We get asked all the time which tabletop accessories we reach for when styling a dining table, console, mantel, or kitchen counter. To make styling easier, here’s a concise, practical roundup of dependable tabletop decor pieces that add texture, height, and personality to any surface.
1. A cake stand. A cake stand is a versatile centerpiece that elevates everyday displays. Use it to showcase seasonal decor, a bowl of fruit, or baked goods like cupcakes. Placing a cake stand on a kitchen island or dining table instantly creates focal interest and adds layered height.
Find it on the cheap at: Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Target, World Market and HomeGoods.
2. Vase filler. Vase fillers provide texture and visual interest inside clear vessels. Think beyond potpourri: collected matchbooks, wine corks, woven orbs, brown rice around a pillar candle, or seasonal ornaments. These small additions transform a simple vase into a personal, styled object.
Find it on the cheap at: Matchbooks and corks can often be sourced for free; woven orbs and decorative filler are available at Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Target, and HomeGoods.
3. Glass cylinder vases. Tall glass cylinders are indispensable for creating clean, modern arrangements. They work with single stems, grouped stems, or any of the vase fillers mentioned above. They’re easy to layer and great for both formal centerpieces and casual counter displays.
Find them on the cheap at: Michael’s, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Target, HomeGoods, garage sales and thrift stores.
4. Glass hurricanes. Hurricanes offer a polished way to add height and soft light. Use them on mantels, console tables, or dining tables with tall taper or pillar candles. Their clear shape makes them adaptable to many decor styles.
Find it on the cheap at: Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Target, HomeGoods and Walmart.
5. A decorative storage box. Decorative boxes combine function with style. Choose lacquered, cardboard, or fabric-covered boxes to hide remotes, receipts, or small clutter. They’re useful on coffee tables, consoles, and shelves while keeping a space tidy.
Find it on the cheap at: Ikea, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Target, HomeGoods, West Elm and Crate & Barrel.
6. Sleek white planters. A simple white planter with a green plant instantly freshens a room. White planters pair well with any palette and add a crisp, modern touch. Affordable options from Ikea offer great value and subtle detailing.
Find it on the cheap at: Ikea, Target, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, and HomeGoods.
7. A small colorful vase. A single small vase in a soft color can highlight seasonal blooms or clipped branches. Colorful vases bring life to a tabletop and work well in groupings or as standalone accents on a mantel or dining table.
Find it on the cheap at: Crate & Barrel, Ikea, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Target, HomeGoods, Walmart, Pier 1, World Market, garage sales and thrift stores.
8. Ceramic animals. Ceramic figurines—birds, horses, or quirky shapes—add personality and whimsy to a tabletop vignette. Keep them in neutral tones for a sophisticated look or repaint vintage finds to suit your palette.
Find it on the cheap at: Z Gallerie, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Target, HomeGoods, garage sales, eBay, Craigslist, and thrift stores.
9. Decorative cups, mugs, or planters. Small cups and planters are practical and decorative. Use them for pens at the desk, makeup brushes by the vanity, or cotton swabs in the bathroom. They’re an easy way to add everyday function with style.
Find it on the cheap at: Target, Ikea, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, West Elm, Crate & Barrel, World Market and Pier 1.
10. Lidded glass jars. Lidded jars are perfect for displaying small collections, keepsakes, or useful items like clothespins. They look polished and keep contents contained while contributing to an organized, curated tabletop.
Find it on the cheap at: Target, Michael’s, Walmart, eBay, garage sales and thrift stores.
11. Green wine bottles and colorful vases. Recycled green bottles paired with blue or colored glass create an inexpensive, stained-glass effect when grouped on a tray. They work beautifully as vases for single stems or dried flowers.
Find it on the cheap at: Wine bottles can often be collected for free; colorful glass vases are available at Target, Marshall’s, HomeGoods, Ikea, Pier 1 and Crate & Barrel.
12. Stacks of hardcover books. Use books to add height and texture. Remove plastic covers to reveal cloth spines and stack them as pedestals for small objects or candles. Cheap sources include clearance sections, used bookstores, garage sales and thrift stores.
Find it on the cheap at: Barnes & Noble clearance, used book stores, garage sales, thrift stores, eBay and Amazon.
13. Textured candle holders. Textured holders—ceramic lotus shapes, mercury glass, or hammered metal—add tactile interest and soft light. They’re a simple way to elevate a mantel or dining table arrangement.
Find it on the cheap at: Z Gallerie, Pier 1, HomeGoods, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Target, Walmart, thrift stores and garage sales.
14. Fabric runners. Table runners break up a wood surface and introduce color or pattern. Use inexpensive runners, layered runners, or swatches of burlap for seasonal styling. Runners also help anchor a centerpiece visually.
Find it on the cheap at: Target, fabric stores, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, World Market, Walmart, HomeGoods and garage sales.
15. Candlesticks of all varieties. A mix of ceramic, crystal, and mercury glass candlesticks looks beautiful grouped together. They work year-round and can easily be adapted for holidays by changing candles or adding ornaments.
Find it on the cheap at: Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Target, HomeGoods, Z Gallerie, eBay, thrift stores and garage sales.
16. Faux shells. Shell-inspired bowls and decor bring a coastal, airy feel. Use larger faux shells as fruit bowls and smaller ones for jewelry or trinkets. Capiz frames and shell bookends add subtle texture to a shelf or table.
Find it on the cheap at: Z Gallerie, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Target, eBay, Kohl’s and HomeGoods.
17. Something personal. Include an item that tells a story—an initial letter, a small heirloom, or a handmade piece. Personal objects make a curated tabletop feel lived-in and unique.
Find it on the cheap at: Flea markets, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Target, HomeGoods, Crate & Barrel, Anthropologie and Pottery Barn.
These tabletop staples are easy to mix, match, and source affordably. They help build layered, stylish vignettes on dining tables, mantels, consoles, and counters. What are your must-have tabletop pieces?