The 5 Most Versatile Decorating Accessories for any room!

---

DISCOVER 5 OF THE MOST VERATILE DECORATING ACCESSORIES THAT YOU CAN USE IN ANY ROOM! FROM TRAYS TO BASKETS, THESE TIMELESS PIECES MAKE STYLING YOUR HOME SIMPLE AND BEAUTIFUL!

---

Your holiday decorations have been packed away for weeks.

You’ve been decluttering & organizing. Now is a great time to look at your space with a fresh eye. If you are looking to add a few new decorating accessories, these 5 should top your list. Not only are they beautiful, but they’re also versatile, affordable & multi-functional!

These are the items that prop stylists reach for again and again because they work virtually anywhere. Just like your favorite pair of shoes can complete an outfit, these pieces help complete a room.

1. Serving Trays – A Versatile Accessory for Every Room

Serving trays can be used absolutely anywhere!

They’re a great way to keep several small items together without looking messy. Grouping items on a tray can make anything look organized. Or use them to showcase your prettiest accessories. And they work in every room of the house.

bathroom

For example, use a tray in the bathroom to corral smaller items. You can also use them in bathrooms to corral like items, such as makeup.

HGTV

kitchen

Use them in the kitchen for serving snacks or appetizers. They’re also useful for containing countertop clutter. Things grouped in a basket look neater than strewn about the counter separately.

living room

When used in your living room, they are perfect for coffee table vignettes. Especially if your coffee table is an upholstered ottoman. The tray makes a great base for books, remotes, and other items you want close at hand.

via All Things Girly

bedroom

In the bedroom, they can contain nightstand essentials, dresser clutter, or a pile of your favorite books.

 HGTV

home office

Brighten up your office by using a serving tray to hold a pretty plant along with your desk supplies.

Up To Date Interiors

Inspired? Here are a few of my favorite serving trays to give you some ideas.

Rattan Serving Tray / Green Serving Tray / Woodland Serving Tray

2. woven baskets for storage and style in one

Beautiful and functional, baskets are also a great way to store things out of sight or to store things in plain sight! As a bonus, they also add texture to your space. Decorating with baskets is one of my favorite tricks because they come in all shapes, styles, and sizes!

You can even use baskets as art. I used a collection of wall baskets for my daughter’s room as decoration over her headboard. It added shape and texture while also keeping this space serene.

via: The Honeycomb Home

You can use woven baskets as a serving tray as well. Win/win.

Heather Bullard

Larger baskets are great for storage. You can hide things in plain sight. I have a lidded basket on our kitchen counters to hide our snacks.

 MidWest Living

Stack several sturdy lidded baskets to create a multi-functional end table. I did this in our sunroom and the baskets function as a place to store toys for my niece.

via Pinterest

Use them to store your extra pillows and throws for a beautiful yet functional display. Putting every day items on display is a great way to make the most of small spaces.

There are no shortages of baskets to be found out there. I always find them at the flea market. If you prefer new, here are some of my favorite baskets from around the web.

Lidded baskets / Houndstooth basket / Basket with handles

3. Cylinder Vases – a Timeless Tabletop Accent

Cylinder vases actually come in all shapes and sizes. These are amazing for creating the height you need in your vignettes. They’re great for displaying florals and branches. You can also use them in the kitchen. I have one that I keep my lemons and limes in. Or you can use them for seasonal displays, for example, ornaments at Christmas. You could fill them with wine corks for added texture. Or group several together for impact…the possibilities are endless.

Tumblr

This cylinder vase brings a little nature and life into the room with fresh greenery.

Tumblr

Creating a grouping of vases for a simple centerpiece.

Tumblr

A smaller vase on a nightstand looks perfectly understated.

Tumblr

This next photo is from the 2015 HGTV Dream Home. I counted at least 10 cylinder vases throughout this house!

HGTV

Here a few cylinder vases in various shapes and sizes to get you started.

short square/tall cylinders / short cylinders

4. Mini Boxwood Wreaths: natural accents for any spot

Wreaths make great decorating accessories, but even more so when they’re mini.

The small wreaths are more versatile than the larger ones. Hang them from just about anywhere, set them on a shelf, or use around a candle as a centerpiece. They also provide a natural element.

After ordering one of these, I loved it so much I ordered a second one. The third is on its way now. 🙂

Propped up on a shelf or a mantel, they add texture. Their round shape also helps to offset the boxiness of the shelves.

Create a simple, natural wall hanging by hanging it from a branch.

Hang one from a mirror for added interest!

I love them hanging from the back of a dining chair, especially around the holidays.

Pinterest

Here are a few boxwood wreaths from around the web.

clockwise:  8″wreath / 9″ set of four / 11″ wreath

5. Sheepskin Rugs: texture, warmth, and layering

These little rugs are so versatile. I ordered one a while back to throw over a metal desk chair that needed some cushion, and I fell in love with the thing. They work with just about any decor, and look amazing contrasted with wood elements. The small Ikea rugs are so inexpensive that you could even get several and group them together for an area rug.

And on a side note, my dog loved this sheepskin rug better than he loved his dog bed.

The Design Files

If you have any old benches lying around, toss a sheepskin rug over them for instant chic!

Draped over the sofa, it adds texture.

They make great area rugs as well.

Project Nursery

When it comes to decorating accessories, layering is a trick of the trade. See how they’re used here behind the pillows.

They help soften up hardwood seating in the dining room.

Pinterest

I’ve rounded up a few sheepskin rugs in a variety of sizes for you.

2′ X 6′/ 39″ X 24″ / 2′ X 3′

Accessorizing your home is fun. Take your time and enjoy the process!

So there you have your 5 most versatile decorating accessories! Aren’t they just the hardest-working little decor items?

Fresh ideas for these decorating accessories

Updated for 2025: These versatile decorating accessories are timeless, but here are some fresh ways I’m styling them this year.

Create a collection of mini baskets and hang them above a window for a charming display.

Boxwood Wreaths: For an updated idea on boxwood wreaths, use them lined down the center of the table. Place a candle in the center of each for a beautiful centerpiece.

Sheepskin Rugs: Use a sheepskin rug layered over a larger vintage rug for an eclectic look.

Cylinder Vases: Place a more narrow vase inside, then layer in between with orange or lemon slices for a natural display. This works for any season!

Serving Trays: Place one on your kitchen counter and fill it with a collection of old cutting boards to layer in a touch of vintage character and country charm! Or fill one with plants to add life to a room.

---

WANT MORE? CHECK OUT 5 MORE VERSATILE DECORATING ACCESSORIES!

---