If you’ve been following along for a while, you already know I love timeless design. No matter how your room looks, what renovations you’ve yet to tackle, or how many improvements are on left on your to-do list, I’m a firm believer there’s not much good styling can’t fix. I stand behind that theory! Whether I’m styling a coffee table, reimagining built-in shelving, or giving a forgotten corner a little love, I always reach for these classic accessories that add character and balance. Designers tend to gravitate toward the same tried-and-true styling essentials because they work every single time. They ground a vignette, add warmth, and pull an entire room together. Today, I’m sharing the ten accessories I always reach for when styling a classic vignette, using examples here at home. These items are beautifully versatile and will elevate any space, no matter your aesthetic. Let’s get to my personal favorites and styling tips!
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If you missed my post on how to design a cohesive home that flows, that one is definitely a must-read, if you’ve got styling and home improvements on your mind. 20 ideas for creating a cozy home during the winter months is another good read… especially this time of year! Here are my 10 favorite styling accessories.
1. Classic Books
Standard size, coffee table books, or oversized books are always the foundation of a well-styled room. They add height, structure, and interest to any vignette. I keep stacks of my favorite titles around the house, usually with subjects I genuinely enjoy flipping through- like art, architecture, and interiors. Books are an easy way to introduce texture and subtle color without overwhelming a space. They also make the perfect pedestal or grounding element for smaller decor, like candles, a catchall, or coasters.
2. Ceramic or Stone Vases
A classic vase is one of the most timeless home decor accessories you can invest in. Whether you display branches, fresh florals, or keep it empty as a standalone sculptural accent, a pretty ceramic or stone vessel instantly softens a vignette. I always gravitate toward neutral tones that blend seamlessly with different seasonal arrangements. I think that palette also has a vintage appeal. I like that vases are also functional… I’m constantly rotating stems throughout the house depending on the season, what I find in the yard, or at the grocery store.
3. Trays for Layering
Trays are the ultimate styling workhorse. They bring order to a grouping of accessories and help define a vignette. A tray creates a visual boundary and gives every item a well defined place to live. I reach for stone, wood, and metal trays depending on the palette of the vignette. They’re perfect for coffee tables, bathroom counters, kitchens, and bedside styling. Trays are also highly functional, as they protect the surface beneath them. I often use them as a coaster or pedestal, too… which is handy for drinking glasses, hot candles, or floral arrangements that are prone to leaking.
4. Textural Baskets
If you’ve ever wondered how designers keep surfaces looking clean and styled without sacrificing function, baskets or boxes are the secret. Baskets hide clutter while adding structure and texture. Whether it’s a woven bowl on a credenza or a deep oversized basket on the floor, these offer both beauty and utility. I often use them to store small and large items, alike- from remotes to bulky blankets.
5. Small Lamps
If you’ve been around here long enough, you know I’m passionate about ambient lighting and small lamps. Designers love them because they add warmth, charm, and that cozy collected feel. I keep mini lamps on consoles, in the kitchen, and sometimes even in the bathroom. They bring depth to evening lighting and instantly make a home feel lived-in and comfortable. They truly set the mood and are a non-negotiable for me.
6. Bowls and Catchalls
Trays get the spotlight, but bowls deserve equal credit. A beautiful bowl can corral everyday items, double as sculptural art, or sit empty as a decorative piece. Stone, marble, wood, and oversized ceramic bowls are designer favorites because they bring weight and texture to a vignette. I love using them on coffee tables, consoles, and beside the bed to organize smaller items and keep surfaces looking clean, organized, and intentional.
7. Candles and Coasters
There is nothing more inviting than the warm glow of a candle- especially during the winter months! I always incorporate candles for ambiance and fragrance, but the candleholders, vessels, or packaging itself is also a part of the decor. Brass, blackened metal, and glass are classic options that work in any home. I keep taper holders on my dining table year-round and usually rotate pillar candles on the mantel depending on the season. I also use coasters in every room… sometimes beneath a candle, and other times, just to protect surfaces from drinking glasses. They go hand-in-hand.
