17 Accessories For Styling Shelves & Tables
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For me, finding the perfect accessories while decorating my home can be the hardest part of design. A lot of times when designing a space, I have no problem picking out the larger items like a sofa, coffee table, accent chair, art for the wall, rug, etc, but once it comes time to finish decorating my space it can be a bit difficult. Accessories are those home decor pieces that fill your shelves, add personality your tables, and tie everything together. They are the pieces that have the ability to tell the story of you. Today I am sharing 17 accessories I love, but I encourage you to also go beyond this list and collect mementos from your travels—pieces that are personal to you. I have lots of accessories in my home that I have purchased from Amazon, Target, Pottery Barn, World Market and all my favorite small businesses, but I also have original art that speaks to me. Vases I acquired from traveling. Knick-knacks that remind me of certain people or places. I have both—store bought items I simply love as well as unique pieces that tell the story of my life. It’s in the intermingling of both, that design comes alive and a space become “you”.
Blue and White Ginger Jar: With a beautiful oriental design, this ceramic ginger jar with lid adds a burst of color and a touch of class to any room. It is ideal for storing loose tea, sugar, and spices, but I love it as a flower vase! A timeless piece!
Marble bowl: One of my all-time favorite finds on Etsy. This white marble bowl is the perfect size and works well in any space. Perfect for placing on top of a stack of coffee table books or simply placing on an entryway console table or on a bookshelf. Love, love, love.
Potted Faux Fern: No room is complete without a little bit of greenery. This whimsy fern from the Hearth and Hand Collection at Target really softens a space and adds some life.
Gold pedestal: I think this piece is so beautiful displayed on built-in shelves. You can leave it empty or drape a stand of decorative beads on it or fill it with natural elements like moss balls or dainty pebbles. This is a great accessory if your display is in need of some height.
Wood knot: The missing piece you probably didn’t know you were missing. I love the shape of this knot and the size. It is an easy accessory to incorporate in your living room because it goes with any style.
Gold tray: A coffee table must-have. Place a vase full of greenery or flowers on it as well as a picture frame, candle and some decorative beads and you’re good to go!
Rattan Bowls: Texture, texture, texture. These come in 2 different sizes!
Seaside Coral Statue: Another piece that you can display anywhere.
Faux Leather Decorative Boxes (set of 3): These are a great neutral accessory that can help add height to your shelves.
Dried Grapewood Branch: One of my most loved pieces. Natural elements bring life to a space and bring rich texture and character. Place this on a coffee table for all to see, in your built-in shelves or on a console table. Regardless of where you decide to display this wild and whimsy piece, it is sure to elevate your space and catch everyone’s eye.
Modern Marble Geometric Sculpture: Height is such a big deal when creating a display. Adding various levels catches the eye, so I often tell people to avoid having decor all on the same level. This marble piece adds height but still keeps a space looking “open” because it’s clean, thin lines and hollow circle.
Woven Rattan Decorative Boxes (set of 2): I can’t get enough of these! Wonderful for stacking on a bookshelf or separating and using in different areas. I love the idea of them on a coffee table or side table. Decorative boxes are not just beautiful, but practical. You can use them to hide remotes, knick-knacks and cords.
Jade Colored Glass Bowl: This glass bowl is what dreams are made of. It is sleek, has a beautiful shape and will never go out of style.
Gold and Acrylic Display Stand: Have and love. This easel is great for displaying art or pictures.
White Coral Accent Decor: Add some texture to your beach home or condo with this piece of coral. Set it on top of a stack of books, use it as a book end, or display it solo.
White Ruffle Large Bowl: This bowl can be used anywhere and that is one reason I love it. It is a classic piece that you can use in a kitchen, living room, foyer or wherever your heart desires.
Faceted Ceramic Vase: Like I mentioned before, greenery adds so much to a home. This pot is gorgeous on a shelf or accent table with a faux fern in it or if you have a green thumb you can always opt for a live plant.
Design Tips
Arrange accessories in odd numbers for an organic and effortless look.
Height, height, height. Adding various levels catches the eye. avoid having your decor all on the same level. stack books, add vases, layer in structural elements to keep your arrangement from looking flat.
Texture. Play with different textures. considers INCORPORATING wooden pieces, metals, fabrics, terra-cotta, etc.
Don’t overthink it. You want your space to be a snapshot of who you are. use pieces you truly like and objects that represent to and your family. Choose books that are pretty, but also contain something you’re interested in. if you like to travel, consider choosing books that reflect that. are you one who prefers something a little more moody than bright flowers? cut some whimsy branches from your backyard for a vase instead. make this space “you”.
How To Style A Coffee Table
Get helpful design tips and my must-haves when decorating a coffee table
How to Style a Bookcase
6 easy rules to go by when styling all those beautiful built-in shelves and bookcase in your home.
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