The Art of Display: How to Curate and Organise Decorative Pieces

A well-styled home isn’t just about having beautiful furniture—it’s about the little details that bring personality and warmth to a space. Decorative pieces, when displayed thoughtfully, can elevate your home’s aesthetic, making it feel curated rather than cluttered.

The challenge? It’s easy to go overboard. Too many trinkets, mismatched décor, or overcrowded surfaces can make a space feel chaotic instead of stylish. The key is to find the right balance—choosing meaningful items, arranging them intentionally, and ensuring that your space still feels open and organised.

In this post, I’ll share my best tips on how to curate and organise decorative pieces so they enhance your home rather than overwhelm it.

Why Thoughtful Display Matters

Decorating isn’t just about filling shelves or tables with objects—it’s about creating a sense of harmony and cohesion. A well-curated space feels inviting, while an overdecorated one can feel visually stressful.

Benefits of a Well-Styled Display:

✅ Adds personality and charm without clutter

✅ Helps maintain an organised, intentional look

✅ Creates a sense of balance and cohesion in your home

✅ Makes it easier to clean and maintain surfaces

Whether you’re styling open shelving, a coffee table, or a mantelpiece, keeping things intentional ensures your décor feels elevated rather than excessive.

1. Choose Meaningful, High-Impact Pieces

When it comes to decorative items, less is more. Instead of filling your home with random décor, choose a few high-quality, meaningful pieces that reflect your style and personality.

How to Choose the Right Decorative Pieces:

• Select items with personal significance – family heirlooms, travel souvenirs, or artwork that speaks to you.

• Opt for quality over quantity – one stunning vase makes more impact than five average ones.

• Incorporate natural materials – wood, stone, ceramics, and woven textures add warmth and dimension.

• Stick to a cohesive colour palette – this helps decorative items blend seamlessly into your space.

By curating rather than accumulating, your home will feel more sophisticated and intentional.

2. Use the “Rule of Three” for Styling

One of the easiest ways to create visually appealing displays is by using the Rule of Three—grouping objects in odd numbers (three, five, or seven) creates a more natural, effortless look.

How to Use the Rule of Three Effectively:

• Vary Heights: Mix tall, medium, and short objects for a dynamic arrangement.

• Combine Different Textures: Contrast smooth and rough surfaces, like a glossy vase with a woven basket.

• Play with Shapes: Pair a round bowl with a rectangular frame and an organic-shaped sculpture.

This simple rule works for coffee tables, bookshelves, sideboards, and any other decorative areas.

3. Layer for Depth Without Overcrowding

A beautifully styled surface has depth—not just a row of objects lined up next to each other. The trick is to layer items in a way that looks effortless yet intentional.

How to Create Depth in Your Displays:

• Use Backdrops: Lean artwork or large objects against the wall to create depth.

• Stack Books or Trays: Place decorative items on top of books or trays to elevate them.

• Mix Small and Large Items: A small sculpture next to a large vase adds interest without feeling cluttered.

Layering adds richness to a space, making it look like it’s been styled by a professional.

4. Leave Breathing Room for a Luxe Look

One of the biggest mistakes in decorating is overcrowding. Too many objects crammed together can make a space feel busy and unorganised. Instead, leave intentional empty spaces—this allows the eye to rest and makes each decorative piece stand out.

How to Avoid Overcrowding:

✔ Limit the number of items per surface – fewer, well-placed objects look more refined.

✔ Create “negative space” – don’t feel the need to fill every inch of a shelf or table.

✔ Step back and assess – if something feels overwhelming, remove an item and see how the space looks.

A little restraint goes a long way in making your home feel calm, sophisticated, and balanced.

5. Style Open Shelving Like a Designer

Open shelving is a fantastic way to display decorative pieces, but it can easily become a dumping ground for clutter. The key is to balance storage and aesthetics so shelves look stylish while remaining functional.

Tips for Styling Open Shelves:

• Mix Books and Objects: Alternate between books stacked horizontally and vertically, and add decorative pieces in between.

• Incorporate Storage Baskets: Use stylish baskets to hide less attractive items like cables or remote controls.

• Add Greenery: A small plant or vase of fresh flowers instantly brings a shelf to life.

• Rotate Items Seasonally: Refresh your décor by swapping out pieces throughout the year.

Well-organised shelves feel effortless yet intentional, rather than overloaded with random objects.

6. Keep Coffee Tables and Side Tables Minimalist

Coffee tables and side tables are often a hotspot for clutter—TV remotes, magazines, keys, and cups quickly pile up. But with a bit of styling, these surfaces can become focal points rather than cluttered messes.

How to Style Coffee and Side Tables:

✔ Use a Tray: A stylish tray keeps remotes, candles, and coasters contained in one place.

✔ Incorporate Different Heights: A combination of a low bowl, a medium-height book, and a tall vase creates balance.

✔ Keep It Functional: If you use the table for drinks or snacks, leave enough space for practical use.

A well-styled table is both functional and beautiful, making your living space feel more polished.

7. Rotate and Refresh Your Displays Regularly

Even the best-styled spaces need a refresh from time to time. Rotating decorative items keeps your home feeling fresh and prevents areas from becoming stale or overly busy.

How to Keep Displays Fresh:

• Change seasonal décor – swap out candles, flowers, or artwork to reflect the season.

• Rearrange items occasionally – move things around every few months to prevent monotony.

• Declutter regularly – remove anything that no longer fits your style or feels like clutter.

This approach ensures your home always feels refined, curated, and intentional.

Mastering the Art of Display

Decorating with intention can transform your home into a stylish, clutter-free sanctuary. The key is to curate, not accumulate, ensuring that every piece serves a purpose and enhances the space rather than overwhelming it.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Choose meaningful, high-impact pieces rather than collecting random décor.

✅ Use the Rule of Three for visually balanced arrangements.

✅ Layer objects to create depth and interest in displays.

✅ Leave breathing room to avoid an overcrowded, cluttered look.

✅ Style open shelving thoughtfully with books, storage, and greenery.

✅ Keep coffee and side tables minimalist and functional.

✅ Rotate and refresh displays seasonally to keep things interesting.

By applying these principles, you’ll be able to showcase your decorative pieces beautifully and intentionally, making your home feel effortlessly curated.