Decorative Accessories

About Decorative Accessories

What counts as a decorative accessory?

Accessories are the small, movable objects that finish a space: sculptural objects, decorative bowls and trays, bookends, candleholders, boxes, and other tabletop pieces. They're the easiest, lowest-commitment way to refresh a room or shift its mood with the seasons.

How to style accessories in odd numbers

Designers group in odd numbers—threes and fives—because asymmetry reads more natural than pairs. Vary height, shape, and finish within a group: something tall (a vase or object), something to anchor (a stack of books), and something organic (a bowl or sculptural piece). Repeat a material or color across the room to tie it together.

Where to place them

Use trays to corral small items on a coffee table or ottoman so they read intentional, not cluttered. Punctuate bookshelves with objects between stacks of books. Anchor a mantel or console with a larger piece, then layer smaller ones. Leave negative space—accessories breathe better with room around them.

Mixing materials and finishes

Combine warm and cool, matte and shiny, smooth and textured—brass with stone, ceramic with wood, glass with linen. A mix of finishes adds depth, while repeating one accent (a metal tone, a color) keeps the look cohesive rather than busy.