23 things designers ALWAYS buy for their homes

“A decorative box is a must-have in any living room, offering both elevated style and a chic storage solution for your everyday items. We’re particularly partial to Jonathan Adler’s Op Art Lacquer Box, as its classic black and white colorway makes it instantly versatile, while bold graphics add a layer of texture and interest to the space.”

–Steven Graffam, co-founder of Stivale Graffam Home

“Besides design, scent is incredibly important in setting the mood of your living room. Our signature candle, Midnight Amber, contains notes of amber, vetiver and sandalwood, which together exude a warm aroma that complements interiors and makes guests feel instantly welcome. It’s made from non-GMO plants (mainly soy and coconut), so you can light it with a clear conscience even in the presence of the people you love most.”

–Steven Graffam, co-founder of Stivale Graffam Home

“When we design a living room, the Odin Tray from Arteriors is often one of our first additions. It features bold angles, beautiful craftsmanship and a touch of modernism, making it a great choice for anyone looking to create a striking visual impact with their space.”

—John Stivale, Co-founder of Stivale Graffam Home

“How you light a room determines its success. I believe a few well-placed table lamps are key to making a living room feel cozy and inviting after the sun goes down. Cordless, rechargeable table lamps are my new obsession. They have come so much further in terms of style, material, and quality of light over the past few years. Not having to worry about hiding a cord or tripping over it is just the icing on the cake! My absolute favorites are The Hackney and Nevis by Visual Comfort.”

—Amy Sklar, founder of Amy Sklar Design

“Every sofa deserves a cozy blanket for those perfect snuggle moments, but keeping it stylish can be a challenge. That’s where the blanket basket comes in – a living room essential that combines functionality with charm. It’s the key to creating that cozy, inviting atmosphere without the clutter, adding a touch of warmth and order to your space.”

—Rebecca Ward, founder of Rebecca Ward Design

“Sculptural table lamps not only serve as a beautiful accent piece, but also enhance the lighting of a living room. Different light sources are a great way to create both atmosphere and coziness, while the materials and shape of the lamp add character and contrast to the overall design.”

—Ana Antoni, co-founder of Inside Perfect

“Vases play a crucial role in creating a focal point in style, especially when they feature bright colors and unique textures that contrast with their surroundings. We particularly favor locally-sourced or vintage vases as we value their uniqueness. These pieces offer authenticity and character, showcasing the careful craftsmanship and thoughtful techniques behind their creation.”

—Andrea Velasco, Co-founder of Inside Perfect

“Hang large-scale art on at least one wall. An oversized piece of art simply adds so much value to a living space, is a beautiful focal point above a sofa or mantel, and ties the elements of the room together.”

—Melissa Welker, founder of Melissa Lacy Design

“Original art is a must! It doesn’t have to be daunting or unaffordable. We’ve found art at flea markets, in booths at Round Top, and while window shopping at vintage stores. Sure, quality art can be a great investment, but something unique and beautiful is all you need to elevate your space.”

Annie Downing, founder of Annie Downing Interiors

“I believe decorative lighting is a must to create a cohesive feel in a living room. Remember, this is not just functional, general lighting; decorative lighting can act as a piece of art or spark conversation. I’m in love with this Gemma table lamp. It’s delicate, perfect and customizable. Gemma looks amazing on a stack of books or on a beautiful table or dresser. In real life, it’s a showstopper!”

—Miranda Cullen, Head Designer and Owner of Inside Stories

“A beautiful plant or tree should always be a basic feature of a living room. Although this room is used most of the time for relaxing and watching TV, sometimes it’s just nice to have a living being other than yourself in the room. It helps to give off an organic energy and/or take on an interesting shape that changes, making it a unique work of art.”

—Linda Hayslett, founder of LH.Designs

“Although the coffee table is the main table in most living rooms, it’s important to have other surfaces to put things on when you’re in the room. Side tables next to a long sofa or accent chairs make it easier when there are a lot of people in the room and prevent clutter on the coffee table.”

—Linda Hayslett, founder of LH.Designs

“I love a vintage game board to round out a coffee table, and these new designer upgrades from Anthropologie are a lovely finishing touch that will appeal to the whole family. Whether it’s chess, tic-tac-toe, backgammon, or any of your favorite board games, I love these beautifully designed games that turn the coffee table into more than just a place to put books or drinks. It’s valuable space, why not use it?”

–Nureed Saeed, Founder of Nu Interiors

“The must-have decorative piece in your living room is a compact cordless table lamp. These lamps offer a sophisticated, layered aesthetic and enhance the overall ambiance. The new trend of high-quality cordless and rechargeable lamps makes this lamp an instant upgrade that is both simple and stylish. With no plugs required, they contribute to a sleek, uncluttered look.”

—Ivan Pineiro, Head Designer at Pimell Interiors

“Every living room needs a throw blanket. Not only does a throw blanket add instant color and texture to your sofa, but it’s also perfect for those times when your partner insists on turning the air conditioning down to 20 degrees during the season finale of your favorite show. We love the knotted texture and the many color options available for this blanket.”

—Janelle Patton, Principal Designer at Lark Interiors

“A unique side table should be present in every living room. Fun shapes and a perfect place for your coffee or a remote control. Choose your favorite wood and add a piece that is special and timeless.”

— Kristen Peña, founder of K Interiors

“While the large pieces of furniture are incredibly important when designing a living room, it’s the smaller decorative elements that really add the finishing touches to a room. We always make sure to incorporate a beautiful vase into our clients’ living rooms, such as the Double Stretch Vase by the extremely talented ceramicist Morgan Peck. It’s fun and cool and complements almost any design style.”

–Molly Torres Portnof, Founder of DATE Interiors

“Adding warmth, softness and texture with window curtains is an essential decorating element for a living room. These curtains are a great, cost-effective alternative to custom curtains without compromising the custom look.”

—Heather Vercellino, founder and principal designer of Verce Design

“Smell is a sense that is often neglected in interior design. That’s why we ALWAYS put a candle in the living room – so that the room still smells good even when the kids leave their soccer shoes on the carpet. This scent from 1889 Wax Lighting is our current favorite.”

—Janelle Patton, Principal Designer at Lark Interiors

“Trays add layers and serve a purpose. Whether your coffee table is made of wood or a fabric ottoman, these trays give remote controls a home, protect candles or fresh flowers from damaging the tabletop, etc.”

—Sarah Hargrave, founder of The Collective Dallas