Not sure which decor to use to accessorize a coffee table? Stuck on how to style an end table or nightstand? The possibilities are endless, and there are no hard and fast rules, but the goal is to always keep basic design principles in mind while using accessories as tools to express the homeowner’s style (redesign) or to freshen up and neutralize the room (staging). Use these tips to find decor to accessorize any coffee table, end table, or nightstand for your home staging or redesign project:
- Use groupings in odd numbers (three to five pieces is ideal).
- Vary the heights of items used (small, medium, and large) to keep the eye moving. A popular staging trick is using a small stack of books to add extra height to an accessory!
- Incorporate organic elements (plants, branches, sea shells, flowers, wooden bowls) to bring the outside in.
- Layer your accessories. It’s okay to let a lamp cover a portion of the artwork or to layer art elements.

Accessorizing for Staging vs. Redesign
For staging: Choose neutral decor for the coffee table, end table, or nightstand that updates any setting without showcasing a hobby or profiling the owner (while your home is on the market is not the time to display your collection of sports memorabilia or unicorn figurines).
For redesign: If you’re not planning to sell your home soon, then room design is all about you and surrounding yourself with the things you love (now you can bring out that collection)! Use unique pieces that add character, such as something purchased from a trip, and group items around it.
Some of Our Favorite Accessories
We’ve compiled a FREE design board and a clickable shopping list of some of our most frequently recommended products for DIY home staging accessories, from pretty lamps and trays to realistic-looking faux botanicals — all available with one click from Amazon. Use it as inspiration to shop for your own coffee table, end table, or nightstand decor… or you can order directly from the list with just one click!

Just click below to visit our Library of Freebies and download both the e-design board and clickable shopping list now!
Need a Little Re-Design Help?
Three Bears offers more than just home staging. With our e-design services, we can professionally design your room with furniture and decor from well-known brands that you can buy online and have delivered right to your door! Click below to take a look at our e-design services.
Planning to Sell Your Home Soon?
Helping homeowners prepare for a faster more profitable sale is our specialty! Take a look below at some of the ways we’re helping home sellers all over the country…

Book an Online Consultation
We specialize in positive and empowering virtual home staging consultations! Our practical, no-nonsense advice helps homeowners sell more quickly and for more money.

Enroll in Our Online Courses
Our online courses are designed with you, the DIY homeowner, in mind. From home staging to paint color selection, we break down the process for you from start to finish!

Read Our Book
In this brand new third edition of her popular book, Just Right! Easy DIY Home Staging, professional home stager Vannessa Rhoades walks you through the step-by-step process of staging your home for a faster, more profitable sale. Available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions!