How To Accessorize A Room: Decorating Details That Make Every Space Look Finished
Learn how to accessorize a room with simple decorating details. Easy tips to layer, edit, and style for a polished, finished look.
The most enjoyable part of decorating is adding those final touches. Details are those little details that bring a room to life. If you’ve ever walked into a space and thought, “This room looks finished,” it’s because of the decorating details. These small choices make a big impact and are often what separate a nice room from one that feels polished and inviting.
I love to decorate, and I’m always eager to learn new concepts that help me become a better home decorator. But I must admit, my very favorite part of decorating is adding those interesting accents and personal details that make my home truly mine. These are the little touches that tell a story—an object picked up on vacation, a family treasure passed down, or even something as simple as a pretty bowl that makes me smile every time I see it.
For me, these details aren’t just about making a room look finished. They’re about making it feel like home. They bring back sweet memories, reflect who I am, and make our spaces warm and welcoming for family and friends.
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What Are Decorating Details
Decorating details are the finishing touches: the pillows on a sofa, a pedestal container of greens on a coffee table, the way art is hung, or something that hints of the season at hand. These choices guide the eye, add interest, and give a room personality.
How do you make a room look finished? Start with fewer, larger accessories in a tight color palette, layer pieces at varied heights, use the rule of three, leave breathing room, and edit with photos. That simple formula creates a polished look fast.
Accessorize Like Jewelry
Think of accessories the way you think of jewelry. Too many pieces can look fussy, but too few make an outfit feel plain. The same goes for a room.
The Perfect Formula For Adding Detail To A Room
- Choose one statement piece on each surface
- Add one or two supporting accents
- Leave space for the eye to rest
This formula is the sweet spot when it comes to adding details to a room.
Pro Tip
Darker and larger items feel visually heavier than lighter, smaller ones. Use them to anchor a vignette and balance them with airy textures. See 5 Ingredients That Make A Gracious Home for more about this helpful concept.
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Layer With Intention
Layering is one of the simplest ways to make a room feel more pulled together. Instead of setting items out in a row, consider how they work together as a cohesive group. A layered look adds depth, interest, and gives the eye something to linger on.
Start with a foundation piece that grounds the arrangement, then build by adding items of different heights and textures. Keeping everything within a similar color palette will make the layers feel cohesive instead of cluttered. And remember, less is more. Too many layers can look messy, but just a few thoughtful ones create a beautiful detail that feels intentional.
Simple Layering Example
Layering doesn’t have to be complicated. For example, place a small decorative object on top of a stack of books and then tuck in something organic like a sprig of greenery. That simple arrangement instantly looks more styled.
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Bigger Is Better and Less Is More
One of the easiest ways to make a room look more finished is by editing what you already have. Small items tend to clutter a space and can make it feel busy. Choosing fewer, larger accents gives your room presence and keeps it looking calm and intentional.
This idea works for furniture, artwork, mirrors, and especially accessories. Instead of filling a table with lots of tiny things, try using one statement piece or a couple of larger accents. And remember, every surface doesn’t need to be covered. Negative space is just as important as the things you add, and it allows your details to shine.
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Give Details A Second Or Third Look
Once you think you’re finished accessorizing a room, step back and take another look. Often, the first try isn’t the best one. A quick adjustment here and there can make all the difference.
Walk around the space and see if one side feels heavier than the other, or if something looks out of place. Sometimes a room needs one more detail, and other times it looks better with something taken away. One of my favorite tricks is to snap a photo with my phone. A picture has a way of showing what your eyes might miss.
Another helpful tip is to leave the room for a little while and then come back with fresh eyes. When you look again, be critical in the best way and make small adjustments until the details feel balanced and intentional. These little tweaks don’t take long, but they are often what make a room look finished.
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Shop Your Home First
Before you buy something new, take a walk through your own home. Chances are, you already have just the right accessory to finish a room. A vase that’s been tucked away in a bedroom might look fresh on a living room console. A lamp could move from one corner to another and completely change the feel of a space.
I do this often in my own home, and because my color palette is consistent, it’s easy to swap pieces around. Moving decor from one room to another is one of the simplest ways to get a new look without spending a dime. Sometimes, all it takes is seeing a familiar item in a new spot for it to feel brand new.
