There are a lot of things you can do to add character to a room. But just because a room has character, doesn’t necessarily mean it looks objectively good. Here are home accessories that add flair to any room – for better or worse.
Disco Ball
Fashion from the 70s always has an influence over the latest trends. But you can’t really compare having a disco ball with wearing vintage dresses with folkloric designs, can you?
Well, according to this 2019 article on the Spruce, these babies are making a comeback. The article explains that this is a part of a bigger trend where flashy and maximalist spaces are the bomb.
In any case, having a disco ball twirling around the ceiling of your room definitely says something.
Taxidermy Animals
There have been a lot of changes with why animal taxidermy has been done in the last 4000 years. At first, it was done by the Egyptians to mummify the pets of pharaohs and include them in the tomb. The process eventually made its way into museums. These animals were preserved and put on display to showcase their species. Then in the early 20th century, animal taxidermy was used for hunting trophies.
Now, a lot of people frown upon the practice. The world still remembers the death of Cecil the Lion. Here’s an article on the guardian calling taxidermy for hunting trophies a disgrace.
If you see one of these mounts in a room, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? Exactly.
Swords or Other Weapons
Weapons are displayed for a number of reasons. Katanas or Japanese swords are very popular home accessories. But displaying these swords weren’t always done for aesthetic purposes. In feudal Japan, when samurais existed, katanas were on display so it would be easier to equip them when the swordsmen were dressing.
There’s also the psychological phenomenon called the ‘weapons effect.’ It says when a weapon is within view in a room, people tend to act more aggressively. This was discovered in a 1967 study.
When you walk into a room with a weapon on display, do you feel safer?
Modern Art
There’s just so much hate thrown around for modern art. In this National Post article, the author cites this counterfeiting incident as proof that there’s no difference between a masterpiece and junk. He even quoted Kurt Vonnegut’s book, Breakfast of Champions, saying a modern artist just made a deal with millionaires to make poor people feel stupid. Yikes!
The American Psychological Association explains that people dislike the apparent lack of meaning in such artwork because it amplifies their fear and the consciousness of death without a clear meaning.
If you’re on the fence with this one, try watching this Vox video on the subject.
Deities
Whether it’s Jesus, Buddha, or one of the 33 million gods of Hinduism, displaying deities is definitely one of the more popular entries here.
Many do this out of religious devotion. Some do it to showcase their culture and where they came from. Others believe displaying certain deities can bring prosperity or other similar benefits. Whatever the reason is, these displays pique interest and start conversations. Plus, you can get these displays virtually anywhere.
Most of the accessories mentioned here can surely divide opinions. If you’re looking for something to add a certain kind of character to a room, try them. If you want to find something less bold, try shops that sell imported home decorations.
