The Art of Decorative Objects

A Comprehensive Guide to Curating and Styling Accessories for Every Room

By Sarah Mitchell | Senior Home Styling Expert, Guérip

Turn empty surfaces into curated moments that tell your story

"A room without decorative objects is like a sentence without punctuation - technically complete, but missing the pauses that give it meaning." - Sarah Mitchell

Welcome from the Author

Hello, and thank you for returning to the Guérip Style Library!

I'm Sarah Mitchell, and if you've read my previous guide on soft furnishings, you know I believe that the details make the difference. Today, we're exploring another essential layer of interior design: decorative objects.

These are the pieces that catch your eye when you enter a room. The sculptural vase on the console. The stack of books on the coffee table. The collection of ceramics on the shelf. They seem like small decisions, but together they create the personality of your space.

Over fifteen years of styling homes, I've watched clients struggle with this category more than any other. Where do I put things? How many is too many? Why does my shelf look cluttered while the one in the magazine looks effortless?

The truth is, there are principles behind that "effortless" look, and they're entirely learnable. This guide will teach you how to select, group, and arrange decorative objects with confidence, whether you're starting with an empty room or editing what you already own.

Let's transform your surfaces from afterthoughts into intentional, beautiful compositions.

Happy styling,

Sarah Mitchell Senior Home Styling Expert, Guérip

Introduction

Decorative objects are the finishing touches that complete a room. While furniture defines the function and textiles add comfort, it's the accessories that inject personality, create visual interest, and make a space feel truly lived-in.

But here's the challenge: unlike a sofa that either fits or doesn't, decorative objects involve countless small decisions. Which pieces? How many? Where exactly? At what height? The options feel endless, and without a framework, it's easy to end up with surfaces that feel either bare or cluttered.

This guide provides that framework. You'll learn the principles that designers use to create those perfectly styled vignettes you admire, and you'll discover how to apply them to your own home, your own collections, and your own budget.

Part One: Understanding Decorative Objects

What Counts as a Decorative Object?

Decorative objects include anything placed in your home primarily for visual impact rather than practical function. That said, many of the best decorative pieces serve double duty.

Purely Decorative:

• Sculptures and figurines
• Decorative bowls (empty)
• Art objects and collectibles
• Faux botanicals
• Decorative spheres and orbs
• Abstract shapes

Functional and Decorative:

• Vases (with or without flowers)
• Candles and candleholders
• Books and magazines
• Trays
• Decorative boxes
• Clocks
• Mirrors
• Picture frames
• Bowls holding everyday items
• Bookends

Natural Elements:

• Fresh or dried flowers
• Plants and succulents
• Branches and stems
• Stones and minerals
• Shells and coral
• Driftwood

The Role of Decorative Objects in Interior Design

Decorative objects serve several important functions:

Creating Focal Points - A striking sculpture or unique vase draws the eye and anchors a space, giving visitors something to notice and remember.

Adding Personality - Your choice of objects tells a story. Travel souvenirs, inherited pieces, collected items over time - these reveal who you are and what you value.

Introducing Color and Texture - Objects offer opportunities to bring in accent colors, metallic finishes, organic textures, and visual variety without committing to large purchases.

Balancing Scale - Decorative pieces help fill vertical space, balance large furniture, and create visual weight where needed.

Connecting Spaces - Repeated materials or colors in objects throughout your home create cohesion and flow.

Providing Visual Rest - Thoughtfully placed objects create rhythm, giving the eye places to land and pause.

Part Two: The Principles of Object Selection

Building a Cohesive Collection

The difference between a curated collection and random clutter comes down to intentionality. Here's how to select pieces that work together:

The Three-Material Rule

Limit your decorative materials to three primary categories per room. This creates variety without chaos.

Examples of material categories:

• Ceramics and pottery
• Glass (clear, colored, or textured)
• Metal (brass, copper, silver, iron)
• Wood (natural, painted, or carved)
• Stone (marble, granite, onyx)
• Woven materials (baskets, textiles)
• Natural elements (plants, shells, minerals)

A living room might feature: ceramics + wood + brass A bathroom might feature: glass + white ceramics + natural stone

Color Coordination

Your decorative objects should relate to your room's color palette, but they don't need to match exactly.

