7 Decorating Essentials Every Home Should Have

True story: I have a three-car garage with no cars in it.

In all fairness, one side has been converted into an office for Hubby, but the other side? That’s my decor storage. It’s where I keep not only my seasonal pieces, but also my tried-and-true favorites — the decorating essentials that I know will work in any room, at any time of year.

These are the pieces I rotate from space to space, mix in with seasonal accents, and rely on whenever a room needs a quick update. They’re timeless, flexible, and always make a space feel more finished.

If you’re just starting to build your own collection of home decor staples, or you’re looking to simplify what you already have, these are the seven decorating essentials every home should include.

1. Books (Antique & Coffee Table)

If you’ve read Tidbits&Twine for a while, you already know I love decorating with books. They’re one of the easiest ways to add height, color, and personality to a space.

Antique books bring warmth and character, while coffee table books add structure and a touch of polish. I use them everywhere — stacked under a lamp, layered on shelves, or even open to a favorite page on a tray.

The key is to mix them naturally. Pair an aged, tattered spine with a newer linen cover. Combine different sizes and tones. And always choose titles that reflect your interests — they tell a story about you, not just your decor.

2. Greenery

I always keep a few types of greenery on hand because nothing brings a room to life faster. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just something organic that adds movement and softness.

My go-tos are olive branches, eucalyptus, and boxwood since they work year-round and suit almost any style. When I want something with color or height, I’ll clip a few branches or flowers from the yard. For convenience, I also keep a mix of faux stems and flowers that look realistic and can be reused for quick updates.

Whether it’s a single branch in a vase, a small arrangement beside a stack of books, or a cluster of faux blooms on a console, a bit of greenery or florals instantly makes a vignette feel complete.

3. Pillow Covers

In my garage decor storage, I have a big plastic drawer filled with extra pillow covers. It’s not fancy, but it’s one of my best styling tools. Whenever I want to change the look of a room, I just open that drawer and start swapping.

I keep a small mix of fabrics that never go out of style—linen, velvet, and chunky knit. Each has a different feel: linen for something casual and breathable, velvet for a bit of polish, and chunky knit for cozy texture.

When a space starts feeling tired, switching out a couple of pillow covers can completely change the mood. It’s quick, affordable, and one of the easiest ways to refresh a room without replacing a single piece of furniture.

Not sure which sizes to use for the perfect mix? Here’s my complete guide to throw pillow sizes.

4. Small Bowls & Vessels

I have a habit of picking up small bowls wherever I shop—antique stores, flea markets, even HomeGoods. They’re one of those things you don’t realize you need until you start using them everywhere.

I use small bowls and vessels to hold matches, beads, or keys, but I also use them simply as sculptural accents. They’re great for breaking up square or rectangular shapes on a table and adding a bit of variety to a vignette.

I always look for interesting finishes—aged brass, handmade pottery, or even something chipped or imperfect. The right little bowl can be that finishing touch that makes a space feel intentional instead of thrown together.

5. Book-Topper Decor

I always keep a small selection of decorative objects that work perfectly on top of a stack of books — I call them my “book toppers.” These could be a little sculpture, a decorative sphere, a small magnifying glass, or a ceramic box.

What they do:

• Add a finishing touch that makes the stack feel styled instead of random.
• Introduce texture and shape: round objects, metal finishes, interesting materials.
• Let me repurpose books I already own, without needing to buy a new “decor piece.”

Whenever I’m styling a vignette, I’ll grab a pile of books, layer one of these object-top decor pieces on top, adjust the angle or height, and I’m done. It takes a minute, but the difference shows.

Want More? I’ve already written a full post that includes my favorite book topper decor HERE.

6. Trays

Trays are one of those pieces that instantly make everything look more pulled together. They create boundaries, define groupings, and make a random assortment of objects look intentional.

I use them everywhere—on coffee tables, nightstands, consoles, and kitchen counters. A tray can hold a stack of books, a candle, and a small vase of greenery, turning a few loose items into a styled vignette.

While I have a few traditional trays in rattan, marble, and aged brass, I also like to improvise. Antique bread boards and even oversized books can work beautifully as makeshift trays. They add texture, patina, and a bit of personality while still giving everything a defined spot.

When a surface feels cluttered or unfinished, adding a tray—or something that functions like one—almost always brings it together.

Looking for the perfect tray to start layering your decor? You can shop my favorite picks right HERE

7. Candles

Candles are one of those small details that always make a difference. They add warmth, a soft glow, and even a bit of texture when grouped with other objects. I keep a mix of sizes and finishes on hand — glass votives, ceramic jars, and brass candlesticks — so I can grab whatever suits the mood.

Sometimes I’ll cluster a few together on a tray with greenery or set one beside a stack of books for balance. Even unlit, candles add subtle dimension to a vignette. And when they are lit, the flicker instantly makes a space feel more relaxed and inviting.

Want your home to smell as cozy as it looks? Discover how to create a signature home scent HERE.

Final Thoughts

The secret to last-minute styling isn’t having a house full of extra decor — it’s keeping a few versatile pieces within reach. These are the items I know I can count on to pull a space together in just a few minutes.

With a stack of books, a little greenery, a few pillow covers, and some small accessories, you can easily refresh any surface or corner without spending a dime. Having a small stash of go-to pieces ready to use makes styling feel easy, not overwhelming — and that’s the goal.

More Decorating Tips

• How to Achieve a Timeless Interior Design Style
• The Best Coffee Table Decor for Any Style
• 6 Ways to Style A Coffee Table – You Vote!