Decorating or styling a space or piece of furniture in your home can be a daunting task. Especially if that room or space is a blank canvas. I’ve put together a list of the items I consider to be the home decor essentials that everyone needs in their house to help you get started!
Use all the items on this list or pick 3-5 items that resonate with you and start there!
This list is made up of the go-to items that I use in most of my spaces. They are the things that I have found that bring character, interest, texture, and color to any space.
THE home DECOR ESSENTIALS EVERYONE NEEDS IN THEIR house
Books
My personal favorite and one of the most versatile decor items to use in your home are books.
I like to stack them up in order to add height to a vignette or to display an item of interest on top. You can also use a small stack of them on a coffee table to act as a visual “tray” to corral other items placed on top.
They are a unique way to bring pops of color into a space. Or if you are not looking to add color, turn them around so the pages face out for texture.
I recommend shopping thrift and antique stores to find books at a discount. I use stacks and stacks of them and this is the best way I have found to get the volume I need without breaking the bank.
Plus, the older books add to the character, charm, and warmth I always try to bring into the room. Much like antiques, they make a new space feel lived in and well-loved!
I wrote a post about one of my favorite local flea markets and the tips and tricks for a successful trip here if you want to check it out!
Trays and small decorative bowls
Trays and decorative bowls are another essential home decor item I recommend using in your space.
Not only do they help to corral items within your display to keep things from getting too visually messy but you can use them to create little moments within your vignette.
If you have a long console or larger coffee table that you are working on, you can use a tray within the display to create layers within your design.
Small decorative bowls act as catch-alls for smalls. Things like matches, loose photos, wooden bead garland, and keys are just some examples of things that could be displayed in a bowl.
Frames
Frames bring a lot to a room’s decor.
They can add height, sparkle, or a pop of color depending on the type of frame you get.
They can also help establish and support the style you are trying to evoke in the room.
Fill them with family photos and they instantly add history, nostalgia, and memories to a space. Helping you to create a unique and personalized home.
Vases
Vases are one of my favorite ways to add height to my displays. Empty or filled with flowers or branches, they can make a great statement piece.
I also like to highlight smaller ones atop a stack of books or use a group of them to create some impact.
Flowers and PLants
If you follow me on Instagram you know my love for flowers runs deep! You can find loose bouquets throughout our rooms in the warmer months.
I scoop them up from farmer’s markets and our local grocery stores. They bring color and life to any room they are in.
I am just starting to get into plants and love the texture they bring into the home. I am quickly joining the camp that believes every room needs something living to be complete!
Candles
Candles are inexpensive items that are great additions to your vignettes.
Ones in pretty containers can add color or a bit of sparkle. Depending on the other items in your display, the glass or metal container brings a different texture as well.
Light them and they give off a warm and inviting ambient glow. Your favorite candle lit also adds an additional element to your display for the senses.
PILLOWS AND THROWS
One of the best ways to bring in color and texture to your spaces is through the use of pillows and throws.
Whether you like high contrast or want more of a monochromatic look, pillows and throws can be a pretty inexpensive way to achieve this.
Along with color and texture, pillows and throws are a great way to bring softness into a room. Spaces with lots of hard surfaces like walls, hardwood flooring, and wood furniture need a different element to create warmth and softness in a space. They cut down on loud noise and make the space feel cozy and homey!
ART
Don’t forget about your walls when pulling decor for your home.
One of the easiest ways to make a home feel lived in and homey is to decorate the walls.
Art can be a great place to start when pulling together the essentials. If you find a great piece you love, it can be the jumping-off point for the colors in the rest of the space.
Create a gallery wall with a mix of paintings, family photos, or signs. Whatever fits with your style!
Mirrors
For a touch of sparkle and glam add mirrors into your space.
Mirrored side tables are a way to create an elegant and elevated look in a room.
Hang them on the wall to bounce the light around the space and make it feel bigger. Mix them in with the art to create a gallery wall display with texture and interest.
Antiqued mirrors are some of my favorite to use because of the instant character, history, and patina they add to a room.
CandleSticks
Candlesticks are a recent obsession of mine. I started collecting brass ones in different shapes and sizes. Some are super skinny while others are larger in size.
They are great as an everyday home decor essential because of the height they add to a vignette. I also love the different finishes which again is another way to add some character and interest to your room.
The polished ones feel a little more formal and add some shine and sparkle while the matte finish adds patina and character.
You can use them with or without candles and you can even use them to elevate another item.
TRINKETS AND CURIOSITIES
The last item on my list encompasses a mix of things. These are the items that do not fall into any of the categories above that you add to your vignettes.
Items could be a small figurine, a magnifying glass, an obelisk, agate, etc. They are the items that make the display unique to you.
They are a way to show your personality in your home and personalize the space to you and your family.
Maybe you have some seashells from a family vacation that brings back fond memories. Add them to a dish and display them atop some books as a reminder of your family time together. This will bring a smile to your face every time you see them and will be a conversation starter when guests come over.
Use some or all of these home decor essentials when designing your spaces. Pick some or all of the items to create a display that is unique to you and your family and that speaks to your personality.
These are the items I love and use often. What are some of your favorite home decor essentials?
Leave a Reply