For anyone that has decorated a room on their own, you know how hard it can be. You’ve spent countless hours mulling over every decision, from the overall color palette and a mix of patterns to perfecting the placement of each piece of furniture. Yet when you sit in that room, there is still something missing. It’s the finishing touches that can take your room from ordinary to exceptional.
Adding accents and accessories to a room is difficult for many because you don’t want to overdo it, yet it is important to make it personal. Not taking into account the overall scale of the room is where mistakes start to happen. Consider the ceiling height, the size of the furnishings, and the number of surfaces in the space first. How are you going to use this room for entertaining? For example, if a group sits around a coffee table for conversation, you want them to have a direct line of vision of each other. Looking over or around an accessory that is too tall is always a peeve.
If you look at an interior design magazine for inspiration, you’ll see that every item has been perfectly placed. What you are seeing is a study of proportion. It is crucial to vary the heights and shapes of accessories to create a visual interest. One of the best ways to start accessorizing a room is with books you already have. Coffee table books add color and height and can be stacked on a table with a simple bowl on top. If your room has shelves, then create interest by stacking books horizontally and vertically. You can then fill in with art pieces, photographs, or a favorite item picked up while on vacation.
Another great way to accent a room is through items you may already collect: various snuff boxes or glass paperweights on a tray can be a conversation starter.
Other important tips to note:
- Tall, vertical accessories such as candlesticks or obelisks add height. Place next to a shorter box or round vase to vary proportion. Offset a rectangular shape with a curved piece.
- Accessorize in uneven numbers on a surface. It is also crucial to not have too many pairs of pairsĀ around the room. A pair of lamps, a pair of candlesticks, a pair of prints on the wall too many and your room becomes Noah’s ark.
- Be sure to use different textures and materials. A chenille throw adds color to a chair in a corner. Pillows add accent colors. Mixing up glass, metal, wood, and other materials add visual interest.
Don’t forget about the power of art on the walls. Size and proportion of your art are just as important to a room as accessories on a table. Visiting furniture clearance outlets in North Carolina is a great way to find accessories without breaking the budget. Hickory Furniture Mart has thousands of items just waiting to finish off your space. It’s all about the mix of personal items with beautiful accents to complete a room while telling a story about you.