Must-have home decor: design essentials for every room
Discover the essential design elements that can transform every room in your home. From statement rugs to handcrafted pieces, this guide explores key decor items that experts consider must-haves for creating a stylish and functional living space. Learn how to select and incorporate these versatile elements to enhance your home’s atmosphere, express your personality, and maximize both comfort and aesthetics.
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- Statement Rug Elevates Room Design
- Beautifully Designed Bed Creates Sanctuary
- Handcrafted Piece Tells Cultural Story
- Hanging Daybed Invites Stillness and Connection
- Big Kitchen Table Becomes Heart of Home
- Outdoor Lounge Chair Transforms Backyard Living
- Accent Chair Adds Character and Versatility
- Entryway Bench Organizes and Structures Home
- Candles Set Mood in Every Room
- Preserved Bonsai Brings Timeless Natural Beauty
- Table Lamps Create Warm Inviting Atmosphere
- Pull-Out Couch Offers Flexible Guest Accommodation
- Large Mirror Enhances Space and Light
- Versatile Side Table Combines Function and Style
- Built-In Bookshelves Anchor Room with Purpose
- Gallery Wall Displays Personality and Art
- Modular Sofa Adapts to Various Needs
Statement Rug Elevates Room Design
I firmly believe that a statement rug is the decorating hero nobody gives credit to. It is the friend who comes over overdressed for brunch and gets all the other party attendees to elevate their game. It grounds the space (literally), sets the tone, and proclaims, “This is not just a lived-in room—it’s styled.”
In my home, I possess a piece I think of as my “rebellious rug”—a worn Turkish piece that refuses to coordinate with my throw pillows and even resists the beige color scheme. Why? Because design sometimes needs a little bit of rebellion. It reminds me that home is not a showroom—it is a narrative.
Whether graphically patterned, soft and cloudlike, or filled with a history that raises questions, a fantastic rug adds dimension, character, and an injection of drama to a room. Bonus: it silences the din of everyday chaos (read: children, pets, and dropped AirPods).
Disregard the rules. Start from the beginning—literally. The right rug will make a space seem curated, comfortable, and unapologetically yours.
Magda Callery, Interior Designer, Style By Magda
Beautifully Designed Bed Creates Sanctuary
If I could only select one piece of furniture or decor that every home should have, it would have to be a beautifully designed bed. A beautifully designed bed is the soul of the home. It’s where you start and end each day. It should be your place of peace, reflection, and restoration. While design trends come and go, the importance of a well-made, visually striking bed never fades. It sets the tone for how you feel in your most personal space. I always tell my clients: Don’t just buy a bed, build an experience. I encourage them to create a sanctuary that exudes comfort, sophistication, and serenity. Invest in a strong frame, luxe linens, layers of texture, and a headboard that makes a statement.
In my own home, my bed is my sanctuary. It’s wrapped in calming tones, adorned with plush pillows, and framed by a tall, upholstered headboard that adds quiet elegance. It reminds me that great design should serve the eye as well as the soul. When your bed feels like a retreat, everything else in life feels a little more manageable.
Yulonda Buster, Interior Designer, DESIGNS BY DUCHESS
Handcrafted Piece Tells Cultural Story
I believe every home should have at least one handcrafted statement piece that tells a story. For me, it’s a hand-carved wooden stool from Mali that has transformed how I view functional art in my home. It serves as both a side table and occasional seating, but more importantly, it’s a conversation starter that connects my guests to the rich cultural heritage behind its creation. The intricate patterns carved by master artisans represent generational knowledge passed down through families.
I’ve placed mine in my entryway, where it sets the tone for the entire home, reminding me daily that the most essential elements in our spaces aren’t just things that fill rooms, but pieces that fill our lives with meaning and connection. When you invest in authentic, artisanal pieces, you’re not just decorating; you’re honoring craftsmanship and bringing cultural depth into your everyday environment.
