How to Enhance Furnishings with Wall Decor & Accessories

Wall decor and accessories can make or break a room. While furniture is a sizeable investment, wall décor and accessories are affordable accents that add nuance and style, provide drama, and underscore mood. High quality, classic furniture that will last for years, together with wall color and flooring choices provide the background layer for the room: Add accessories and wall decor to enhance a stylistic mood or theme. But no matter what style of interior design you prefer, there are four groups of accessories that will work well with any style because they are classic, yet flexible enough to blend with other decorative accents.

Wrought Iron Decor Pulls it All Together

High-quality wrought iron wall decor can cross many stylistic preferences, from traditional to country to casual or modern to Mediterranean or tropical. A large piece can work as a focal point on its own, or smaller pieces can be used to underscore or coordinate with other decor. Choose from ornate to simple designs that are completely open or designs that incorporate mirrors, pottery, ceramics or other embellishments. The black or near-black color of wrought iron will accent any furniture or fabric color choices and it creates a unifying effect, upon which you can weave a thread of color continuity. Wrought iron works especially well with wood and is a handsome counterpoint to traditional or modern wood wall hangings.

Candles and Sconces Light the Way

Candles and sconces are user friendly accessories that work well with canvas art paintings or any wall decor, bringing ambiance, softness and fragrance to a home. Choose candle holders and sconces in wrought iron, ceramic, wood, painted metal or pottery to add color, style and a unique twist that can be combined in unlimited decorative applications. Candles are an easy, affordable luxury emanating a soft glow that imparts comfort and ease; choose scented candles to bring a pleasing fragrance. Group candles on platters and place on countertops or tabletops; create a glowing wall montage with candles sconces and wall candleholders; make an easy table or mantle arrangement with groups of candlesticks in related styles or finishes. Combine candles with any decorative items to add instant elegance and warmth.

Wall Mirrors Reflect Style

Wall mirrors blend well in any decorative scheme. From plain wood frame mirrors, to ornate gold leaf antique frames, to wrought iron, pottery, ceramic or simple unframed beveled glass, a wall mirror brings light, reflection and spaciousness to a room. When carefully placed they can make a room appear larger or bring a bit of reflected light to an otherwise dark space. From elaborate Venetian to simple leaded glass mirrors, you will find it easy to decorate with framed mirrors whether you love old world elegance or simple farmhouse style. Create an unusual focal point in a living room or bedroom with a grouping of mirrors above a large piece of furniture. Try various shaped mirrors united by a beveled edge or type of framing.

Timeless Clocks

Wall clocks and mantel clocks are traditional decorating elements that cross all decorative styles. You can find them in very modern, very artistic, very ornate or very simple styles that will easily blend with other furnishings and accents. Use a large wall clock to create a focal point on any wall, in an entry or over a fireplace. Take a mantle clock beyond traditional by setting it one-third from either edge of a mantle; simply lean a few unframed paintings against the wall, scatter in a few wooden finials, a potted topiary and a stack of leather-bound books to create a casual mantle top vignette.

All text copyright Shanel. Photo from Flikr - "King Size Model Room" courtesy of High Peaks Resort.