Your home is a reflection of your personality. And decorating with unique furniture creates an eclectic space that stays true to your taste over time. Instead of taking your styling cues from old-school furniture stores or premade matching bedroom sets, trust your instincts and feel free to mix and match. Your home is a canvas that lets you get in touch with your inner artist. And what artist doesn’t want to expand their palette to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece?
As it turns out, juxtaposition is one of the key principles of good interior design. Even if you lean toward a minimalist look or prefer modern furniture, adding a surprising element to your space will make it feel fresh. Incorporating unique furniture into your home decor plan is an easy way to make an impact in any room if you know how to do it right.
12 unique furniture styling ideas
Unique furniture isn’t just about unusual colors, shapes, or sizes. It’s also about placement. Who says a dining table must stay in the dining room or an outdoor side table can’t find a place inside? Embracing the unexpected is one way to make the most of your distinctive taste and add character to your living areas. While you may choose bold furniture designs to get that individual look, here are 12 ways to style furniture with a creative twist.
1. Have fun with dining chairs
Dining chairs have many uses that can turn them into a statement piece. One idea is to use a comfortable dining chair in place of an office chair. While this makes for a unique look in a home office, it’s a great hack if you have limited space and your living room doubles as an office. Beyond that, dining chairs are great for mixing and matching at your dining room table, in your entryway, with a vanity, or as an additional piece of bedroom furniture.
2. Use dining tables in unexpected ways
Dining tables aren’t just for dining rooms. For a surprising twist, consider stepping up your living room with a unique twisted round dining table. Larger, rectangular tables are an asset in any home office as well as the dining room. Instead of opting for a small desk, allow yourself to spread out with a cool, dramatic table like this chrome and black design. Dining tables can also work in larger kids’ rooms or playrooms as a space for arts and crafts.
3. Get creative with daybeds
When it comes to unique furniture, daybeds are top tier. Although they may not be as common as other pieces on the list, they’re practical and dramatic at the same time. A daybed for a kid’s or teen’s bedroom is a more sophisticated look than a simple twin bed. Bonus points: Daybeds with a trundle make for an awesome sleepover experience.
If you plan on placing a sofa against a wall in your living room, a daybed with fluffy throw pillows is a quirky alternative that complements a more bohemian style. Daybeds are also the perfect choice for sunrooms and wide entryways. Style it with a stunning pendant light and lots of plants — and unique plant stands — for a relaxing, natural vibe.
4. Opt for armoires and storage cabinets
No closets? No problem. Add classic charm with these underrated storage space rock stars that act as a mobile closet replacement in any space, from the bedroom to the entryway. Armoires and storage cabinets also offer a creative way to expand your pantry and counter space when used in the dining room.
In the living room, they’re statement pieces that can hide clutter like toys or bed linens. You can even turn a home office into a welcoming guest space with an air mattress and armoire.
Because armoires and cabinets aren’t as common as other furniture pieces, they make a stylishly surprising focal point. Depending on which type you choose, you can up the ante by placing decor and artwork on top.
5. Step up your style with a chaise lounge
Chaise lounges automatically add oomph to any design. You don’t have to work too hard to style these standout pieces because the room will naturally flow around them.
As a piece of living room furniture, chaises are a modern way to create a custom sectional. Finding a lounge with a complementary shape and upholstery to a loveseat creates a sectional sofa without the bulk.
While chaise lounges are a funky way to add more seating, they’re not limited to the living area alone. They make a perfect accent chair in a home office or underneath a window in the bedroom or entryway.
6. Boost visual appeal with bookcases and shelving
While the humble bookshelf may seem commonplace, it’s all about the placement and styling. Bookshelves and bookcases can make a larger closet feel like a custom build without the price tag. Throw in a pouf and you’ll feel like you’re getting dressed in a boutique every morning.
Shelves of all kinds are an essential piece of bedroom furniture. Use open shelving above your bed frame instead of a headboard for a way to individualize the space. A small shelf can also be used as a replacement for an end table or nightstand. Finally, if you don’t like the dresser that goes with the rest of your bedroom set, opt for a bookshelf instead.
Outside the bedroom, bookcases are a great way to display gorgeous dinnerware in the dining room or store shoes in an entryway.
7. Bring outdoor furniture inside
Outdoor furniture is the unsung hero of any busy household. It’s often more durable than indoor furniture, so it’s perfect for high-traffic areas like the living room or entryway. There are also outdoor tables that blend in perfectly in the dining room. The materials are usually water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about spills.
8. Get creative with bar stools
There are plenty of funky bar stools that are unique in their own right. But the right stools can double as end tables in the living room or as a side table in the bedroom or next to accent chairs in the living room. This novel approach not only adds visual interest, but it adds extra seating for any space.
Although bar stools may be used in the kitchen, they aren’t often thought of as dining room furniture. If the stool is low enough, add it into a mix-and-match set of chairs around your dining table for an eclectic, DIY approach to seating.
9. Add character with console tables or TV stands
The long and slender shape of consoles and TV stands makes them a stylish workhorse for almost any space. They often have more storage space than traditional entryway tables, but work just as well.
Console tables also make quirky coffee bars in the dining room. In a home office, it’s a distinctive way to store files and keep equipment like printers handy on top. The rectangular shape also allows TV stands to work as bedroom furniture. Find a chic wall mirror to hang above it for a customized dresser replacement.
10. Make a major impact with coffee tables
One of the best ways to experiment with modern furniture is with a trendy coffee table. Changing out a coffee table is less of a commitment than replacing large, cumbersome furniture like sofas or sectionals.
For a fresh and polished look, try an acrylic coffee table topped with coffee table books and fresh flowers. Despite the transparent material, it’s a modern design choice that no one can look past.
You don’t have to completely overhaul your living room in a modern style, but switching out a small element like a coffee table will make sure your space never feels stale.
11. Have fun with accent chairs
Similar to coffee tables, accent chairs are a low-commitment way to add a piece of unique furniture and see if it’s for you. Place one or two in your living room instead of a loveseat. Or create a special section in a bedroom and place an accent chair or two with wall art and a small side table.
You can apply the same approach in an entryway or home office for a space that almost feels like its own room. Intentionally designing around an accent chair will ensure it’s cohesive with the rest of the furniture.
12. Light the way with floor lamps and table lamps
Lighting can change the mood of any room. Simple plug-in floor lamps and table lamps are no exception. One bold design move is to use a floor lamp next to your bed instead of a traditional nightstand. You can also put a table lamp on the living room mantel for a unique lighting option.
Don’t forget about the dining room. If your dining table is next to a wall, put a small table lamp in the corner as a practical centerpiece. Lastly, a dramatic floor lamp can light up an entryway while acting as a design focal point. Place it in a corner to ensure accessibility and the right amount of floor space for foot traffic.
Enjoy a home that’s truly “you”
Although finding unique furniture is a fun part of changing up your home decor, the way you place your pieces is key to achieving a truly individual look. From daybeds and armoires to consoles and accent chairs, using classic pieces in a unique way can add lots of character to your home. Browse more room ideas from Coaster for more inspiration on creating a space you love.
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