Decorating
Styling: 10 Items You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Can’t Live Without)
From an umbrella stand to a drinks trolley, they’re the non-essential pieces that make your home just that little bit more inviting
The tick list can be all too predictable when you’re furnishing your home: sofa, dining table, bed, desk. But what about the quirky items that add personality, but aren’t necessarily ‘need it right now’? The following items can all enhance your home, creating character, defining a space and adding some crucial extra comfort. And they’ll quite possibly end up being the things you love the most…
Trunk up
A vintage-style wooden, fabric or leather trunk has oodles of character and can work in a number of different settings – as a coffee table, as a blanket box at the foot of a bed, as an alternative toy basket or even as a bedside table, as seen here.
A vintage-style wooden, fabric or leather trunk has oodles of character and can work in a number of different settings – as a coffee table, as a blanket box at the foot of a bed, as an alternative toy basket or even as a bedside table, as seen here.
Nab a bold filing cabinet
Even in the era of e-bank statements, many of us have too much paperwork in our homes. A chic filing cabinet is a way to stylishly take control.
Look for original wood or metal models reclaimed from office clear-outs, or hunt around in vintage stores or on online. Stripped-back metal is classic, but also look for bright versions, like this yellow beauty, or try painting an old one yourself.
Even in the era of e-bank statements, many of us have too much paperwork in our homes. A chic filing cabinet is a way to stylishly take control.
Look for original wood or metal models reclaimed from office clear-outs, or hunt around in vintage stores or on online. Stripped-back metal is classic, but also look for bright versions, like this yellow beauty, or try painting an old one yourself.
Invest in an umbrella stand
They help you tidy up the hallway, not to mention avoid puddles, but umbrella stands can also look stylish in their own right. This modern, lime green model adds an uplifting jolt of colour to this smart hall, along with the floor tiles. For a more traditional look, shop for rattan, bamboo or leather versions.
They help you tidy up the hallway, not to mention avoid puddles, but umbrella stands can also look stylish in their own right. This modern, lime green model adds an uplifting jolt of colour to this smart hall, along with the floor tiles. For a more traditional look, shop for rattan, bamboo or leather versions.
Fit a front-facing bookcase
Too many books are just too gorgeous to hide away, spine-facing, on a bookshelf. Many children’s picture books have beautiful covers that are mini works of art, and investing in a front-facing bookcase can brighten up a room no end, as seen here. They also make it easier for little ones to hunt for much-loved titles.
Don’t just save these bookcases for kids, though. Many adult books these days have equally lovely covers, with some believing the e-reader has triggered a golden age of book design, as paper versions compete for sales.
Explore ways to be inventive with bookshelves
Too many books are just too gorgeous to hide away, spine-facing, on a bookshelf. Many children’s picture books have beautiful covers that are mini works of art, and investing in a front-facing bookcase can brighten up a room no end, as seen here. They also make it easier for little ones to hunt for much-loved titles.
Don’t just save these bookcases for kids, though. Many adult books these days have equally lovely covers, with some believing the e-reader has triggered a golden age of book design, as paper versions compete for sales.
Explore ways to be inventive with bookshelves
Mount a magazine rack
If piles of magazines strewn on the floor don’t cut it for you, copy your local bistro and invest in a wall-mounted magazine rack like this one. The magazine covers add colour and life to this seating area, and define it as somewhere to relax with a cup of coffee.
If piles of magazines strewn on the floor don’t cut it for you, copy your local bistro and invest in a wall-mounted magazine rack like this one. The magazine covers add colour and life to this seating area, and define it as somewhere to relax with a cup of coffee.
Relax with a footstool
As the name suggests, a footstool is somewhere to prop your feet at the end of a long day, allowing you to stretch out tired legs. But it can be so much more: a place to rest a tea tray, as seen here; a way to add contrast to other seating; and an upholstered alternative to harsher glass, metal or wooden coffee tables. This patchwork number has quirky boho charm, along with the armchair.
As the name suggests, a footstool is somewhere to prop your feet at the end of a long day, allowing you to stretch out tired legs. But it can be so much more: a place to rest a tea tray, as seen here; a way to add contrast to other seating; and an upholstered alternative to harsher glass, metal or wooden coffee tables. This patchwork number has quirky boho charm, along with the armchair.
Grab a games table
Games tables aren’t just for basement dens and dingy pool rooms. With board game nostalgia firmly on the hipster map – witness the UK’s first board game café in London’s Hackney – an old-school chess or card table can offer a welcome distraction from computer games and Facebook.
This floating chess table complete with booth-style seating is compact and cool. Also look for foldout mini card tables for late-night poker sessions or just games of Scrabble.
Games tables aren’t just for basement dens and dingy pool rooms. With board game nostalgia firmly on the hipster map – witness the UK’s first board game café in London’s Hackney – an old-school chess or card table can offer a welcome distraction from computer games and Facebook.
This floating chess table complete with booth-style seating is compact and cool. Also look for foldout mini card tables for late-night poker sessions or just games of Scrabble.
Laze in a bathroom chair
When you’re planning your bathroom, ‘chair’ probably won’t be the first thing you think of. But if you have space to squeeze one in, it can make a world of difference. It’s somewhere to lay towels and clothing, is super-handy if you need to sit down while bathing little ones and, apart from anything else, adds personality to what can sometimes be a sterile space, adding a more relaxed, bedroomy feel. This mini armchair in a floral fabric adds a soft, feminine touch.
Discover ways to create a luxurious bathing and sleeping space
When you’re planning your bathroom, ‘chair’ probably won’t be the first thing you think of. But if you have space to squeeze one in, it can make a world of difference. It’s somewhere to lay towels and clothing, is super-handy if you need to sit down while bathing little ones and, apart from anything else, adds personality to what can sometimes be a sterile space, adding a more relaxed, bedroomy feel. This mini armchair in a floral fabric adds a soft, feminine touch.
Discover ways to create a luxurious bathing and sleeping space
Consider a console
A super-slimline table might not seem like a priority in your home, but skinny consoles are a handy home for lamps and vases, can turn a barren hallway into a more homely space, and can help you make the most of awkward areas in your living or dining room. Here, twin tables provide a stylish alternative to bulkier built-in alcove shelving.
TELL US…
Which small items make your home – and life – better? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
A super-slimline table might not seem like a priority in your home, but skinny consoles are a handy home for lamps and vases, can turn a barren hallway into a more homely space, and can help you make the most of awkward areas in your living or dining room. Here, twin tables provide a stylish alternative to bulkier built-in alcove shelving.
TELL US…
Which small items make your home – and life – better? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
With the 1970s supposedly back in vogue, now might be the time to unleash your inner Margo Leadbetter (the kaftan-sporting neighbour from 1970s sitcom The Good Life) and invest in a drinks trolley.
These wheeled units for beverages and snacks can add vintage personality to living rooms and are a great excuse for getting out the Babycham and Martini. No wonder one high street retro model is reportedly selling like hot cakes. See also vintage drinks cabinets for those Mad Men moments.