Nana Quagraine, Founder & CEO, 54kibo
Hanging Daybed Invites Stillness and Connection
If there’s one piece of furniture I believe every home should have, it’s a hanging daybed or porch swing. Not because it’s flashy or trendy, but because of what it invites: stillness, presence, and connection.
We live in a time where our spaces need to do more than just function—they need to restore us. A swing offers a gentle rhythm that immediately slows the pace. Whether it’s on a front porch catching the afternoon breeze, in a sun-drenched corner with a good book, or nestled under a pergola in the backyard, a swing becomes more than a seat—it becomes a ritual.
What makes it essential is its versatility. It doesn’t require much space, can work in both owned and rented homes, and adapts across seasons. Add layered pillows for warmth in cooler months, swap in light, breathable fabrics for summer, or even move it indoors when needed. It’s timeless, seasonless, and emotionally grounding.
In my own home, our swing has become a family touchpoint. It’s where I have early morning coffee, where weekend chats with friends somehow stretch for hours, and where my kids instinctively curl up with their blankets and books. It has quietly shaped our routine—not by demanding attention, but by offering peace.
There’s something powerful about having a designated space for pause. In a world that often celebrates productivity and motion, I believe every home needs at least one place that encourages the opposite. A swing does just that—inviting you to slow down, breathe deep, and be where your feet (or toes) are.
Kristen Manieri, Owner, Easy Breezy Porch Swings
Big Kitchen Table Becomes Heart of Home
One piece of furniture every home should have is a big, inviting kitchen table. Not just any table, but one that’s well-loved, a little worn in, and big enough to fit your people comfortably. To me, it’s the heart of the home. It’s where meals happen, sure, but it’s also where real life unfolds, conversations after a long day, school projects spread out, card games that get a little too competitive, and the quiet moments when someone just needs to sit and talk.
In our own home, that table has been part of everything from birthday dinners to serious family talks. My wife and I have sat there countless times planning the week, catching up over coffee, or just enjoying the quiet after a busy day. A kitchen table is more than just furniture. It’s a gathering place. In real estate, I always notice when a house has a space that invites that kind of connection. It gives a home soul. I think everyone deserves a place like that, where their life can unfold naturally, day by day.
Jimmy Welch, President, The Jimmy Welch Team
Outdoor Lounge Chair Transforms Backyard Living
One piece of furniture that every home should have—without question—is a high-quality, deeply comfortable outdoor lounge chair or sectional. Whether it’s a classic deep-seated Adirondack, a modular wicker sectional, or a plush swivel rocker, this piece becomes more than furniture; it becomes an invitation to unwind. In my experience working with clients and designing spaces, I’ve seen the transformative effect a great lounge piece has on a backyard or patio. It creates a destination within the home where people naturally gather, connect, or simply breathe.
Why is it essential? Because comfort is the foundation of leisure. When you have a dedicated spot outdoors to relax in real comfort, it encourages you to slow down, to reconnect—with nature, with family, or just with your own thoughts. That’s more than decor—it’s a lifestyle upgrade.
In my own home, I use a Sunbrella-upholstered outdoor sectional with a built-in fire table as the heart of our backyard setup. It’s where mornings start with coffee, and evenings wind down with conversation and stargazing. That seating area has seen everything from quiet moments alone to full-on family celebrations, and it always delivers the same thing: comfort, style, and a sense of ease that’s hard to replicate indoors.
If you’re curating a leisure space, start here. It’s the anchor point for building an outdoor environment that truly enhances your day-to-day living.
Kyle Sawyer, Owner, Canadian Home Leisure
Accent Chair Adds Character and Versatility
One piece of furniture I believe every home should have is a well-crafted accent chair—ideally one with a story, whether through its design, material, or craftsmanship. In my own home, I have a leather accent chair made from vegetable-tanned leather that we produced in-house. It has aged beautifully over the years, gaining character with every scratch and sunbeam.
What makes an accent chair essential is its versatility. It’s not just about seating; it anchors a corner, adds warmth to a space, and can reflect your personality in a way that a full sofa or dining set often can’t. I’ve used mine to create a cozy reading nook beside a bookshelf, with a small side table and a lamp—it turned an empty corner into one of the most inviting spots in the house.
