely agree with down-filled pillows and woven baskets. I have so many baskets in my house it’s crazy. They are great for warming up a room and, of course, for storage. I don’t own a single toss pillow that isn’t down-filled. They are so cozy and fluffy. Great list! The only thing that I would add is beautifully framed photos of those you love.
Hi Emily! This is such a helpful post! I have a question about paint if you don’t mind. What color do you paint your ceilings? My ceilings are only 8ft. & I have them painted the same color as the wall (tan). And I feel like it makes it feel to low and closed in. What are your thoughts?
Hi Kathy, Our ceilings were already painted when we moved in so I don’t have a lot of experience in choosing a ceiling color. Most of ours are a brighter white, though. Even if your walls are white, I don’t think the ceilings have to be the same shade.
Big round mirror and a pair of lamps are my favorite too. Such great tips once again!
I have all of these except the garden stool — I love them but just can’t seem to find one at the right price! Have to keep looking…
Great post, Emily! Hope you are well ~ xo Heidi
This is a fabulous post! I have two additions: pitchers & candlesticks. I posted your post on my blog with link backs. I hope you don’t mind! I added my suggested sources for each category. :o) Robin
You nailed it Emily….everyone of those items are definitely hanging around my house for sure. And…can help to give a new look in a flash!
Great post Emily! It’s so good, I’ve come back to read it twice now!! I love the warmth you’ve created throughout your home with these accessories. I’m having trouble locating a large piece of driftwood. I know you picked yours up at a little flea market. Any idea where I can find a substantial piece of driftwood? The ones I’ve seen on Ebay/Etsy are much smaller pieces. Thanks and please me know!!