Simple Decorating Ideas for Accessories

It’s incredible how simple decorative objects and accessories can make such a big difference in a place. Designers understand the impact rugs, lighting, throw cushions, art, and other decorations can have on a space and how to use them effectively.

Unfortunately, accessories and tiny decor can often detract from the overall look of a room. Decorative things are the cheapest way to refresh or add a new appearance to a room, but if a decorator isn’t careful, these items can soon overwhelm the home.

Ingenious Ideas for Decorating a Narrow Living Room

These basic techniques for selecting, combining, and decorating with accessories can help you pull together your area like a pro and avoid the frequent décor blunders that many homeowners make.

Select Quality Over Quantity.

Mass-produced items are cheap and easy to find at your local home goods store, but is that really what you want to fill your home (and your life) with? Less is often more when it comes to room accessories. One one-of-a-kind piece may function better in your room than a slew of insignificant trinkets.

Choose the Properly Proportioned Accessories

You’ve seen houses where the residents made the error of putting a postage-stamp rug in a coliseum-sized room. And then there are those problematic walls where a too-large piece of art is squeezed into a too-small space. Take the time to analyze scale and proportion, as well as what works best in your area, before selecting and/or putting accessories. Scale and proportion are free elements that contribute to the creation of a comfortable house.

Textures and colors should be combined.

Neutrals work well in major pieces of furniture and permanent fixtures, but affordable accessories may truly stand out with splashes of color and various textures. Accessories can and should be used to bring visual appeal and contrast to a space, and they can be readily and inexpensively changed or switched to accommodate changing moods, styles, or seasons.

Think about Asymmetrical Arrangements.

Mantles are typically decorated with a mirror or piece of art in the center, flanked by a candle or vase on each side, but this type of symmetrical design can produce a sleep fest in a room faster than one of Grandpa Larry’s “tales.” When organizing accessories, aim for balance rather than symmetry and group smaller objects in odd numbers, such as threes or fives.

Layer your accessories.

Consider accessories in interior design to be cake decorations. Large accessories should be used sparingly, with medium and small-sized accessories filling in and creating balance where necessary. When put together, several small accessories might create the “feel” of a larger piece, but don’t forget to leave some breathing room. It is not necessary to fill every nook and crevice in a room with decor.

Home Accessory Concepts

The items listed below are a very small selection of home décor items from which to embellish and improve your home. Remember to blend colors, layers, and textures by selecting pieces with different heights, widths, and styles. Mix vintage and new objects for added contrast. Just keep in mind that if you don’t adore it, leave it on the store shelf. Accessories are like trains: there will always be another one.

  • Floor, table, and pendant lamps are examples of lighting.
  • Bins and baskets
  • Magazines and books
  • Vases and various types of glassware
  • Candles and holders for candles
  • Flowers, seashells, twigs, and pinecones are examples of natural elements.
  • Mirrors, artwork, and photographs
  • Doormats and rugs
  • Throws, pillows, and cushions
  • Specialty or themed collections
  • Birdcages and other wall hangings