Beyond function, it’s also a design statement. The right chair—whether bold and sculptural or soft and classic—adds soul to a room. And when it’s made from quality materials, like leather or wood, it can last for decades, aging gracefully while grounding the space in comfort and style.
Marios Pitsillidis, COO, Limassolian Leathers Ltd
Entryway Bench Organizes and Structures Home
Every home needs a dependable entryway bench.
It creates a clear place to pause between outside and inside. Drop your bag, sit to take off your shoes, and organize your day. Without it, clutter spreads fast, shoes pile up, jackets land wherever, and things go missing. One bench brings order to all of it.
In my own space, that bench is used constantly. It sets the routine without effort. I’ve seen families benefit from adding a simple one near the door. It doesn’t need to be custom or oversized. Just solid, functional, and placed with purpose.
It helps create structure without taking up much room. Once it’s there, the flow of the home changes. Things stay where they belong. Movement feels easier. That bench becomes part of the rhythm.
Every household needs a starting point. This one works.
Vic Fiore, Co-Founder, Magnolia Home Remodeling Group
Candles Set Mood in Every Room
I love having candles in every room. There are so many different types of candles that can be right for each setup. Not only are they beautiful, but you can also pick a scent to set the right mood. Candlesticks are my favorite type of candles because they come in a variety of textures, colors, and styles. They can bring a sense of vintage or elegance to a space instantly. If you enjoy DIY, I recently dried flowers from our garden and waxed them onto plain candlesticks to give them more character.
Milana Bahbout, Founder + Principal Designer, Milana Designs Inc.
Preserved Bonsai Brings Timeless Natural Beauty
One piece of decor that I believe every home should have is a preserved bonsai. It brings a unique sense of calm and timeless beauty to your space. While fresh plants require constant care and artificial ones feel lifeless, a preserved bonsai offers the perfect balance—it’s a little tree made with real branches and leaves that have been carefully treated to maintain their natural texture, color, and shape, yet it requires no watering, sunlight, or pruning.
In my own home, I’ve placed a preserved bonsai in the entryway, and it has become an instant conversation starter. Its detailed, sculptural shape brings a refined elegance, while its lifelike, organic look creates a subtle connection to nature and the outdoors. I love how it sets a peaceful tone the moment you walk in.
What makes the preserved bonsai essential, in my view, is that it offers both form and function. It is decorative, yes, but it also has a quiet, grounding presence that affects the energy of the room. And since it doesn’t require care, it’s ideal for busy households or those who may not have a green thumb. It’s not just a plant—it’s a timeless piece of natural art that brings nature indoors without the upkeep. Every home could benefit from that kind of peaceful, enduring beauty.
Kathleen Bernazano, Founder, Vermont Flowers (EPZ) Ltd.
Table Lamps Create Warm Inviting Atmosphere
Table lamps: I see so many homeowners who rely on one central bright overhead light and don’t have any other lighting to make their homes more inviting. Instead, they’re stuck with harsh lighting that feels more like an office than a warm living space. When you add table lamps around your home, you’ll use them more than your main overhead lights. You get this nice warm lighting that is perfect for relaxing and spending time in the room.
In my own home, I have table lamps in almost every room—on side tables in the living room, bedside tables, and even console tables in hallways. During the evening, I rarely turn on the overhead lights because the table lamps give me just enough light for reading, watching TV, or just unwinding. They change how a room feels, and everything becomes more welcoming.
Alina Enache, Design Coordinator | Co-Founder, Lamp Genius
Pull-Out Couch Offers Flexible Guest Accommodation
I actually think every home should have a pull-out couch. They make great couches today that are super comfortable and attractive on their own, which you would never even know are pull-out couches! I think these are great for any home to have because you never know when you are going to need to provide temporary lodging for someone. Even if you have a guest bedroom or two, maybe you’re going to have to host a family gathering or bachelorette party where more people stay over than you have beds for. These couches are also invaluable for short-term rental homes because they can allow you to cater to a wider variety of numbers of guests.