Over the years, I’ve built up a small stash of decorative accents that I can pull from whenever I want to give a room a fresh look. One of my favorite ways to add to that collection is by bringing home interesting objects from vacations. They’re not only pretty accents but also little reminders of sweet memories.
I don’t like to spend much on accessories, so I usually keep an eye out for sales or shop places like HomeGoods. It’s amazing how a few inexpensive finds, mixed in with what I already have, can look so special.
Change Your Accessories Often
If your accessories have been sitting in the same place for too long, they can start to feel a little stale. Making small changes here and there is one of the easiest ways to keep your home looking fresh. It doesn’t need to be a big project. Swap a lamp from another room, add a few fresh flowers, or trade a basket for a stack of books. Little changes go a long way.
I love to change up my accessories! Rearranging pieces from one room to another keeps everything feeling fresh and new. I’m always adding and editing, and no decor is safe from finding a new “home.” Moving things around like this sparks my creativity and keeps our room interesting!
Making small changes is easy when you have a few classic accents to work with. Certain accessories always seem to look good no matter where you place them, and they’re the ones I reach for again and again.
Pro Tip About Accessories
Details have a way of fading into the background when they sit in the same place for too long.
What to do: Choose one spot in your home each week—a mantel, coffee table, or sideboard—and change at least one accessory. Even the smallest swap can make a space feel renewed.
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Ideas For Great Accessories
The right accessories are what give a home its personality. A few well-chosen pieces can add texture, color, and life to a room. Think about mixing materials, like wood, glass, metal, and something organic, to create interest. Accessories also work best when they relate to your home’s overall color palette, so nothing feels out of place.
Here are some of my favorite accents to keep on hand. They are versatile and work at any time of year: a stack of hardcover books, a woven basket, a vase, faux flowers, a small decorative box, or a pair of candlesticks. Greenery, whether real or faux, is another must-have. These simple pieces can move from room to room and always feel right at home.
A Simple Decorating Challenge
Now it’s your turn! Pick one room in your home and look at it with a fresh set of eyes. What details could you edit, swap, or layer to make it feel more finished? Try moving a few things around, adding a new layer, or removing something that no longer feels right.
Take a photo when you’re done. It’s one of the best ways to see your room the way others will. You may be surprised at how much better the space looks with just a few thoughtful changes.
Remember, the smallest decorating details often make the biggest difference.
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Shop The Post
Frequently Asked Questions About Decorating Details
A room often looks finished when the accessories are edited and thoughtfully placed. Focus on fewer, larger pieces, layer them at different heights, and leave some breathing room. The balance between what you add and what you leave open makes all the difference.
This is such a great question! Classic, versatile pieces work in almost any space, things like books, baskets, vases, candlesticks, and a bit of greenery. Don’t forget to include personal items, such as souvenirs from a trip or meaningful photos. These simple accents can move from room to room and always look right at home.
Start by grouping items instead of scattering them. Using the rule of three, varying the height of your pieces, and repeating a color or texture will give accessories a more intentional look. And don’t be afraid to take something away—editing is often what keeps a space from feeling crowded.
There’s no set schedule, but refreshing a surface every few weeks keeps a room feeling alive. Swapping a lamp, adding fresh flowers, or moving a favorite vase to another spot are small changes that make a big impact. Seasonal decorating is another way to keep your accent decor fresh, and it adds a hint of the season that adds warmth and interest to a room.
A coffee table, console, or mantel is the perfect spot to start. They’re small areas where you can try layering, grouping, and editing without feeling overwhelmed. Once you feel comfortable, you can use the same ideas in every room of your home.
More Decorating Posts To Enjoy
If you enjoyed these decorating detail tips, here are a few more posts that will give you fresh ideas and inspiration for your home.
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Take a little time to browse through these posts—you’ll find plenty of inspiration and easy ideas to help you create a home that feels both beautiful and personal.
Happy decorating, friends…
Great ideas – thanks.
What a beautiful guest room! I like your idea of accessories being like jewelry. Puts a fun spin on decorating a room. I also need to take your advice on changing accessories often – not just at Christmas!
Great room! Where did you get the sign behind the bed? It is perfect!
There is a link to the bedskirt at the end of the post. The sign came from a local shop.
Love the bed!!! So pretty!!
Great ideas for accessories!
Terrific looking room Yvonne. Where did you find the buffalo check duvet and shams…..love them.
Hi Mary Lou,
I just added the info at the bottom of the post. Thanks for asking!
