Interior Styling Made Easy: My 5 Must-Know Decorating Tips
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If you’ve ever scrolled Pinterest and wondered why your home doesn’t quite look or feel like the spaces you save, you’re not alone.
I’ve been there too, and after plenty of trial and error, I’ve learned a few simple things that can completely shift how a room feels, taking it from almost there to effortlessly pulled together.
Below, I’m sharing the styling principles I’ve come to rely on, and the thoughtful details that have made the biggest difference in how my home feels.
Get the Scale and Proportion Right for a Balanced Room Design.
Understanding scale and proportion in interior design can make all the difference when selecting furniture and decorative accents that truly work in your space. It’s one of the simplest ways to create a balanced, intentional, and well-styled home.
Understanding Scale and Proportion.
Scale is about how a piece relates to the overall space around it. It’s what keeps a room from feeling cramped or empty. When something is too large, it can overwhelm the room; when it’s too small, it can feel insignificant. Scale helps you choose furniture and decor that feel like they truly belong in the space.
Proportion is about how pieces work together in a room. It’s the mix of heights, widths, and shapes that helps everything feel balanced. Even if each piece fits the space on its own, the room can still feel off when the proportions between pieces aren’t considered.
General Guidelines for scale and proportion.
Furniture to Room Ratio: As a general rule, aim for your large, main furniture pieces (e.g., sofa or bed) to fill about 2/3 to 3/4 of the wall they sit on.
Artwork/Mirrors to Furniture Ratio: Choose art or mirrors that are roughly 1/2 to 2/3 the width of the furniture beneath them.
Ceiling Height: Lower ceilings work best with low-profile furniture to keep the space feeling open, while taller ceilings (taller than 8 feet) can support larger, taller pieces.
Furniture and Walkways: Give your furniture a little breathing room by leaving around 3 feet for main walkways. It’s a simple way to keep your space feeling comfortable and easy to move through.
→ My key takeaway: Scale and proportion work hand in hand. Choose pieces that feel right for the size of the space and balanced in relation to one another.
Use Placement and Positioning to Create Visual Balance and Depth.
For years, I decorated surfaces the way many of us naturally do—looking straight on, centering wall decor above a piece of furniture like a console table, and placing objects at each end, angled inward toward the center.
It’s a common approach, and it’s not necessarily wrong, but over time I realized it just felt a little flat. Now, I tend to “square off” my decor on furniture surfaces and mantels—placing pieces parallel to the front edge instead of angling them toward the center. It’s a small adjustment that instantly makes a space feel cleaner and more refined.
Additionally, instead of spacing decor out evenly in a straight line (or placing a single piece at each end like I mentioned above), try grouping items together. Create depth by pulling some pieces forward, tucking others slightly behind, or elevating a few pieces on books or decorative boxes. In general, odd numbers tend to feel more visually balanced—but as you’ll see in my own styling, it’s not a rule you always have to follow. Small adjustments like these make a space feel more intentional and thoughtfully designed.
→ My key takeaway: Group decor pieces instead of spacing them evenly, vary height and depth for interest, and use small adjustments to make your styling feel more intentional.
Create Layers And Interest by Using A Variety of Vintage And Antique Accents.
I love the cozy feel that layering brings to a space. There are so many ways to add layers—rugs, throw pillows, and curtains, for example, can add soft texture and warmth. But layering isn’t just about textiles. The same idea applies to the decorative accents you choose to style with throughout your home.
Incorporating a mix of different types of vintage and antique decor (e.g., art, books, sculptural accents, pottery, or even old games) can also create a beautifully collected and layered feel in a home. These character-rich pieces add depth, charm, and personality, creating layers of interest and visual warmth.
→ My key takeaway: Collected over decorated, always. Layer your space with a mix of vintage and antique accents to bring depth, interest, and timeless character.
Shop Our Full Collection Of Vintage And Antique Home Decor
Bring Life to Any Room with Florals, Stems, and Organic Elements.
Greenery in some form is essential to a well-styled home. From real potted plants to a few thoughtfully chosen stems, natural elements bring movement, softness, and life to any space.
I love using florals and greenery to soften edges, add subtle color, and create a more organic feel. No matter your style, incorporating even a small touch of greenery can make a big impact.
→ My key takeaway: Florals and stems add life and softness to a space, making it feel complete and inviting.
More helpful resources about Styling with florals And stems ↓
Pay Attention to Lighting for a Warm, Inviting Atmosphere.
Lighting can completely change the way a room feels. Even a beautifully styled space can fall flat if the lighting is too harsh or too dim. Instead of relying on a single overhead light, try layering different sources (e.g., table lamps, sconces, picture lights, or even a few candles) to create a warm, inviting glow that feels cozy and balanced.
→ My key takeaway: Layer your lighting. Use a mix of lamps, sconces, and candles to create warmth, depth, and an inviting glow that brings your space to life.
Shop our vintage And Antique lighting
Ready to take your space even further? Keep reading for more timeless styling tips and inspiration.
MORE INTERIOR STYLING TIPS →
Hi, I’m Casey, founder of Refuge Interiors, where I combine my lifelong love of decorating and design with a passion for sourcing vintage and antique treasures to create classic, collected interiors that feel warm, inviting, and beautifully lived in.
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