Steve Schwab, CEO, Casago
Large Mirror Enhances Space and Light
As a home contractor and investor who has staged and renovated many properties, one piece of decor I think every home should have is a large mirror. Mirrors do more than fill wall space—they reflect light, create the illusion of a larger room, and add visual interest without overwhelming the design. I often use them in entryways, dining rooms, or bedrooms to brighten up the space and make it feel more open. In my own home, I have a large mirror near the front door, which not only enhances the natural light but also serves as a practical spot to check your appearance before heading out. It’s a simple, versatile piece that complements nearly any style of decor and works well in both small and large spaces.
Parker McInnis, Owner, Speedy Sale Home Buyers
Versatile Side Table Combines Function and Style
Every home requires a versatile side table because this unobtrusive piece enhances both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The simple piece functions as a drink holder, lamp base, and decor display while adapting to any room style. A sleek side table in my living room serves multiple purposes by holding my coffee, scented candle, and art books to create a cozy nook. The compact design of this piece creates defined areas in open floor plans and brings sophistication without creating clutter. Side tables unite functional needs with personal touches to create a better and more fashionable daily experience. My side table converts an empty corner into a central attraction, which demonstrates that compact furniture can deliver significant visual effects.
Select a side table with distinctive materials or shapes such as wood or metal to match your personal style. Position the table near seating areas for convenient reach. Update your decor items throughout the seasons to maintain a fresh appearance. Select side tables with built-in storage features to achieve maximum functionality. You should try different height arrangements to create visual appeal while preventing overwhelming your room.
Peter Muggleton, Managing Director, Frelan Hardware
Built-In Bookshelves Anchor Room with Purpose
I approach homes from a technical perspective, so when I think about essential furniture or decor, I’m looking at what actually improves the space’s feel, function, and longevity, and not just aesthetics.
And for me, built-in bookshelves are one of those things that every home should have.
From my perspective as a drafter, built-in bookshelves are not just decorative; they also anchor the room, add architectural depth, and give homeowners a way to showcase personal character without clutter.
What makes them special is that they become part of the structure itself. Instead of constantly rearranging furniture or relying on trend-based shelving, you’re integrating design with purpose.
I added floor-to-ceiling built-ins in my own home office—framing the window with shelves and a reading nook below. And it completely changed the way my room feels. It’s warmer, more grounded, and actually makes the ceiling feel higher.
From a structural standpoint, they can also conceal wiring or uneven walls, which makes them a practical design solution in older homes like mine.
In my opinion, built-ins are timeless because they adapt. Whether you fill them with books, art, or practical storage, they stay relevant without needing to be replaced. That’s what I look for in good design: something that enhances the space for decades and not just seasons.
Brian Curran, Founder, Drafting Services
Gallery Wall Displays Personality and Art
I really believe in the power of a good old-fashioned gallery wall. I highly recommend these for almost every home I come across. A gallery wall is not only a great place to display those art pieces and photographs you aren’t sure where else to put, but they also make a great accompaniment for any accent walls you may already have in your home. They’re an excellent way to display some of your unique personality. I’ve seen gallery walls instantly elevate a room, especially if it’s feeling a little bland or if a homeowner is struggling to feel like the space is “theirs.”
Carr Lanphier, CEO, Improovy
Modular Sofa Adapts to Various Needs
Every home needs a piece of furniture that is multipurpose, practical, comfortable, and attractive. In a living room, a sofa is the ideal piece of furniture to meet these criteria. It is the center of attention and offers a comfortable place to relax.
At home, I have a modular (corner) sofa that can be arranged in different ways for different occasions. Whether you have seas of guests or maybe just yourself on a quiet night, this sofa can easily transform to become what you need. Its remarkable adjustability caters to an array of needs and spaces.
Peter Bigge, CEO, Town & City Management Limited