Consider three approaches:

Tonal - Objects in shades of your existing colors (a blue room with navy, sky, and teal objects)

Complementary - Objects that provide intentional contrast (a neutral room with bold orange or green accents)

Neutral - Objects in white, black, cream, wood tones, and metallics that work with any palette

The Investment Piece Strategy

Not every object needs to be special. Build your collection with:

• 1-2 statement pieces per room (unique, high-quality, conversation starters)
• Several supporting pieces (simpler, less expensive, providing balance)
• Functional items styled beautifully (books, candles, plants)

This approach concentrates your budget where it matters most.

Scale and Proportion

Matching Object Size to Surface Size

Small objects on large surfaces look lost. Large objects on small surfaces look cramped. Use this general guide:

Varying Heights Within Groups

Every successful grouping includes height variation. Aim for:

• One tall element
• One medium element
• One low element

This creates visual movement and interest. A flat arrangement of same-height objects reads as boring.

The Two-Thirds Rule

When placing objects against a wall (on a console, mantel, or shelf), your tallest piece should be no more than two-thirds the height of any wall art or mirror above it. This maintains proper proportion.

Quality Over Quantity

One beautiful object makes more impact than five mediocre ones. When in doubt, edit ruthlessly.

Signs you have too many objects:

• You can't see the surface beneath them
• Dusting takes more than a few minutes per surface
• The eye has nowhere to rest
• Nothing stands out as special

Signs you need more objects:

• Surfaces look bare or unfinished
• The room feels cold or impersonal
• There's no visual interest at eye level
• Large furniture feels unbalanced

Part Three: The Art of Arrangement

Creating Vignettes

A vignette is a small, styled grouping of objects that works as a composition. Think of each vignette as a tiny scene with its own balance and story.

The Rule of Three

Odd numbers create more dynamic, interesting arrangements than even numbers. Groups of three are particularly effective because they create a triangle, which naturally draws the eye.

A basic three-item vignette:

• One tall item (vase, candlestick, sculpture)
• One medium item (small plant, decorative box, framed photo)
• One low item (small bowl, stack of coasters, decorative object)

Arrange them in a triangle formation, not a straight line.

The Layering Technique

Create depth by placing objects at different distances from the viewer:

• Back layer: tallest items against the wall
• Middle layer: medium items slightly forward
• Front layer: smallest items closest to the edge

This prevents the flat, one-dimensional look of items lined up in a row.

Grouping by Theme

Objects that share something in common look intentional when grouped:

• Same color (all white ceramics)
• Same material (all brass items)
• Same origin (all travel souvenirs from one trip)
• Same era (all mid-century pieces)
• Same shape (all round objects)

Creating Visual Weight Balance

Visual weight isn't just about size. Dark colors, dense materials, and complex textures all feel "heavier" than light colors, glass, and simple shapes.

Balance heavy with light:

• A dark sculpture paired with a light candle
• A dense ceramic balanced by an airy plant
• A complex textured piece next to a smooth simple one

Surface-Specific Styling

Coffee Tables

The coffee table is often the most challenging surface because it needs to look good from all angles and still function.

Essential elements:

• One anchor piece (large book, tray, or substantial decorative object)
• One organic element (plant, flowers, or natural object)
• One small accessory (candle, small sculpture, decorative box)

Keep height low enough for conversation across the table. Leave space for drinks and remotes.

Styling approaches:

The Tray Method - Corral items on a decorative tray to unify them and make clearing the table easy

The Stack Method - Anchor with a stack of 2-4 coffee table books, top with a small object

The Grid Method - For large rectangular tables, create 2-4 distinct groupings

Console and Entry Tables

These surfaces are often viewed straight-on, so create a composition with a clear focal point.

Classic console formula:

• One statement item (lamp, mirror, or large vase) slightly off-center
• One medium grouping on the opposite side (stack of books with object on top)
• One small item to balance (small plant, decorative object)

Leave some empty space. Not every inch needs filling.