What wonderful ideas for decorating! I probably could do some serious evaluation per room….but I do move things and shop my home a lot! You have such a lovely style! Thank you!
Where can I purchase your open weave linen redshift? Creating a breezy West Indies inspired guest room and your redshift would be a perfect addition. Thank you for the inspiration!
Hi Mary, I put a link to it at the end of the post.
love, love the bed skirt
Loved seeing your home featured in Autumn issue of Cottage Journal. Congratulations.
Can’t wait to start fall accessorizing with old and new items. Your guest room is so simple but so welcoming. Love the drapes and bed skirt.
Hi Mary Lou,
I just added the info at the bottom of the post. Thanks for asking!Thanks
You are so right! Details make such a difference! I love your suggestions for layering accessories and adding wonderful texture to make a room visually welcoming and warm!
I’m thinking I may go “shopping” today (just around my home) looking for some detail treasures! Anyone free to come and shop with me? I’d love it!
You always have the best ideas. Now it is time for me to put your ideas to work. Going to do this today. Thanks for sharing, enjoy your Monday!
where did you get the bedskirt
See reply to Marlene.
Thank you for the great ideas on layering a room and bling bling of a room. I love the bedskirt all is beautiful! God bless and have a blessed week
Where did you get the bedskirt? Or did you make it?
The bed skirt came from Soft Surroundings. They have such gorgeous home decor and fashions!
Those lights on the side of the bed are unique. I have never seen those before. Where did you get them?
Hi Phyl, they came from Wayfair and are no longer in stock. I keep looking for them though. When I see them again I’ll post about it.
I love that bedroom! It’s just beautiful. Great tips Yvonne – thank you!
I love the bed and lighting. How high off the ground is the bed. I have trouble finding a bed skirt that is long enough.
Harriet, it is a standard size so regular bed skirts will work just fine
Love the natural and neutral bedroom!!! AWESOME!!
I love everything about this room! Beautiful!
What a soothing, beautiful guest room! That bed skirt really sets off the whole bed.
I love the way you placed the drapes. I am going to copy the idea. Do you have a resource for the drapes? Combining the textures in this room comes off perfectly. Bedskirt balanced against drapes and bedding!
Harriet, it is a standard size so regular bed skirts will work just fine.
Brenda, I put the source at the end of the post.
I love the checkered duvet with the open weave bed skirt, they are perfect together. I use the same things that you use in your accessorizing list, but I don’t have any orbs. I will definitely have to find some. I also re arrange things frequently for a whole new look, that’s part of the fun of accessorizing!
The room is beautiful. I will have to use your tips for my guest rooms!
Love the entire room….you did a fantastic job putting it all together!
I love this room. It is so warm and inviting. Am I seeing some sort of blinds that are pulled up on the windows for covering at nighttime on the window?
Yes, you have a great “eye”!
Yvonne, you always make your rooms look so visual welcoming. I love your guess room,especially the duvet and shams on the bed. Have a great day!
A “White MALAISE (?) Quilt” I’m sure you meant Matelasse. You never want decor to suffer from “Malaise”. I’d just blame “spellcheck” if I were you.
I so enjoyed this guest room detailing. This is the best part for me too. Going back, looking, changing, finding things from other places. I think my favorites are the bed skirt, the silhouette of the dog, and the lamp. Oh and the buffalo check. I think I need to go to Home Good right now. Thanks so much again! God bless. ~ Deb
Yes!!! Decorating is ALL about the details…
Yvonne, always love your ideas…especially right when I’m in need of some. I like how the duvet cover is without the comforter in it…lighter for warmer temps. Thank you for sharing the links of where to actually find items…the set is already in my pb basket. =)
P.S. Love the little sign welcoming guests…details! =)
Hi Yvonne. Love the guest room. Have to say it was nice to see that you have the same bedskirt that I have in our master bedroom. I even got the matching Euro shams. Love the raw silk with the rest of our bedding in shades of teal. Thanks again for all the great ideas.
A beautiful welcoming room Love everything about it
Wonderful decorating tips! I have learned so much from you & your blog! Thank you! Love your guest room!
