When it comes to creating a home that feels stylish, inviting, and personal, the right accessories can make all the difference. Whether you’re finishing off a newly designed space or looking to refresh your current decor, accessories are key to adding character and warmth. At Scale & Structure, we believe that well-chosen accessories elevate any space, offering both functionality and style.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the must-have accessories that will help you create a well-styled home. From cozy textures to statement pieces, we’ll show you how to incorporate accessories that bring beauty, personality, and balance into every room.
1. Throw Pillows and Cushions
Throw pillows are an easy way to add color, texture, and comfort to your home. They can soften hard furniture and create a sense of coziness in your space. With so many styles, patterns, and materials to choose from, throw pillows allow you to inject personality into any room.
- Textures: Mix and match textures such as velvet, linen, cotton, and leather for a layered effect. The variety adds visual interest and comfort.
- Patterns and Colors: Bold patterns like geometric, floral, or abstract prints can act as focal points, while neutral pillows in muted tones create a more serene, cohesive look.
- Sizes: Use a combination of different-sized pillows—large ones for the back and smaller accent pillows for added charm.
Tip: Use Pillows to Experiment with Trends
If you’re not ready to commit to a major design change, throw pillows are an affordable way to incorporate seasonal trends or bold colors into your home.
2. Rugs for Texture and Warmth
Rugs are not just decorative—they help to anchor a space, define zones, and add a layer of comfort and warmth. The right rug can also soften acoustics and make a room feel more cohesive.
- Size: Make sure the rug is appropriately sized for your space. For larger rooms, you’ll want a rug that can fit under all major furniture pieces. In smaller rooms, a rug placed just under a coffee table can work well.
- Material: Wool, jute, cotton, and synthetic fibers offer different looks and feels. A wool rug is soft underfoot and adds luxury, while jute gives a natural, rustic vibe.
- Pattern: If your furniture is simple or neutral, a bold rug with geometric patterns, traditional designs, or even a modern abstract print can bring energy and life to the room.
Tip: Layer Rugs for Added Interest
Don’t be afraid to layer smaller rugs over larger ones for added texture and dimension, especially if you have a spacious living area or open-plan space.
3. Statement Lighting Fixtures
Lighting is one of the most important elements in any room. Not only does it set the mood and ambiance, but it can also serve as a statement piece. Investing in stylish lighting can change the entire atmosphere of a room.
- Chandeliers and Pendants: For a glamorous or dramatic effect, consider a chandelier or pendant light in the dining room or entryway.
- Table Lamps: A beautiful lamp can add both style and practicality to a side table or desk. Look for designs with interesting shapes, materials (like ceramic, glass, or metal), or bold colors to make a statement.
- Floor Lamps: Perfect for adding height and dimension, floor lamps can brighten up dark corners and offer task lighting in areas like reading nooks or home offices.
Tip: Consider Dimmers
Adding a dimmer to your lights allows you to adjust the ambiance according to the time of day or mood, making the space more versatile and inviting.
4. Mirrors to Open Up the Space
Mirrors are both functional and decorative accessories. They reflect light, making small rooms feel larger and more open. Whether you’re going for sleek, modern mirrors or vintage-inspired designs, they can complement various home styles.
- Decorative Mirrors: Choose a large, statement mirror for a bold focal point in the living room or entryway. Oval, circular, or ornate frames can add personality and style.
- Mirrored Furniture: Consider mirrored side tables, consoles, or cabinets that reflect light and enhance the sense of space and luxury in a room.
- Placement: Position mirrors strategically to reflect natural light and open up spaces, particularly in darker rooms or narrow hallways.
Tip: Avoid Overcrowding with Mirrors
While mirrors are great for creating a sense of space, avoid overcrowding a room with too many reflective surfaces. One well-placed mirror per room is often enough.
5. Art and Wall Decor
Art is an essential way to inject personal style into your home. It reflects your personality, interests, and taste while adding visual appeal to your walls. The right art pieces can make a room feel more curated and cohesive.
- Gallery Walls: Grouping several smaller pieces of artwork creates a striking gallery wall. Mix different frame styles or artwork types (photos, paintings, or prints) to add visual interest.
- Large-Scale Art: A single, large painting or print can act as the focal point of a room, creating balance and drama. Opt for abstract art or something that complements your room’s color palette.
- Framing and Mats: Proper framing can elevate the art’s look, while using mats or thin borders helps to focus attention on the artwork itself.
Tip: Choose Art that Reflects Your Style
Don’t just pick art because it “matches” your decor. Choose pieces that resonate with you, as they’ll make your space feel more authentic and personal.
6. Decorative Trays and Bowls
Trays and bowls are functional, yet stylish accessories that help keep your home organized. They can be used to corral smaller items, add a touch of decor to your coffee table, or serve as a decorative centerpiece.
- Coffee Tables and Side Tables: A tray on a coffee table can house candles, books, or small decorative objects. The material and design of the tray can make a big impact—opt for mirrored, leather, or wooden trays for different styles.
- Entryway Tables: A decorative bowl in the entryway can hold keys, change, or other small items. It also adds a touch of sophistication to the first thing visitors see.
- Ceramic Bowls: Handcrafted bowls can be placed on shelves or used as functional art pieces. They add an artisan touch to your decor and can hold fruits, flowers, or decorative stones.
Tip: Mix and Match Styles
Don’t be afraid to combine different materials and styles. For example, pair a metallic tray with a ceramic bowl or combine a sleek tray with a textured decorative object for variety.
7. Indoor Plants and Greenery
Plants are a fantastic way to add color, life, and texture to your space. Whether you have a green thumb or not, plants can transform a room and provide a natural element that feels refreshing and calming.
- Large Floor Plants: Fiddle leaf figs, snake plants, and palms can add height and drama to a room. Place them in corners or near windows to create balance and brighten up the space.
- Hanging Plants: Hanging planters or macrame hangers are perfect for small spaces. They also add a bohemian vibe while saving floor space.
- Succulents: These low-maintenance plants are perfect for smaller spaces like shelves, desks, or bathroom counters. Their sculptural form adds visual interest.
Tip: Play with Planter Styles
Vary the sizes and types of planters you use—terracotta pots, sleek ceramics, and woven baskets can all contribute to the overall design. Just ensure that the plants are getting the right amount of light and care.
8. Candles for Ambiance
Candles are more than just decorative pieces—they help create a warm, inviting ambiance and add a touch of elegance to any room. Choose candles that are not only stylish but also provide a pleasant scent to enhance your home’s atmosphere.
- Scented Candles: Opt for high-quality, natural-scented candles that add a subtle fragrance without being overpowering. Fresh linen, lavender, or citrus scents work well in living rooms or bedrooms.
- Decorative Candles: Candles can be beautiful decor pieces in their own right. Opt for chic candleholders or pillar candles in unique holders to add a sculptural element.
- Candles as Centerpieces: Create a simple centerpiece with candles by clustering them in a tray or surrounding them with flowers or greenery.
Tip: Candle Placement
Be mindful of candle placement to create ambiance without overwhelming the space. Use multiple candles of varying sizes or place a few near seating areas to enhance the mood.
