We’ve all been there—drawn to a pretty homeware piece that looks great in the store… only to have it sit untouched on a shelf, slowly gathering dust. So what’s the difference between clutter and character? The secret lies in choosing homewares with purpose, personality, and presence.

Here’s how to pick homewares that truly add to your space—not just collect dust.

Select Items you’ll actually use

Function is key. Before buying a homeware, ask yourself “Will I use this regularly?”.

If not, it needs to serve a strong purpose or it will be forgotten.

Examples:

• A beautiful ceramic fruit bowl that actually holds fruit
• A decorative tray you use for your keys or candles
• A stylish clock that fits the room and actually tells the time

When form meets function, your homewares become a part of everyday life, not just a shelf filler.

Meaning over Mass produced

Skip generic pieces that don’t have soul. Instead choose:

• Handmade items
• Travel souvenirs
• Vintage finds
• Heirlooms
• Pieces that reflect your taste or culture

Homewares like this will spark conversation, carry stories, and reflect you.

Multi-Purpose

The best homewares earn their place in more than one way. Select homeware pieces that are:

• Decorative and practical
• Easy to move
• Easy to restyle
• Suits more than one room

For example, a woven basket more store throws in the lounge today and become a plant holder in the entryway tomorrow. Flexibility like this allows your homewares to always be in rotation and put to use.

Texture, not just trinkets

You don’t want to clutter your shelves with tine things that just add visual noise. Instead, you want to bring interest through texture and contrast:

• A chunky knit throw
• A raw edge timber bowl
• A hand glazed ceramic vase
• A linen table runner

These add style and warmth without requiring “filler” objects that tend to get ignored and dusty.

Don’t collect. Curate instead

Be intentional with your choices in homewares. You don’t need more stuff, you need the right stuff. Try rotating your décor seasonally or refreshing surfaces with a simple swap. Less is more when each piece is curated to add beauty, comfort, or joy.

Homewares should be an enhancement to the home, not something that just fades into the background. Choosing your pieces with purpose, meaning, and texture allows you to create a space that is stylish, and truly loved and lived in.