From my friend Pinky at Designs by Pinky: I just did this to the sitting area of our master. I decided that I wanted a “British Colonial” look. I had everything I needed in the house, didn’t have to buy a thing. I am loving the new look!!! I’ll try to send you a picture. I am also trying a new email address to see if my comments will show up. I still don’t understand why they don’t. We’ll see if this works:) MISS YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a guest room I’m still working on but once I’m finished I’ll send a picture. Thanks for all the decorating suggestions. Sometimes I need a nudge to get my brain thinking!
Love the details! I see you’ve moved the orb from your living room to the guest room. Unless you made more than one! Have started shopping my home. Fun!
Love your guest room! It makes me want to come visit! ?
Beautiful room! I especially love the smocked curtains. They are so unusual, but don’t appear as they would provide much privacy. I don’t remember. Did you provide their source?
The pretty side drapes are just for decor, Phylis. If you look, you will see there are blinds on the windows; they are just pulled up.
I’m loving your guestroom and the color palette you chose. I think we all can relate to today’s post especially downsizing accessories, for me I love beautiful décor and tend to go overboard. Also, I just want to say that I love all your tips and tricks and who cares if you make a spelling error, we know what you mean. Keep on doing what you do best because we love you and what you stand for.
Love the neutral colors and especially the curtains and bedskirt.
So welcoming…. liking all that texture….and that bedskirt is beautiful. Now we all know why you have so many guests. Better than the best B and B.
Your room is very pretty. Love the wall lamp with the shelf and the little bird
HI!
As always, love reading your blog .
The guest room looks so comfy.
The bed skirt is very attractive
Does the skirt wrap around the box spring?
Could you tell me where you bought
the bed skirt? Thank you!
I love this bed-skirt. Its lovely and I love the color with the black iron bed – beautiful!
Details can trip me up sometimes. Thanks for encouragement
What a great guest room!
Love this room and thanks for all the great tips!!!
Very helpful tips. I found those ‘acorns’ at a local consignment store, and I loved yours so much, I bought them! 🙂
What a beautiful guest room! Love the gingham duvet and pillow shams.
Everything looks amazing, thanks for sharing your ideas. The details that you add everywhere are amazing!
I love the little Welcome sign on the nightstand!
Love all your posts, but this one especially for all the good ideas!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for finally getting around to sharing some of the sources for this room! I see you did change some of the bedding up a bit from when you first shared the room with us but what a great idea to buy bedding that coordinates and change it up to refresh on occasion. I like both looks and couldn’t pick just one if I had to. As far as sources go do you have the source for the planters and bird on the bookshelf, the dresser and that cute little welcome sign?
The room really looks perfect and beautiful I liked your choice for the curtains they add a pleasant look to the room.Great work!!!
The room looks awesome, love the bed skirt!!
You are so right – it is all in the details. I could always figure out the “big” stuff but the details challenged me. Your blog has made such a difference in helping me become much better at the details. Thanks for all the ideas and tips! Your talent for decorating is evident throughout your gorgeous home!!
Stunning room Yvonne – and stunning website.
Like almost everyone else I was so taken by the bed skirt. Thinking I might try making one in hessian! Thanks for the inspiration.
We are approaching Spring here on the west coast of Australia so the neutral colours will work beautifully in my guest bedroom too – even better in the summertime as temperatures can reach 100 +
Reading your posts is such a joyful experience.
Yvonne, I recently discovered your post and was just enjoying Decorating Details. It’s all about the Details. I love your help on texturing, and accessorizing. Not too little and not too much. It’s a wonderful blog and I will be a regular follower.
Yvonne, I just don’t get the idea of puddling drapes. Don’t you worry about getting your foot caught in them or how do you keep them hanging straight? We aren’t lucky enough to have those nice large bedrooms like you do, lucky girl. Is this mainly for drapes that are stationary? I know I’m old fashion, they just look like they need to be shortened. Help me fall in love with this idea.
Awww just beautiful and I love all your info and tips … You are awesome
I absolutely love the sconces, a shame they are no longer available.
I know, So sorry!
I also love those bedside lamps, but how to you turn them on and off?
There is a little switch on the round base.
Wow, you truly decorate with so much class, elegant and fabulous flar for fablous designs. Thank you for sharing.
I love love this room
So many gorgeous details. I love the bed skirt!
this is gorgeous and peaceful and I want you to open a B&B… even the details at the top of your curtains are lovely… 🙂
I want to work on layering my bed for this winter. This gave me great ideas as usual!
