Decorative Accents in Unexpected Places

Accent pieces and accessories put the finishing touches on your home decor. Not only do home accents give your home instant interest, but they are also a reflection of your personality and style. And if you’re wondering how and where to use decorative accents, you can level up your style with these ideas for placing accent pieces in unexpected places.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Hang a mirror in an unexpected place to add a bit of punch to a space. If you’re not sure where to hang your mirror, experiment by hanging one in different places and see what it reflects. Mirrors can act as a piece of art, so choose one with a pretty frame and see how it looks. If you don’t like it, you can move it.

Mirrored pieces can give you the same effect as a framed mirror, but with a different twist. Try hanging a triple mirror. It reflects different views of the same space, creating more visual interest. Or try an accent piece that isn’t usually mirrored, such as a mirrored wall sconce. This brings a touch of the unexpected to a more traditional piece.

If you have a large foyer, this simple idea can add unexpected drama to your entryway. Put a long sofa table against the wall and place a mirror above it. Create an unexpected display. Add some pottery, such as a big olive jar on the console table and fill it with tree branches, dried eucalyptus, or palm leaves that will be reflected in the mirror.

High Art for Dramatic Flair

When you want to create an unexpected look, sometimes you have to ignore conventional wisdom. Most designers recommend hanging art at eye level. While there’s nothing wrong with that in general, when you hang a piece of art up high, you get an unexpected look. Hang a piece of art just below the ceiling trim. The idea works best above a bookshelf or other large piece of furniture, such as the bed, to anchor it to the room.

Hanging art on your patio or porch is an unexpected touch that makes the outdoor space feel more like an extension of your home. Whether you bring your favorite pieces outside for the day or choose pieces specifically for your outdoor space, this idea will add warmth and personality to the space.

An unexpected twist on the traditional gallery wall, whether it be collected art or family photos, is to stagger them up a staircase. This large expanse of wall space is often ignored and can become the perfect home for large-scale art with related themes and sizes.

Candleholders, Vases, and More

Another way to create unexpected drama is to choose an expected piece with an unexpected design. For example, candleholders are commonly found in living rooms and dining rooms. However, by choosing unusual, dramatic candleholders, you turn what is sometimes considered ubiquitous into something that is unexpectedly dramatic. Silver candleholders with sculpted bases and mercury glass turn your candles into a sophisticated statement.

Don’t Neglect Floor Accents

Make some drama by adding a textured cable knit pouf in a bright shade of teal. This adds a fun pop of color where you might expect to prop up your feet on an ottoman. This unexpected piece also adds extra seating. Or create an arrangement with a set of books tied up in string and a vase of dried flowers or branches to create a pleasing display.

And last but not least, don’t forget area rugs. Everyone probably has one hanging out under their coffee table or in their dining room. Area rugs are great for creating texture and visual interest, but are often underused. Consider warming up your kitchen decor with a long, narrow rug. Or two similar area rugs in your living room. Take an area rug outside to soften the hardscape of your patio or porch.

Once you start re-imagining ways to use accent pieces, you'll be surprised with what you come up with.