Small home decor items can be used to update the look of a room without having to completely redecorate. A simple addition such as a new cushion on a couch or a small plant on a windowsill can make a major difference, as can a tray used to corral stray items on a surface. These items are a great option in apartments or any other small room that doesn’t have a lot of space.
Before purchasing new small home decor items, consider the colors and decor in the rest of the apartment. A few well-chosen accessories can be chosen based on this look, rather than filling the room with too much unnecessary decoration.
What Are Small Home Decor Items?
Small home decor items are typically small accessories that add style, color, or function to the room. They are portable and don’t require any major renovations to the space.
Some common small home decor items include
- Cushions and throws
- Vases and bowls
- Indoor plants
- Photo frames
- Table lamps and candles
- Trays and baskets
- Mirrors and clocks
- Bookends and sculptures
The types of items that should be considered for use as small home decor items depend on the location and intended function. A bowl may be a useful accessory in an entryway, while a lamp would be a better option in a bedroom.
Small Home Decor Items for the Living Room
The living room is a great place to begin, as just a few small changes can make the space feel fresher.
Cushions and Throws
Cushions add color and style to the sofa or a favorite chair. Solid colored cushions can be mixed and matched on neutral furniture, or added to patterned cushions on a neutral sofa. Throws are a great way to add color and texture to the space; they can also be used as a convenient place to toss a blanket when it’s not in use.
Vases and Decorative Bowls
A vase can be used to hold flowers in the space or can act as an additional decorative piece on a coffee table or other surface. A small bowl can be used to hold keys or small items or even as a coaster. The size of the bowl should be chosen based on the surface it’ll be on, leaving room for any objects that may be placed on it.
Small Lamps
Lamps can create a warm feeling in the space while also allowing more versatility than overhead lighting. This type of small home decor item should be chosen based on their location; a small lamp can be placed on a side table, console, or shelf in a place that won’t interfere with traffic flow. The lamp and bulb should also be picked based on the location and any outlets that may need to be accessed.
Small Decor for Bedrooms
The bedroom should be a relaxing, comforting space. Small accessories in this room should create this feeling while helping to declutter the space. A small lamp, picture frame, or tray can be used on a nightstand, while a cushion or throw can add color to the bed without taking up extra floor space. If the bedroom is small, it’s best to limit the number of accessories used so more room is left on any surfaces.
Decor Items for the Kitchen and Dining Area
The kitchen can be made feel more personal and homely with a few small accessory items. Small home decor items in this space could include a fruit bowl, small herb plant, or other accessories such as a utensil holder. The dining area can take advantage of small centerpieces, such as a vase or candle in the center of the table. These items should always be portable and easy to clean, and shouldn’t be placed in locations where they could be knocked over during the cooking process.
Small Decor Ideas for Entryways
Since the entryway is typically the first part of the home that a visitor sees, making the most of the space can help it feel more welcoming and organized. This space could use a small mirror as a convenient spot to check appearance before leaving, and a bowl or tray to help corral any keys, mail, or other items that may need to be stored. A small plant or framed print can also be used to help personalize the space. If the entry space is small, using wall decor or a narrow shelf can keep the floor clear of any unnecessary extra items.
Small Home Decor Items for Shelves
The shelves in a home can be updated with small items to make the space feel more personalized and organized. Small home decor items that could be used on shelves include books, small plants, picture frames, and bookends. While the shelves should be arranged with items that are interesting to look at, it’s important to leave some space between objects to avoid overcrowding the placement.
Rather than filling the shelf with the same-sized items, use a few different sizes to create visual appeal. Grouping items together in small clusters can also be an effective way to display decor, rather than leaving a large amount of space between individual objects. Items should also be arranged to find a balance that’s appealing to the eye and should be moved around until a satisfactory display is achieved.
Choosing Decor for a Small Space
When decorating a small space, it’s best to choose items that only take up the space that they need. Before buying new pieces, measure the area where the item will go, and consider if it’ll interfere with any storage or traffic flow.
| Area | Small decor item | Practical use |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee table | Tray or decorative bowl | Helps hold small items |
| Sofa | Cushions or throw | Adds color and style |
| Bedroom | Bedside lamp | Provides necessary lighting |
| Entryway | Mirror or key bowl | Convenient before leaving the house |
| Kitchen | Herb planter | Adds plant life and organization |
| Shelf | Frame, vase or bookend | Helps display books or small items |
How to Style Small Home Decor Items
When arranging small home decor items, here are a few general rules of thumb to follow:
- Choose a color palette based on the room. Pick a few colors that will be used as accents, while repeating any colors that may already be present in the space.
- Use items that have different textures. Mixing accessories made of different materials, such as ceramic and fabric, can help create an interesting display.
- Use a mix of item heights in the space to create a well-balanced display.
- Group items together to create clusters rather than spreading things out across the entire space.
- Leave space on surfaces, which can help make the area appear less cluttered.
- Select items that can be displayed that are interesting to the owner. Adding personal photos or souvenirs can help make the space more unique and personalized.
Common Decorating Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common issues when using small home decor items to update your space:
- Buying new accessories before measuring the area
- Putting too many items on a surface
- Using too many different colors in one accessory display
- Using decorative items that make organization difficult
- Choosing breakable items to use in high traffic areas
- Trying to follow the latest trends rather than choosing styles that the owner enjoys
Frequently Asked Questions
What are examples of small home decor items?
Cushions, throws, vases, small plants, photo frames, trays, table lamps and decorative bowls are common small home decor items.
How can I decorate a small home without making it look crowded?
Stick to a few functional pieces, leave some surfaces partially cleared, and use walls or small space items in areas that don’t have a lot of square footage.
Which decor items are useful for an entryway?
A small mirror, key bowl, tray, framed print, or compact plant can make an entryway both practical and welcoming.
How do I choose decor that matches my room?
Choose items based on the room’s other colors, furniture, and materials. Add pieces that complement these, and use a small amount of color or texture to help accessories stand out from the space.
How often should I change home decor items?
There’s no set time frame, but new items can be moved around as much as desired, or updated when preferences change.
Conclusion
Small home decor items can be used to update a space without requiring any major changes to the room. Cushions, lamps, plants, trays, and frames are great examples of small home decor items that can be used in the living room, bedroom, kitchen, or entryway. Use well-chosen items that fit with the space, leave room for organizing or using the space, and only display items that the owner will enjoy looking at.