Be Bold! Using Accessories To Maximise Your Home

By Ana Zuravliova

Trend Specialist at Blinds Direct

Tue 21 Sep 2021

Last updated Fri 2 Dec 2022

Ideas for home accessories

We’re all well-aware of the benefits available from large statement pieces in interior design, but what about accessories? Somewhat strangely, many of us find the larger pieces easier to use but find ourselves worried about our application of accessories.

In today’s blog we’ll be exploring the easy steps you can take to make the most of accessories in your décor, and how you can use them to make your interior design a masterpiece!

example image of statement cushions being used as home accessories

The best home décor accessories

In order to support your furniture, blinds or curtains, you can strategically place various accessories around the room. These can reinforce your chosen colours, contrast with them, or add additional finishes, materials, or textures into your space, but what are the best types of accessories to consider?

Statement cushions – These are a fabulous way to add not only style and a fashionable twist to your space, but comfort and relaxation too. Cushions are excellent canvases for colour, texture, and pattern. From lime greens to bold, vibrant florals, a statement cushion can meet any design challenge.

Lavish Lamp Shades – By virtue of their regular interaction with light, lamp shades can create a focal point in a space that’s as bright and eye-catching as you want it to be. With the same fabrics and patterns available as cushions, a well-made lampshade from Blinds Direct will add a pop of colour to your space for years to come.

Eye-catching curtain poles – Curtains are well known for having a wide range of design benefits, but so too do curtain poles. There is a great selection of styles to contemplate including material – which can be dazzling silvers or dark woods – and multiple finials to consider of all shapes and sizes.

Bold patterned accessories

Bold patterns are an excellent and hassle-free way for intrepid designers to improve the style of their rooms. There is a wide range of styles, colours, and themes which you can enjoy as part of your accessory selection. Whether your preference is for lots of small patterns, or broad sweeping alternatives, we’ve pulled together a few options to think about:

Dotty for dots – Dots, spots, and circles – in fact anything that’s spherical – are great ways to add a bit of movement and shape into your interior design. When used on sofas, curtains or other larger pieces of furniture, dots can be a little overpowering however when utilised with accessories, you can enjoy concentrated use of colour and shape throughout the space.

Punchy paisleys – Paisley is a very versatile and energising pattern. With a two millennia history traced back to Indo-European cultures, paisley can be traditional and warming, or modern and colourful. Either way, this excellent pattern will bring sophistication and vitality to a space, especially when used as part of a cushion or lampshade in a mostly traditional décor.

Graceful geometrics – Unlike dots and paisley, geometric patterns tend to feature straight lines and angular designs. These can be elegant and subtle, or loud and noticeable. Vibrant geometric patterned accessories offer designers a range of style options from 60s retro to contemporary Cottagecore.

Don’t forget florals – Floral patterns are one of the most classic options for accessories but with a wide range of fabrics available on the website, you can enjoy either reserved florals, or exciting modern alternatives in juicy colours.

One of the best ways to enjoy this modern interpretation is to pick a fabric that features very bold tones, but set it amongst real, living plants. This combination is sure to catch the eye of guests and family alike!

image to show how pattern cushions can used as home accessories

Far-out finishes

Beyond the patterns available to bring out the best of your accessories, you can also consider different types of finishes.

example image of metal curtain pole to show how they can be used as home decor accessories

Soft fabrics

With the right finish, soft fabrics can interact with the light to create an elegant glimmer in your space. To really enhance this play on light, use velvets or metallic materials, especially in your lampshades. When fitted in the right parts of a space, these luxurious fabrics will add a bit of sparkle into your interior design. For more inspiration check out our Be Bold as Brass – A Guide to Metallic Fabrics blog!

Metal Curtain Poles

Spend time considering the different finishes on offer for your curtain poles. Traditionally, curtain poles will have retained their wooden colouring but today, there are many more exciting options to choose from. Our coloured wooden curtain poles include different colours and finishes, including striking burnished silver, copper and gold effects! There are also real metal curtain poles available with a range of finials too.

Metallic Lampshades

You can add an additional twist to your décor by selecting a metallic inner on your lampshade. While more subtle than a bold design printed onto sumptuous velvet, a metallic inner will reflect light inside your lamp shade to create a ballet of dancing light. There are three colours to select from including brushed silver, brushed copper and brushed gold – which will you pick?