Decorating Staples You Should Always Have on Hand

Save money and refresh your home with ease by creating a decorating wardrobe capsule filled with timeless home decorating staples.

Tired of spending money every time you want a new look in your home? What you need is a decorating wardrobe capsule! Think of it as your go-to collection of home decorating staples that will never go out of style.

You may have heard of a wardrobe capsule for your closet—it’s a concept that started in the ’70s and is all about building a timeless clothing collection made up of classic, versatile pieces that mix and match well. You can always add in new or seasonal items, but your core stays the same.

I believe the same idea should apply to decorating your home. Having a capsule of decorating essentials makes it easy to refresh your space without always starting from scratch.

These are the pieces you’ll reach for again and again—classic, not trendy—so you can mix things up or layer in seasonal touches without breaking the bank.

Whether I’m updating my home for a new season, a holiday, or simply because I’m ready for something different (which happens often around here at Worthing Court), I love being able to shop my own stash.

There’s so much more satisfaction in reusing what I already have than running out to buy something new every time the mood strikes.

So, what should be in your decorating wardrobe capsule? Here’s the list of home decorating staples I always keep on hand—and I think you should, too.

CRATES, BOXES, BASKETS AND TRAYS

These are the unsung heroes of home decorating! Whether I’m styling a countertop, a shelf, or a tabletop vignette, I always find myself reaching for a tray, box, or basket. They’re the perfect way to corral smaller items so the whole arrangement looks intentional instead of cluttered.

Just take a look at the little tray in this photo. It’s doing all the heavy lifting—grounding a collection of everyday items and turning them into a charming display. Without the tray, everything might look a bit lost or scattered. But with it, the lamp, mugs, and little containers feel connected and curated.

I also love using baskets and trays as backdrops when decorating shelves or open spaces. They add depth and help anchor your décor.

If you’ve ever struggled to make a shelf look finished, try layering in a crate, a wooden box, or even a woven basket behind your other items. It makes a world of difference and helps everything stand out.

If you’re looking for a simple and affordable way to add texture and charm to your home decorating, wall baskets should be in your staple collection.

Just take a look at the round basket above the bed in this photo. It adds visual interest, balances out the space between the two windows, and gives the entire room a soft, natural touch without stealing the spotlight.

Woven accents like this work in just about any room—from bedrooms and living rooms to entryways and even bathrooms.

They’re lightweight, easy to hang, and come in so many shapes and sizes that it’s easy to find one that works with your style. I love how they can fill a blank wall or be layered with art or mirrors for that collected look.

And the best part? Baskets are timeless. They bring warmth and character to a room without feeling trendy. You can hang them solo, in pairs, or even as part of a larger gallery wall.

When it comes to trays, I love keeping a few different sizes, shapes, and finishes in my decorating capsule. A metallic tray adds a bit of glam, while a woven or wooden one brings in warmth and texture.

They’re perfect for layering with seasonal pieces or corralling everyday items like candles and coasters.

And don’t be afraid to use trays beyond the obvious! Stack one on a bench or ottoman, use one on a bathroom vanity, or even hang one on the wall. They’re so flexible and can be used in every room of the house.

OLD BOOKS

I hoard old books and use them everywhere!  I’m very picky about which old books I hoard though.  I typically look for books with pretty covers and spines.  My favorite trick for using books is to add height to lamps, vases, containers – you name it.

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Architectural Elements

There’s just something special about adding a touch of architectural charm to your home decorating—and pieces like shutters, old windows, and bifold doors are some of my favorite go-to staples.

If I ever come across them at a great price, I scoop them up because they’re so versatile and timeless.

In this photo, take a look at the black grid piece hanging on the porch. It’s simple, but it makes a big impact! It acts almost like artwork, breaking up the wide-open view and adding visual interest without blocking the light or that beautiful outdoor scenery.

Without it, the space wouldn’t feel quite as finished or cozy.

COZY AND INVITING PORCH DECORATING IDEAS

Pieces like this scrollwork are perfect as backdrops for furniture, layered behind other décor, or even hung on a wall all on their own.

I’ve propped them behind buffets, used them to fill a blank spot on a porch, or added hooks to turn them into functional displays.

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They add texture, character, and that little something extra that makes your space feel styled instead of just decorated.

LANTERNS

Lanterns are super easy to fit into your decor!  I believe there’s a style for every taste and budget out there.  Did you catch my previous post about the many ways you can decorate with lanterns?  It’s full of lots of tips and ideas!

CANDLESTICKS

Candlesticks are one of those decorating staples that work just about anywhere—and I always keep a mix of styles and sizes in my decorating wardrobe capsule. They’re perfect for adding height, balance, and a little bit of elegance to a space without much effort at all.

In this photo, the white sculptural candlesticks flanking the blue and white plate help create a beautiful, symmetrical arrangement that draws your eye right to the centerpiece.

Even without candles in them, they act as decorative objects that give the whole display polish and presence.

I especially love chunky candlesticks (the bigger the better!), but I also keep crystal, silver, wood, and ceramic ones on hand. They’re easy to tuck into a vignette, use on a dining table, or layer onto a mantel.

And let’s be honest—I never pay full price if I can help it. Thrift stores, yard sales, and clearance aisles are my favorite places to pick them up.

They’re one of the easiest ways to add instant charm to your home decorating—classic, timeless, and always in style.

DISHES AND SERVEWARE

I love, love, love decorating with dishes! There’s just something about the mix of color, pattern, and shape that makes any space feel charming and collected. In fact, dishes are one of the first things I reach for when I want to add personality to a room.

Just look at how I’ve used them in this photo—layered on the wall, stacked on the shelves, and paired with other classic pieces. The mix of green, blue, and white dishes adds a fresh, cheerful touch that works in any season.

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My everyday dishes are white (Mikasa Italian Countryside is my go-to), which gives me the perfect neutral base. Then I sprinkle in a few colorful or seasonal pieces to switch things up.

It keeps things fun without feeling like I have to reinvent the wheel every time the seasons change.

And here’s a little tip: some of my favorite dishes for decorating have come straight from the dollar store! You’d never know it by looking at them. I’ve also found great options at thrift stores, yard sales, and clearance sections.

WREATHS

Oh, how I love wreaths! They’re one of the easiest ways to add charm and personality to your home—inside or out. I have them sprinkled all throughout my house, and if I’m being honest, it’s hard not to go overboard. They’re just so versatile and welcoming!

You can see how a simple green wreath instantly dresses up my front door. Paired with a colorful bow that ties into the flowers below, it sets the tone for the whole entryway. It’s cheerful, classic, and easy to swap out with the seasons.

I keep several staple wreaths in my decorating wardrobe capsule—boxwood, magnolia, grapevine, and even a few neutral ones I can dress up with ribbons or small embellishments. That way, I always have one ready to go, no matter the time of year or occasion.

And wreaths aren’t just for doors! I hang them on mirrors, windows, cabinet fronts, and even over artwork. They’re one of those go-to items that always work and always bring a little life to a space.

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When I’m out shopping—whether it’s at a thrift store, a big-box retailer, or even a yard sale—I’m always on the lookout for a great price on pieces I know I’ll be able to use again and again.

Having a decorating stash filled with tried-and-true classics makes seasonal decorating easier, everyday styling more fun, and gives me the freedom to get creative without breaking the bank. It’s one of the best ways I’ve found to keep my home feeling fresh and pulled together all year long.

How about you—do you have favorite decorating staples that you reach for time and time again? I’d love to hear what’s always in your stash!