8. Art, Easels, and Framed Pieces
Hanging art is wonderful, but I also love propping small pieces on a shelf or console… even better if a work fits into an easel. I also like to search for petite artwork to fill visual gaps, negative space, add personality, and introduce layered dimension. A tiny landscape or charcoal study can easily complete a vignette. Art doesn’t have to be large to make an impact- and it doesn’t always have to be installed on a wall. It’s one of the easiest things to layer upright when styling a vignette.
9. Sculptural Objects
I’m a big fan of adding something sculptural to each vignette I style because it introduces form and dimension. Think busts, stone spheres and shapes, wood carvings, an interesting piece of coral, bookends, or dimensional art. These little moments of artistry prevent a surface from feeling flat and add an element of discovery. I treat sculptural objects as an opportunity for surprise within the vignette- it’s understated but impactful.
10. Greenery, Branches, or Florals
If a vignette feels like it’s missing something, greenery is usually the remedy. Branches add height and organic movement, while plants or florals bring color and life. Even a simple bunch of branches from the yard can add texture and movement into a vignette. Designers often use greenery to balance heavier objects and soften the entire composition. If fresh florals or greenery seem like too much work for your household, go faux! There are some seriously convincing options on Wayfair.
How to Combine These Accessories for a Balanced Vignette
If you’re new to styling or want a quick formula, here’s my go-to approach for a timeless vignette. Try mixing at least three of these elements:
- One grounded item for weight, like a book, bowl, or tray.
- One tall, sculptural, or vertical piece like a vase, branches, art on an easel, or a lamp.
- One small accent like a candle, sculpture, frame, or decorative object.
- One textural or functional item like a box, basket, or coasters.
From there, edit until it feels intentional. Keep stepping make as you make changes to analyze the vignette from afar, or across the room. That always helps me! Negative space is just as important as the decor itself, so don’t go overboard or feel like you have to fill the entire space.
Styling FAQ (Ask a Designer)
Timeless decor typically has classic lines, is made of natural materials, and includes a neutral palette that won’t feel outdated in a few years. If it feels collected, considered, and well-made, it’s typically timeless, in my book.
There’s no strict rule, but I prefer styling in odd numbers. I also like mixing heights and textures so the overall vignette feels layered, personal, and inviting, rather than flat.
Start by clearing everything off. You need to begin with a blank slate! Reintroduce accessories one at a time using a tray or books as a base. Editing is key. You can always remove or swap items until the vignette feels balanced.
I’d actually advise against that! Mixing materials like wood, stone, metal, and ceramic creates a more collected and designerly feel. Consistency comes from tone and scale, not matching sets.
Related Posts
Looking for more home styling ideas and tips? I’m going to link some helpful posts that have been popular, lately:
- 12 Designer Tips to Make Your Ceiling Look Taller
- How to Layer Lighting Like a Designer
- How I Designed a Classic Kitchen That Still Feels Timeless
- How to Mix Metals in Your Home Like a Designer
- The Best Coffee Table Shapes for Every Sofa Style (With Easy Examples)
- 10 Budget-Friendly Ways to Instantly Refresh Your Kitchen
- How to Style a Bookshelf: Easy Designer-Approved Tips for a Curated Look
- 20 Things Every Bedroom Should Have (According to A Designer)
- Designer Tips for Making Outlets & Light Switch Plates Look Better
- 15 Tips for Designing a Home That Looks Cohesive
Decorating a home is really about layering the pieces that tell your story. These classic accessories are the ones I reach for again and again because they add warmth, balance, and personality to every room, while looking classic. I know they won’t be going out of style. No matter your aesthetic, these essentials will help you create a timeless home that feels collected and welcoming. If you end up trying any of these styling ideas, I’d love to hear how they work in your home! Let me know what design topics would be helpful to explore next. I’m also happy to answer any questions in the comment section below…
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