8 items that will add sophistication to your decor

You don't have to redecorate an entire room to give it an air of sophistication. Sometimes a single, unique item will catch the eye of the observer and give your whole decor a new air. Here are eight items that have been a staple of sophisticated decor for many years.

1. Hat Stand

You'll find old-fashioned hat stands at second hand stores, flea markets, or home stores. Display a hat stand by your door to add sophistication to your decor, making sure you hang a few colorful straw hats on it. Or place a hat stand in a corner of your kitchen and hang your apron and towels there. A hat stand in the bathroom will also look charming, where you can hang your bathrobe and towels.

2. Bird Cage

Bird cages are beautifully ornamental and sure to add sophistication to your decor. You'll find pretty bird cages online or at home stores. Hang your bird cage in a corner by a window using a lamp chain or an ornate rope sold at craft stores.

3. Umbrella Stand

Galvanized tall containers make ideal umbrella stands. Simply wrap the container with a craft store stencil and spray paint it with beautiful patterns. Then place your sophisticated stand by any door and display walking sticks, umbrellas or even rolls of beautiful wrapping paper.

4. Pitcher Vase

Craft stores sell beautiful glass water pitchers for very little money. Display tall tree or shrub branches from your garden, or flowers when in season. Place your blooming pitcher anywhere in your home to add sophistication to your decor.

5. Shawl Window Dressing

Look for cheap silk shawls online, in flea markets, or at second hand stores. Festoon your shimmering shawl over a window using simple hooks that you can screw into the wall. Or if you have a valance from a blind, simply drape your sophisticated shawl over that.

6. Chess Set

Even cheap wooden chess sets will add sophistication to your decor. Visit a gaming store for every kind of chess set from simple plastic ones to sophisticated fantasy sets. Display your chess set on a side table, up turned tall wicker basket, or a plant pedestal in your living room, bedroom or bathroom.

7. Rocking Chairs

Even cheap rocking chairs sold at unfinished wood stores will add sophistication to your decor if you paint them in bright colors, such as red, purple or blue. Add a stunning seat cushion to highlight the colors in the chair, and decorate every room in your home from the living room to the nursery.

8. Log Basket

Fire log baskets are sold at home stores, second hand stores and online. Choose a wheelbarrow basket for a whimsical look, or a sturdy wrought-iron square for a sophisticated look. Even in summer your fire log basket will decorate your hearth beautifully.

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