Mantels

Mantels benefit from asymmetrical balance, where visual weight is equal but arrangement is not identical on each side.

Approach 1 - Art Centered:

• Artwork or mirror centered above
• Objects arranged asymmetrically below, balancing visual weight

Approach 2 - Layered:

• Large piece leaning against wall
• Smaller framed pieces in front
• Objects at varying heights across

Avoid: identical items placed symmetrically (two matching candlesticks flanking a centered clock looks dated)

Bookshelves

Bookshelves require a mix of books and objects to avoid looking like a library or a display case.

The 60/40 rule:

• 60% books
• 40% decorative objects, art, and breathing room

Styling techniques:

• Stack some books horizontally, stand others vertically
• Create small vignettes at different points
• Leave some shelves partially empty
• Vary the depth (some items forward, some back)
• Include at least one item per shelf that isn't a book

Nightstands

Keep nightstands functional but styled:

• One lamp (essential)
• One small plant or vase
• One decorative box or tray for small items
• Space for water glass and current book

Maximum three decorative items beyond the lamp.

Dining Tables (When Not in Use)

Keep dining table styling low and easily removable:

• Simple centerpiece (low vase, bowl, or candle arrangement)
• Seasonal elements (small pumpkins in fall, fresh flowers in spring)
• Nothing taller than 12 inches to maintain sightlines

Styling Techniques for Specific Objects

Books

Coffee table books are decorative objects in their own right:

• Stack in groups of 2-4 with spines facing out or hidden
• Choose books with attractive covers if displayed face-up
• Top stacks with small objects for added interest
• Coordinate book cover colors with room palette when possible

Vases

• Empty vases work as sculptures
• Group vases in odd numbers for impact
• Vary heights within a grouping
• Consider colored glass for light play
• Fresh flowers aren't required for a vase to be beautiful

Candles

• Group candles in odd numbers
• Vary heights for visual interest
• Unify with matching holders or colors
• Pillar candles can stand alone; tapers need holders
• Battery candles are acceptable and practical

Trays

• Use trays to corral small items into unified groupings
• Trays work on coffee tables, ottomans, bathroom counters, and kitchen islands
• Round trays soften rectangular surfaces
• Rectangular trays add structure to round surfaces

Plants

• Consider plants as sculptural elements
• Match pot style to room aesthetic
• Vary leaf shapes and sizes when grouping
• Trailing plants work well on high shelves
• Faux plants are acceptable when quality is high

Part Four: Room-by-Room Guidance

Living Room

The living room typically requires the most decorative objects and the most careful curation.

Key surfaces to style:

• Coffee table
• Side tables
• Console or media unit
• Mantel (if present)
• Bookshelves (if present)

Living room priorities:

• Create one strong focal point vignette
• Balance object weight across the room
• Mix heights to add vertical interest
• Include at least one organic element (plant or flowers)
• Leave breathing room on each surface

Dining Room

Keep the dining room relatively minimal so the focus remains on gathering and eating.

Key surfaces:

• Dining table centerpiece
• Sideboard or buffet
• Display cabinet (if present)

Dining room priorities:

• Low centerpieces that don't block conversation
• Sideboard can hold larger, taller pieces
• Consider objects that relate to dining (beautiful bowls, pitchers, glassware displayed as art)

Bedroom

The bedroom should feel calm and personal.

Key surfaces:

• Nightstands (both sides)
• Dresser top
• Vanity or desk (if present)

Bedroom priorities:

• Keep nightstands functional first, decorative second
• Dresser can hold a curated vignette
• Include personal items (photos, meaningful objects)
• Avoid clutter that creates visual stress

Bathroom

Bathrooms benefit from decorative objects that elevate the everyday.

Key surfaces:

• Countertop
• Shelving
• Tub ledge or caddy

Bathroom priorities:

• Limit to water-resistant and humidity-tolerant materials
• Style functional items beautifully (decant soaps, use attractive containers)
• Add one or two purely decorative elements (small plant, sculpture, candle)
• Keep counters as clear as possible

Home Office

The office needs to balance professionalism with personality.