You have proven that old adage IT’S ALL IN THE DETAIL. Thanks
May I ask where you purchased the bed skirt? It is gorgeous and unusual.
Hi May, I found it at Soft Surroundings. It is even prettier in real life!!! Here is the link :https://rstyle.me/+CTbVMAaukQwc_TD-I18Flw
“MALAISE” IS A MEDICAL TERM; i THINK YOU MEANT ‘MATELASSE” DARN THAT SPELL-CHECK!!!
LOL! It’s bad when we have to spell check spell check! Thanks!
My summer project is to completely redo our foyer. I admired the wood burst mirror you had in your foyer. Do you think it would be too visually heavy for our 8’x8’ foyer with 8’ ceilings? Thanks!
I think it would be a very pretty focal point!
Additional information regarding the burst mirror in our small foyer…it will be hung over a 45” wide table. I don’t have a table yet but the width is determined by the wall space.
I’m trying to find the lamps you have on the curlicue chest. Where did you get those?
Yvonne, Just this morning I was clearing off our mantle to replace the forsythia wreath with a painting and changing the candle holders and stone rabbits which were on display for Easter. Just sitting on our sofa with a cup of coffee deciding what to use for late spring. As you often remind your readers I like to shop my house and even if it takes a few days I will find just the right balance for the mantle. It is actually one of my favorite activities in decorating. But this time of year when there is so much to do in the garden I wait for a rainy day to do this change over.
The candles are such a nod to summer! Please tell me about the rug I see in these photos if it is available. I’m thinking it would be linked if it was easy to find ;-( Is the small square black or navy? Gray or Brown overall color? Thanks so much.
Hi Tammy you are asking about the rug in my living room. We love it! Here’s the link:https://rstyle.me/+HsiXMInJqK-c2O1OPmRoUw
I don’t know where to start…most of the bigger rooms in my house need help….should I start at the entry? Theres so much to do it feels overwhelming. I have an idea of my style but like to mix it up some.
Always start by knowing your decorating style Laura! And then stay in that decorating lane! Then choose a color palette and stay in that lane too! Know if your colors are warm or cool and know undertones. You have given me a great idea for a post. Look for one soon about WHERE TO START!
I am more into color with a little black accent in every room. I do like your fresh style though. But just an observation… I feel the 2 lamps on the curlecue chest are overpowering it. One next to the wall with the decor a little to the left would look better to my eye. But you do you.
Yes, I agree! I’ve since changed them out for one larger lamp. They are pretty but just not there.
I think your advice is terrific. I *try* to keep too much stuff and too small stuff out. In a small hone, it just looks cluttered. I think I read something somewhere that someone once said about making the practical thing you have to have the prettiest version if you don’t have space for “decor” in a small room much. The kitchen here is small and I do not have room for much, but I found a pretty pitcher to hold my spatulas and utensils, and I got nice quality spatulas and utensils. I have a pretty set of cookware. That type of essential item I tried to aim for the prettiest version in great quality that I could afford. I think the bunch of cheap little khickknacks type shopping is just the desire for new and the impulse, and maybe too the feeling “I can’t afford the thing I really want”, so here are ten little things instead. I think that is sorta a disposable, ” fast food” type shopping rather than the good meal. I think save slower for the thing you REALLY want rather than buy the quick thing every time you go out. You end up able to afford the one GOOD thing you truly wanted by the time you add up the cost of all the clutter!
Where did you get your small airy ferns in white pots (3)?
Hi Robin, I found those locally. I’ve been trying to source them with no luck yet. Sorry!
Great points! I can see exactly what you mean. I have spots I am going to look over now that I have read this. I think I can get used to placement of certain things and need to try different spots or even consider if I even want to use the item at all, if it actually enhances the style of the room and is adding anything special. I think my bigger items do seem more quality made. I think we get used to little things and can think of something as too big that may look amazing and make a statement. I think we get stressed about picking the right big item to be the statement piece, too. The little cheaper knicknacks there is a “safe choice” and no investment when it comes to it. I am going to go look around the house! 😉
Yvonne, It’s always fun to see your post. I am always reminded that a bit of effort is always worth it, thanks for the inspiration!
P.S. I really like that you have added draperies to the second half of the windows in the living room!
Thanks, Cheryl! You are right about a bit of an effort.
I love your simple decor ideas! Your home is always tastefully decorated!
Thank you Jane!