The One Piece of Decor 3 Designers All Recommend—And It Works Literally Anywhere

Versatile decor is a serial re-decorator’s best friend. We’re talking about those pieces that you can move from room to room and use for countless purposes. These gems breathe new life into practically any space in a home, including bathrooms and kitchens.

We asked three designers to share the one piece of versatile decor they love most, and there’s a good chance you already own more than one.

Top Answer: An Accent Chair

Two of the designers we interviewed say never to underestimate the power of even the most humble accent chair. And bonus points if it’s light enough to move between rooms by yourself.

“An accent chair is the most overlooked, yet versatile, piece in a home,” designer Rebecca Merritt says. “You can move it from your living room to your bedroom, your office, or even a spacious kitchen or bathroom if there’s room for a moment of calm. I’m constantly rotating mine when I want to shift the energy in a space without doing a full redesign.”

Merritt loves keeping accent chairs on hand to use for extra seating when she’s hosting. When not in use, they are perfect for adding a little personality to a quiet corner.

For Erin Conway, design expert at Kismet House, the shabbier the better when it comes to an accent chair. Old chairs that may not be suitable for sitting in any longer still have their purpose.

“An accent chair, which for me usually means an antique dining armchair or side chair, is a fabulous way to add function and personality,” Conway says. “I have used vintage dining chairs like side tables against a wall, stacked the seat with books, and hung art above it.”

And on a similar note, Conway also raves about the magic of adding a small stool to any space.

“A stool is my best friend, the most functional addition,” Conway says. “It can be a side table, foot stool, or accent table. High function, small footprint, endless ways to style. The best!”

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An Area Rug Is a “Multifunctional Must-Have”

A large, high-quality area rug is an investment, but it’s one that interior designer Courtney Ungaro says is well worth it. They aren’t just for adding comfort and visual interest to a space.

“I believe a good area rug is one of the best decor purchases you can make, and a multifunctional must-have,” Ungaro says. “Area rugs can define any space. A large rug is the key to opening up zones within zones, creating a visual grounding structure for any room. They’re my favorite hack for making a small space feel bigger, and for making a large open space feel more defined.”

Aside from using an area rug to create zones within a space, she also notes that they are a practical purchase since they protect your flooring from wear and tear and provide noise reduction. Not to mention, they are incredibly versatile.

“They’re super easy to change out seasonally, and different shapes, colors, sizes, and textures can be swapped from room to room,” she says.

Small-Scale Dressers Have So Many Uses

Conway gave us a bonus answer for her favorite piece of versatile decor, and it’s small-scale dressers. Her favorites are the ones with three drawers that are the perfect size for a nightstand, but they also make for great consoles, side tables, and buffets.

Plus, it’s easy to find one that matches your home’s interior style, new or second-hand.

“They come in so many styles, sizes, and finishes,” Conway says.