At DecoratorAdvice.com, we believe that the secret to a truly stylish home lies in the details. While furniture sets the foundation, the right accessories bring warmth, personality, and polish to your space. In our guide, “10 Must-Have Accessories That Will Elevate Your Home’s Style,” we explore the essential pieces every home needs to feel complete, from statement mirrors that add light and depth to sculptural vases that serve as standalone art.
We also explore functional décor like trays, books, and bowls, which keep things organized while enhancing visual appeal. Accent lighting, cozy throws, curated artwork, and even home fragrance are thoughtfully discussed to show how each element contributes to a layered, intentional aesthetic.
Whether you’re decorating from scratch or giving your home a seasonal refresh, these accessories are timeless, versatile, and easy to integrate. Elevate your interiors one detail at a time with these expert-approved finishing touches.
Statement Mirrors: Reflect More Than Just Your Style
Mirrors are not just functional; they are also powerful design elements. An enormous mirror or one with a sculptural frame can be a room’s centerpiece. Mirrors reflect light, bouncing that light around the room, making the space feel larger and more open.
Tips:
- Add a large mirror opposite a window to bounce light.
- Opt for arched or antique mirrors for a romantic, traditional vibe.
- You can also use smaller surface mirrors for a wall, in a gallery style.
Decorative Trays: Organize with Elegance
A decorative tray automatically gives a space some structure and a touch of class. Whether it’s bottles of perfume arranged on a vanity or candles on a coffee table, trays help to draw things together in a way that seems deliberate.
Ideas:
- On your entryway console, a leather or metal tray for keys and sunglasses.
- Opt for a mirrored or lacquered tray for glam living rooms.
- Pair it with a small vase, book, and candle as a matched set.
Throw Blankets: Texture, Warmth, and Style in One
Throw blankets are so much more than their name implies. Not only are they great for snuggling up under to keep warm, but they also add another layer of texture, color, and comfort to any space. A nicely thrown throw can soften hard edges and make a home feel welcome.
Design Tips:
- Lay a chunky knit throw over a sofa or armchair.
- Change out blankets seasonally: linen or cotton in summer, wool in winter.
- Color and Material Play Mix and match finishes and materials to add visual interest.
Accent Lighting: Set the Mood
Lighting is perhaps the most neglected bedside detail in décordécor. A brightly lit room isn’t only about light; it’s about mood. Accent lighting gives warmth and a designer’s touch.
Lighting Layering Tips:
- Use cloth lampshades for gentle, subdued lighting.
- Install wall sconces to help frame artwork or provide a warm reading.
- Choose lamps with unique bases to double as statedécordecor.
Art That Tells a Story
Forget generic prints. Art should be human, emotional, and thought-provoking. Whether a bold abstract canvas or a black-and-white photograph, art infuses personality into a space.
Curating Your Collection:
- Combine media (paintings, prints, photographs) for a collected look.
- Time to put that collection of travel treasures and street art finds to use.
- A gallery wall in hallways or staircases can help you tell your visual story.
Sculptural Vases: Functional Art for Every Room
A vase can hold its own without flowers. Even empty, sculptural, or handmade vases are artistic accents. Opt for shapes and textures that differ from the rest of décordecor.
Where to Use Them:
- A ceramic tower of a vase as a centerpiece on a dining table.
- A grouping of little vases on a shelf or mantel for layered styling.
- Colored glass vases add light and vibrancy to neutral rooms.
Read More About: Smart Tips to Make Any Room Look Amazing
Books as Decor: A Stylish Library You Can Live In
Books immediately give a house a sense of being lived in and brainy. And, chosen mindfully, they also serve as decor. Max Wanger 5. Place Colorful Books on the Coffee Table, stacked under a lamp or spread across a coffee table, books supply color, shape, and sophistication.
Styling Tips:
- Place art books the size of phone books or fashion magazines to liven up the visuals.
- Stack in “3s or 5s to give them that perfect balance.
- Finish by topping it with a small, lightweight object, such as a crystal or decorative box.
Decorative Bowls: Understated Elegance
Bowls are home accessories’ dark horse. They’re practical and versatile, and can also be jaw-droppingly sexy. Use them to offset a flat plane, while also corralling clutter.
Placement Ideas:
- A wooden bowl brimming with fresh fruit sits on the kitchen counter.
- Marble or ceramic bowl in the entryway to serve as a key dropper-upper.
- A metal bowl is a reflective detail on bookshelves.
Plants and Planters: Bring Your Rooms to Life
The quickest way to bring life to a room is with plants. From small succulents to tall fiddle leaf figs, plants bring movement, texture, and serenity.” And with the right planters, they can contribute to your design story.
Green Tips:
- Use lots of different heights and leaf textures to keep it visually exciting.
- Choose clay, rattan, or matte ceramic planters to add a touch of luxury.
- If you’re without natural light, opt for realistic fake plants; today’s selections are surprisingly convincing.
Home Fragrance: Style Beyond the Visual
Your home’s smell is its calling card. Including fragrance accessories like candles, diffusers, or incense is an additional step in this sensory design. Attractive containers can also double as decor.
Scent Styling Ideas:
- For kitchens and bathrooms, try citrusy scents that are fresh and clean-smelling.
- Use soothing notes like lavender or sandalwood in bedrooms.
- Use interesting candle holders or trays to display candles, thus creating texture and interest.
Final Word: Accessorizing with Intention
Accessories are usually the last step in decorating, but they should never be an afterthought. They’re the details that transform a house into a home, make guests feel welcome, and make you feel genuinely at home. With the purchase of these 10 must-have accessories, you’re not just decorating; you’re designing an experience.
At DecoratorAdvice.com, we’re here to help you find that sweet spot of form and function. Whether you’re in the process of a complete overhaul or you want to add a little new life to your shelves, these tweaks for your smaller shelves will reap significant results.