Transforming a room is more than just making it cozy and stylish. Your furniture is important and serves as the setting for the room’s aesthetic and purpose—sure. But, the beauty truly lies in the details, and the story of your space comes to life with layering. At first glance, it might just seem like piling decorative pillows and throw blankets but when applied artfully, items grouped together can paint a bigger picture, adding richness and identity—essentially, an extension of you. You might know the basics of layering, but here are some tips for taking it to the next level.

Introduction to Layering

You know layering when you see it—it’s the interior design technique that can take your room from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s all about adding depth, texture, and personality to your living spaces.
You’ve carefully chosen your color palette. You’ve selected and arranged your furniture to your liking. Now you’re ready to put layering in action.

Wall Art and Decor

Blank walls are missed opportunities in room decoration. Hang artwork, mirrors, or decorative wall shelves to add interest to vertical spaces.
When selecting wall art, consider the room’s color palette and style. For a modern living room with neutral tones, large abstract art pieces can create a bold statement. In a more traditional setting, ornate mirrors and framed artwork may be more appropriate.

1. Gallery Wall

Create a gallery wall filled with a mix of framed artwork, photographs, and other decorative elements. To maintain cohesion, choose a unifying theme, such as a color scheme or a specific subject matter. Arrange the frames in an asymmetrical pattern for an eclectic and visually engaging look.

2. Mirrors<

Mirrors are functional and fantastic decorative pieces. They reflect light and create an illusion of space, making your room feel larger and brighter. Consider going for decorative mirrors with ornate frames for an elegant, vintage, or gothic vibe, or choose minimalist designs for a modern, sleek look.

3. Floating Shelves

Floating shelves offer both storage and decor opportunities. Use them to display a curated selection of books, collectibles, or decorative items. Consider varying the shelf lengths and heights to add visual interest and depth to your wall.

5. Textile Art

Textile art, such as woven tapestries and fabric wall hangings, can add a cozy and tactile dimension to your room. These pieces introduce texture and warmth, making them ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, or any space where comfort is a priority.

6. DIY Wall Art

Express your creativity by crafting your wall art. Create a series of abstract paintings, frame vintage postcards, or design a collage of your favorite travel photos. DIY wall art not only adds a personal touch but can also be a conversation starter when guests visit.

7. Wall Clocks

I’m not sure what it is about clocks that add a sense of mystery and enchantment to a room regardless if it’s vintage or modern. An eclectic approach? Dressing a wall with multiple types of clocks. It would give an industrial space a steampunk aesthetic, or give a contemporary space a more worldy feel if you had different time zones.

8. Wall Sconces

Wall sconces are useful because they provide additional lighting and serve as effortless decorative accents. You could highlight art with sleek, modern sconces, add intrigue with traditional-looking candle lights, or light up a bland hallway or staircase with LED variations.

9. Seasonal Decor

Change your wall decor with the seasons to keep your room feeling fresh and dynamic. For example, during the holidays, hang festive wreaths, garlands, or seasonal artwork. For spring, add fresh flowers and swap out heavy curtains for lighter linen ones.

Greenery and Other Accessories

When you’re adding to your walls, do don’t have to limit yourself to hanging things up. A floor-length mirror placed against a wall framed by artwork can add a dreamy, whimsical element. If you want to breathe more life and nature into your room, you could place a tall potted plant in a corner to add height. Wooden furniture pieces, such as a reclaimed wood coffee table or a live-edge dining table, can introduce warmth and a connection to nature.