Since simplifying and donating a lot of my home decor items, I have noticed a pattern in the pieces I’ve kept and how I am able to use them for each season or holiday. I no longer go shopping for seasonal decor and generally try to use items I already have. I’ve rounded up 12 minimal decor must-haves for the home! (post contains affiliate links, see disclosure)
PILLOW COVERS
Using pillow covers and down inserts is something I started doing the last couple of years and it really saves a lot of money and storage space. It is easier to store a stack of pillow covers than it is dozens of full-size pillows. I choose down alternative inserts because they fluff right back up and fill covers nicely. A general rule is to use an insert slightly larger than the cover, so a 20×20 cover should have a 22×22 insert.
THROW BLANKETS
I fully admit we probably have way too many blankets in our home, but only use a few of them. However, during each season I do like to change the accent throw draped over the sofa or chair. In the spring and summer, it’s a light blanket with a lot of patterns and neutral colors. Then during the fall and winter, it’s a heavier blanket full of faux fur or a cozy knit.
GLASS HURRICANES & NEUTRAL CANDLES
One thing I always include in my table or shelf decor are glass hurricanes. They look great any season or holiday. Plus, they can be filled with faux stems and used as vases, filled with wooden beads, twinkle lights, etc. They are really so versatile. I have a large collection of battery operated candles that I also use very frequently. They are a neutral cream color, so it doesn’t matter what holiday or season it is, they still look great.
TALL CANDLESTICKS
Along with neutral candles, I have to include tall candlesticks. They look great on a tablescape, in the entryway, or on the mantel. They add height when you need it but don’t take up very much space. Easy to store and easy to move around also make them a decorating staple.
WHITE VASES
Another go-to for me is white vases. So much so, that I donated over a dozen white vases during my big cleanout. Just like the glass hurricanes they are so versatile and can be used during any season or holiday. They can be paired together in groups or stand-alone beautifully.
FAUX STEMS
Whenever possible I love to use real plants and stems, however, I have a few faux favorites. I have a small collection of faux stems for each season and they are fun to swap out and decorate with. To switch it up I will put them in the white vases or the glass hurricanes and they look great in each.
ART PRINTS
Art prints are another item on the list of the minimal decor must haves. I love to change the art in our home each season and holiday. And I reuse my favorite affordable frames and purchase prints from Etsy or Minted and have them printed at my local drug store. I can usually switch up the art in our home for less than twenty dollars. Check out FREE art prints here!
TRAYS & BOOKS
Trays are one of my favorite ways to control the clutter in our home. Keeping a tray at our entryway console keeps our sunglasses, keys, and wallets contained while still looking decorative. I also use a tray in the kitchen for our dish soap, hand soap, and scrubs. Keeping the tray a neutral color or wood tone also allows them to be used during any season or holiday. Books are another one of my favorite items to decorate with. They are great for adding height to a vignette, fill in a blank space or create layers. Check out my favorite coffee table books!
DECORATIVE STORAGE BASKETS
For those items, you just can’t hide or don’t have a place for, a decorative storage basket is a lifesaver. You can hide the clutter and still keep your home looking beautiful and functional. A few baskets around the house can make your home feel more organized and store anything from shoes in the entryway, extra blankets in the living room, and toys in the playroom. Check out this post for some of my favorite decorative storage baskets!
WHITE DISHES
While this might not be considered decor, it is something I have changed over the years. We have all white dishes for everything. They are our day to day dishes and the same ones we use during the holidays. It makes it easy to create a tablescape and I no longer need tons of storage for each holiday dish set. Gone are the days of having dozens of dish sets for each season or holiday to be displayed.
It only takes a few decorative items and key pieces to decorate just about any space in the home. Keeping it simple and having these minimal decor must haves means less clutter and an organized home.
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I try to keep neutral decor items, especially the white dishes. I can change out my napkins, glasses, flatware, etc. for any look, as long as I have the white to build around. I really like the changes you’ve made to your dining area over the last couple of years…it looks really good! Hugs!