Key surfaces:

• Desktop
• Bookshelves
• Credenza or side table

Home office priorities:

• Keep desktop minimal (one or two objects maximum)
• Add personality through shelf styling
• Include objects that inspire or motivate
• Consider what's visible in video calls

Kitchen

The kitchen offers opportunities for practical items styled with intention.

Key surfaces:

• Countertops
• Open shelving
• Kitchen island

Kitchen priorities:

• Limit countertop items to daily-use objects
• Style open shelving with mix of dishes and objects
• Add life with small herbs or plants
• Use attractive containers for everyday items
• Group items on trays to maintain organization

Part Five: Seasonal and Thematic Styling

Rotating Objects Seasonally

You don't need to change everything with each season. Small updates create freshness:

Spring

• Fresh flowers or flowering branches
• Lighter colors (soft greens, pinks, yellows)
• Natural elements (nests, eggs, budding branches)
• Put away heavy metallics and dark objects

Summer

• Shells, coral, beach glass
• Blue and white palettes
• Natural textures (rattan, linen)
• Fresh greenery

Fall

• Amber glass, brass, warm metals
• Rich colors (rust, burgundy, mustard, olive)
• Natural elements (branches, dried botanicals, gourds)
• Candles and warm lighting elements

Winter

• Metallics (silver, gold, mercury glass)
• White and cream elements
• Cozy textures (knit objects, velvet)
• Greenery (real or faux evergreen elements)
• Increased candles

Holiday Styling

Layer holiday decor into your existing objects rather than replacing everything:

• Add holiday elements to existing vignettes
• Use similar materials (if your room has brass, add brass holiday items)
• Maintain your normal style, just with festive additions
• Remove everyday items to make room if needed, don't just pile on top

Part Six: Shopping and Sourcing

Where to Find Decorative Objects

Investment Pieces:

• Design shops and galleries
• Antique stores
• Artisan markets and craft fairs
• Independent ceramicists and artists (online and local)
• Auction houses

Everyday Pieces:

• Home decor retailers
• Thrift stores and estate sales
• Travel destinations
• Flea markets and vintage shops
• Online marketplaces

Natural Elements:

• Your own garden or walks
• Plant shops
• Beach finds (where permitted)
• Dried flower specialists

Budget-Smart Strategies

Where to invest:

• One or two statement pieces per room
• Items you'll display prominently
• Pieces from travels or with personal meaning
• Quality materials that age well

Where to save:

• Supporting objects in groupings
• Trend-driven pieces
• Items for high-change areas (seasonal displays)
• Candles and consumables

Free and Nearly Free Ideas:

• Style books you already own
• Bring in natural elements from outdoors
• Display inherited or collected items
• Repurpose kitchen items as decor (beautiful bowls, pitchers)
• Frame postcards, photos, or children's artwork

What to Avoid

Skip these common mistakes:

• Matching sets (a set of three identical objects rarely looks good)
• Fake branded items or obvious knockoffs
• Anything you don't genuinely like (regardless of trends)
• Objects that are difficult to clean
• Items that require constant maintenance

Part Seven: Care and Maintenance

Keeping Objects Looking Their Best

Dusting Routine

• Dust weekly for frequently handled surfaces
• Use microfiber cloths to avoid scratching
• Remove objects to dust beneath them monthly
• Dust books monthly (top edges collect most dust)

Material-Specific Care

Ceramics and pottery:

• Dust with soft cloth
• Clean with damp cloth, dry immediately
• Avoid harsh chemicals

Glass:

• Use glass cleaner and lint-free cloth
• Handle with clean hands to avoid fingerprints
• Clean inside of vases regularly

Metal:

• Brass and copper develop patina (embrace it or polish regularly)
• Silver tarnishes (store in tarnish-resistant cloth)
• Iron can rust (keep dry)

Wood:

• Dust with soft cloth
• Oil occasionally if dry
• Keep away from direct heat sources

Natural elements:

