5 Timeless Pieces Every Home Should Have
Invest in any or all of these classic items and you'll be guaranteed enduring elegance for your interiors
Louise O'Bryan
23 June 2016
Houzz Contributor with over 15 years as an interiors writer, stylist and content producer for digital and print media. Specialising in house tours, room renovations and decorating solutions, my previous clients include Inside Out (Aus), Ideal Home, The Times weekend supplement and Sainsbury's magazine. I never tire from the thrill of discovering a jaw-dropping, inspirational home to feature and having an insight into other people's spaces. Call me curious or just nosey!
Houzz Contributor with over 15 years as an interiors writer, stylist and content... More
Form a lifelong bond with some classic pieces of furniture and you’ll ensure your home has a timeless look no matter what the current interior trend is. By investing in these five key items you’ll anchor a smart and elegant interior tone right from the outset, giving you free reign with the rest of the styling details so you can hone your home’s look through accessories.
Whatever interior vibe you’re channelling, you’ll never fall out of love with these firm friends – they’ll move with you from property to property and ensure your home looks eternally good. They are definitely keepers!
Whatever interior vibe you’re channelling, you’ll never fall out of love with these firm friends – they’ll move with you from property to property and ensure your home looks eternally good. They are definitely keepers!
1. A sumptuous sofa
Your sofa is the star of your living room, so getting it right is vital. Whatever your style or colour choice, opt for a design that’s chic and elegant so it fits in effortlessly whatever the room scheme. A chesterfield is a classic choice with lifelong appeal, but there are plenty of other less expensive options to create a smart, grown-up look that will last.
Your sofa is the star of your living room, so getting it right is vital. Whatever your style or colour choice, opt for a design that’s chic and elegant so it fits in effortlessly whatever the room scheme. A chesterfield is a classic choice with lifelong appeal, but there are plenty of other less expensive options to create a smart, grown-up look that will last.
Leather sofas, for example, are beautifully versatile and work with everything from contemporary to country-style living spaces. Their classic good looks ensure they’re never in or out of fashion, and they’re perfect for family homes that need a practical option to stand the test of time. To find a leather sofa that captures a timeless essence, look out for sleek lines and elegant legs.
If choosing an upholstered sofa, stick to a neutral colour, such as grey, and you’ll have a versatile sofa that will slot into almost any style of space.
A buyer’s guide to ‘the sofa’
A buyer’s guide to ‘the sofa’
A neutral base also allows you to change up your look with colourful cushions or a new rug, while retaining a classic undertone.
2. A mid-century piece
Retro pieces have made a huge comeback, but seek out genuine pieces rather than replicas for an authentic, classic look. Hunt down a striking walnut dresser, or maybe a tapered-leg dining table, and you’ll bring a sense of history to your home. The elegant and sophisticated styling of mid-century pieces will ensure your home always looks fresh and up to date.
Retro pieces have made a huge comeback, but seek out genuine pieces rather than replicas for an authentic, classic look. Hunt down a striking walnut dresser, or maybe a tapered-leg dining table, and you’ll bring a sense of history to your home. The elegant and sophisticated styling of mid-century pieces will ensure your home always looks fresh and up to date.
If you are lucky to find an iconic statement piece, think of it as an investment that can be passed down to become a family heirloom.
Get inspiration from more mid-century interiors
Get inspiration from more mid-century interiors
3. A statement armchair
There’s nothing more welcoming than a cosy, sink-into-me armchair. Look out for a shapely, good-looking design that will make a bold statement in a corner of the room. Whether it’s a traditional wingback or a slimline, modern design, it will be a staple addition to any home. Armchairs can be slotted into just about any room if you should move house, and will become an old friend that you can retreat to with a good book.
There’s nothing more welcoming than a cosy, sink-into-me armchair. Look out for a shapely, good-looking design that will make a bold statement in a corner of the room. Whether it’s a traditional wingback or a slimline, modern design, it will be a staple addition to any home. Armchairs can be slotted into just about any room if you should move house, and will become an old friend that you can retreat to with a good book.
The beauty of having independent armchairs is their versatility. They’ll work in almost any space, from the kitchen to the bedroom – or even the bathroom – and they also live in harmony with their opposites. For example, you can happily marry a contemporary armchair with a rustic, leather chesterfield, or team a wooden rocking chair with a sleek designer couch. The look will be eclectic and confident.
Splashing out on a designer chair that has a big presence will give your home a timeless quality.
4. A beautiful table lamp
Lighting is crucial when it comes to creating a welcoming and homey feel, and table lamps play a big role in controlling a room’s ambience. Look out for beautifully elegant lamps with a shapely base, in classic finishes such as silver or glass. Then team it with a neutral shade to create balance and a sense of calm.
Lighting is crucial when it comes to creating a welcoming and homey feel, and table lamps play a big role in controlling a room’s ambience. Look out for beautifully elegant lamps with a shapely base, in classic finishes such as silver or glass. Then team it with a neutral shade to create balance and a sense of calm.
A stand-out table lamp can be the inspiration for an interior scheme, setting the colour theme or style.
5. A big, bold rug
Rugs are an art form in and of themselves, bringing buckets of character and personality to any space – perfect for those of us who have a fear of adding colour to our walls. They’re also a brilliant decorating device for defining areas, especially in open-plan living spaces. So be brave and invest in a beautiful rug that packs a design punch.
Browse colourful living room rugs
Rugs are an art form in and of themselves, bringing buckets of character and personality to any space – perfect for those of us who have a fear of adding colour to our walls. They’re also a brilliant decorating device for defining areas, especially in open-plan living spaces. So be brave and invest in a beautiful rug that packs a design punch.
Browse colourful living room rugs
Graphic patterns have a classic feel that will complement both modern and traditional room schemes. Stick to a simple palette of just a few colours to create a versatile base that will work with many looks.
Whether it’s real or faux, an animal hide rug might not be on everyone’s wish list but it’s a piece that is recognised as an ever-lasting style icon, and it works in many different interiors, from lofty warehouses to period terraces.
TELL US
Which of these timeless pieces have you invested in? Tell us in the Comments below.
MORE
The Secret Staples of a Timeless Living Room
Browse More Decorating Ideas
Must-Know Chair: The Chesterfield
TELL US
Which of these timeless pieces have you invested in? Tell us in the Comments below.
MORE
The Secret Staples of a Timeless Living Room
Browse More Decorating Ideas
Must-Know Chair: The Chesterfield
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Really the cowhide? I don't think so!!
Snaffled my sofa secondhand online with matching armchair; inherited my rug! Table lamp to come - thought I'd got one but it turned out to more average than classic. Mid-century piece? Hmm . . . not so convinced - but I'll keep an open mind!
Lordy! I have multiples of all those mentioned, and mirrors, clocks (grandfather, mantle, wall) and beautiful Art!
Just in that pic I have my statement rug, 2 statement armchairs a clock and a big beautiful pice of modern art.. (Im sitting on my comfy sofa taking that pic looking over at beautiful lamps & a mid century piece!) I love interiors!
My friends always make jokes that maybe it's time for me to buy another clock or lamp, seeing as I have some in storage as I don't have enough room for it all. But I think it's nice to change things around every now and then! Lol