The art of arranging accessories

We’re constantly inspired by the pictures you send us of Shimu furniture in your homes. This week I wanted to write about the ways you can personalise a piece with carefully-chosen and beautifully arranged accessories, which is something I see all the time in your real-life images.

Here are my top tips for arranging accessories…

1) USE ART AS A BACKDROP

Complement a tabletop of accessories with a dramatic painting or carved screen. Don’t hang the art too high in order to create a visual connection between the items. Allow some of the accessories on the tabletop to overlap the artwork, helping art and accessories appear as a single unit.

2) STACK UP BOOKS TO GIVE A LIFT

A great tip is to use books as colourful pedestals to give framed photos and other treasured objects a lift. Alternating horizontal and vertical stacks of books add interest. Try the same idea on any shelf. (Photo and tip from Better Homes and Gardens).

3) GO GRAPHIC

Fill the small space on a side table with a few carefully-chosen pieces with visual impact. Vary their size and shape to add interest. Here, our dramatic Miao headdress is a sculptural focal point next to a ceramic vase, antique calligraphy brushes and candles.

4) PILE UP THE CUSHIONS

A popular trick with interior designers is to pile up mismatched cushions in clashing colours to create a lush, voluptuous effect. This image from Houzz perfectly demonstrates this accessories tip. You can get a great range of cushions from Shimu, including sequinned, beaded and embroidered styles which are perfect for piling up!