Want to turn mediocre schemes into ones with impact and interest? The easiest way to do this is with a statement piece. Note the use of the singular here: no room needs more than one statement piece at a time – introduce more and this fabulous focal point will fight for attention and its impact will be diminished.
The good news is that this can make introducing a statement piece easier – all you have to do is pick a fantastic find for any space to ensure your interior design is as good as a pro.
10 ways to introduce a statement piece
As you will see below, a statement piece can be anything from a fixture like a sculptural bathtub to a simple piece of furniture or even a colour. The trick is to make it stand out from the rest of the scheme – H&GDecorating Editor Emma Thomas offers her expertise.
1. Hang a sculptural chandelier to create a special occasion
(Photo credit: Jon Day/ Claudia Bryant)
Dining room lighting ideas, like an eye-catching chandelier like this one, are sure to be the talking point at any dinner party. Such an eye-catching, eye-catching design not only tells a story, it captures our attention and arouses curiosity.
Here is this stunning sculptural piece from Vaughan Designs (opens in new tab) takes center stage with elegance and lightness. The chalk white finish contrasts against the muted light gray walls, a delicate yet imposing focal point for a dining room.
And it has been perfectly paired with a generous, understated light wood round dining table and slender chairs, making the chandelier the star of the show.
A bold pop of red on the vibrant carpet, artwork and candlesticks helps bring the monochromatic color scheme to life
2. Make a stunning entryway with bold abstract artwork
(Image credit: Jon Day / Claudia Bryant)
If you’re looking for a statement piece to enhance your hallway ideas, art work is the way to go. Vibrant graphic framed prints from Formwork Studios (opens in new tab)hung side-by-side above a whimsical bespoke metal console create a striking visual impact.
The room’s muted monochrome palette lets the colorful prints make a statement. Shapley’s lustrous glass and marble accessories further enhance the ensemble and together form a very stylish entrance hall.
(Image credit: Jon Day / Claudia Bryant)
Adding a statement piece to your living room ideas can be as simple as laying a rug. This monochromatic deep pile rug from Riviere Rugs is generous in size and pattern (opens in new tab) makes a bold statement for any room.
Combine such a big, bold and graphic design with simple lines and calm tones so as not to overwhelm a room. The tone of the wooden cabinet here helps bring warmth to the monochromatic scheme, as does the armchair’s rich pink velvet.
4. Find a living sofa as a centerpiece in the living room
(Image credit: Jon Day / Claudia Bryant)
If you’re looking for the best couch for your living room, think: sculptural shape. Here is a voluptuously curved red velvet sofa by The Conran Shop (opens in new tab) takes center stage and makes a true statement.
This star of the show is softened by sleek monochrome furniture and subtle geometric curtains. A large abstract pile carpet in soft pink loosens up the overall picture and forms a pleasant contrast to the lively red.
5. Invest in a high upholstered headboard for a luxurious bedroom
(Image credit: Jon Day / Claudia Bryant)
Like an oh-so-chic hotel room, there’s nothing more alluring than a tall, oversized, upholstered headboard, like this one by Ensemblier London (opens in new tab). Crafted from pretty pink linen, this style features elegant sweetheart curves with contrasting piping for an elegant finish.
Headboard ideas like this need to be combined with simple furniture. Here is a beautiful and unexpected sculptural side table by Gallotti & Radice (opens in new tab), a work of art in itself, takes its place as a wonderful bedside piece. The dark blued brass discs provide a counterpoint to the soft, pale curves of the bespoke headboard.
A soft, muted palette keeps the space feeling calm, but a striped rug is a great way to introduce pattern, and throw pillows are an ideal way to bring in more color.
6. Use an oversized mirror to increase the sense of space
(Image credit: Jon Day / Claudia Bryant)
Decorating with mirrors can brighten and optically enlarge any small or dark space, but the mirror itself can make a statement.
The ideal addition to a dressing area, such a large mirror not only feels luxurious, such a decorative piece lends a sense of grandeur.
This large 1940’s inspired decorative red gesso mirror by Julian Chichester (opens in new tab) is sure to make a statement in this elegant and intimate dressing nook. Adding a useful and beautiful velvet upholstered bench creates a useful perch.
7. Choose a sculptural bathroom to make a statement
(Image credit: Future/Emma Lee/Sally Denning)
There is little room in a bathroom for statement elements other than a sculptural bathtub – although artwork and mirrors have their place, of course. However, in luxury bathroom ideas, the bathtub should always remain the focal point of the room – its sculptural, curved shape set against a darker background to make it stand out.
8. Highlight statement furniture in a monochromatic scheme
(Image credit: Future/Polly Wreford)
Kitchens are also more difficult to equip with a statement piece. However, with clever kitchen color ideas, you can make an element of the furniture itself the focal point. Here, the simple trick of painting a dresser a bold, contrasting color creates impact without much fuss.
9. Use bold colors as a statement piece
(Image credit: Polly Wreford)
In fact, a statement piece can be an amalgamation of more than one idea—connected to a common color. In a living room, a central coffee table is a focal point that makes the space feel more inviting. However, if the table you love is on the small side, you can layer it with a matching rug to enhance its impact. Simple but clever.
10. Make a wall a statement in its own right
(Image credit: Future/Jon Day)
Using simple, block-colored chairs to accompany a graphic mural idea is an easy way to create a statement piece — or vignette — in any space, be it a living room, bedroom, or even a hallway. This beautiful mural La Passion de Diego is by Elitis (opens in new tab) at Abbott & Boyd (opens in new tab).
What is a statement piece of furniture?
A statement piece of furniture is one that is central to the design of your space and is the first thing that catches the eye. The rest of your design should not only be inspired by this piece, but make it stand out and make sure they don’t compete with it for attention, but rather intermingle to allow your statement piece to shine.
What is a decoration declaration?
A decorative piece is the focal point of the room. This can be a work of art hanging over a fireplace or a mural that places plain furniture in front of it. It should draw the eye, set the tone for the room and should not compete with other decorative elements in the same room – each room just needs a decorative statement.