• Dried flowers fade and deteriorate (replace as needed)
• Shells and stones can be washed gently
• Branches may drop leaves (seal with clear spray if desired)

Storage and Rotation

Why rotate objects:

• Prevents surfaces from feeling stale
• Allows you to enjoy more of your collection
• Creates seasonal freshness
• Protects delicate items from constant light exposure

How to store:

• Wrap delicate items in tissue paper
• Use original boxes when available
• Store in climate-controlled areas
• Label boxes by season or category
• Keep inventory of stored items

Part Eight: Troubleshooting Common Challenges

"My surfaces look cluttered"

Solutions:

• Remove 30% of what's there
• Group items on trays to create visual order
• Ensure empty space between groupings
• Step back and evaluate from across the room
• If in doubt, take it out

"My shelves look messy"

Solutions:

• Add more negative (empty) space
• Create clear groupings rather than scattered items
• Vary horizontal and vertical book orientations
• Remove anything that doesn't contribute to the composition
• Add a few larger objects to anchor the arrangement

"Everything looks random"

Solutions:

• Identify one material or color to repeat throughout
• Create intentional groupings rather than spreading items out
• Establish a focal point vignette
• Edit to fewer, better pieces
• Group items by shared characteristics

"My room still looks unfinished"

Solutions:

• Add height with taller objects
• Include organic elements (plants or flowers)
• Add metallic touches for warmth and light reflection
• Create at least one substantial vignette
• Consider if surfaces are underfilled

"I don't know where to start"

Solutions:

• Begin with one surface (coffee table or mantel)
• Gather objects from around your home to experiment
• Follow the rule of three for a simple grouping
• Start minimal and add gradually
• Take photos to evaluate before committing

"My objects don't look as good as the photos I see online"

Solutions:

• Check your lighting (good light makes everything look better)
• Evaluate the background (busy walls compete with objects)
• Add breathing room around groupings
• Vary heights within each arrangement
• Edit more aggressively

Conclusion: Curating Your Story

The objects you choose to display in your home are more than decoration. They're markers of your experiences, your taste, and your values. A shell from a meaningful trip. A vase inherited from a grandmother. A book that changed how you think. A sculpture that simply makes you happy every time you see it.

The goal isn't to fill every surface or follow every rule. It's to create moments throughout your home that bring you joy, that tell your story, and that make visitors feel they've learned something about you just by walking through your space.

Start with what you have. Edit with confidence. Add with intention. And remember that the best collections are built over time, not purchased in a single shopping trip.

Your home is a work in progress, and that's exactly as it should be.

This guide is part of the Guérip Home Styling Series by Sarah Mitchell.

More guides in the series:

• The Art of Soft Furnishings
• The Complete Guide to Layering Rugs
• Window Treatments: From Basics to Beautiful
• Color Theory for the Everyday Home
• Seasonal Refresh: A Room-by-Room Transition Guide

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

The Basic Vignette Formula

Objects Per Surface Guide

Three-Material Rule Examples

Essential Starter Objects

For a well-styled living room, consider acquiring:

• 2-3 substantial vases (varying heights)
• 1 decorative bowl
• 1 sculptural object
• 4-6 coffee table books
• 2 decorative boxes
• 3 candles or candleholders
• 1 tray
• 2-3 plants or botanical elements
• 1 meaningful personal item

About Guérip

Guérip is dedicated to helping you create spaces that reflect your unique style and support your everyday life. Through expert guidance, curated collections, and practical inspiration, we believe that beautiful living should be accessible to everyone.

Visit us at www.guerip.com to explore our full range of home styling resources.

About the Author

Sarah Mitchell is Guérip's Senior Home Styling Expert with over fifteen years of experience in interior design and home staging. She has been featured in leading home and lifestyle publications and is known for her approachable, practical advice that helps real people create beautiful spaces on real budgets. Sarah believes that every home has potential - it just needs the right touches to shine.

Connect with Sarah:

• Email: sarah.mitchell@guerip.com
• Instagram: @sarahmitchell_guerip

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Happy styling!