10 West Elm Decorating Ideas To Make Your Home Look Expensive
Does your home feel a little plain or like it’s missing that designer touch? Today, I’m sharing my favorite West Elm decorating ideas that will instantly make your home look more expensive.
These are quick updates you can use right now to elevate your space, no designer required.
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Make sure you stick around for Tip #10. It’s the easiest way to transform an empty corner instantly, and best of all, it doesn’t require any maintenance.
This is the second video in my new store series. Last week, we went inside Pottery Barn, and you all voted for West Elm as the next stop.
After this, we’ll be heading to Arhaus and Crate & Barrel, so don’t forget to vote in the comments for which one you want to see next.
This post is all about West Elm decorating ideas.
READ MORE>>> Home Decor Inspiration On Inspired Design Talk 2025
West Elm Style
West Elm is part of the same parent company as Pottery Barn, but the vibe is totally different. Their pieces lean modern contemporary with a strong mid-century influence. Think clean lines, sculptural shapes, and curved silhouettes.
Price-wise, it’s usually more affordable than Pottery Barn and Lulu and Georgia, but still higher than Target or Walmart. The store near me isn’t huge, but trust me there’s no shortage of design inspiration. Let’s jump into my top 10 tips for decorating with West Elm.
1. Sculptural Lighting
Lighting is the jewelry of the room, and it’s one of the fastest ways to make your home look expensive. West Elm carries everything from sculptural table lamps and sconces to oversized floor lamps and dramatic chandeliers.
Cocoon Pendant Light // Nesting Coffee Table // Mixed Material Drink Table // Chaise Sectional
One of my favorite finds was a pair of cocoon-shaped pendants that come in two sizes. Just adding one to your living room, bedroom, or dining space will make a bold statement. For a more modern look, I loved their three-light chandelier in both gold and bronze.
Gold Floor Lamp // Pleated Shade Lamp
If you want something simple but impactful, try a table lamp with a sculptural base or pleated shade. Even just one swap can completely change the mood of your space.
2. Curved Silhouettes
Curved furniture is everywhere right now. Sofas with rounded arms, arched headboards, or accent chairs that feel like a warm hug. Adding just one curved piece softens straight edges and makes your home feel styled by a designer.
Curved Chaise Sectional // Marble Wood Coffee Table // Small Tables // Accent Chair
One standout at West Elm is their curved chaise sectional. It’s stylish, comfortable, and a bestseller for a reason.
The ivory boucle version is stunning, but I also loved the updated camel basketweave performance fabric. That one is especially great for families with kids or pets.
It reminds me of the curved sofa I love at Arhaus furniture, too.
Pro Tip: Always order free fabric swatches before buying.
Measure twice, order once. This will save you from costly returns and help you create a floor plan that works.
3. Layered Textures
Texture instantly adds depth and luxury to your space. West Elm is known for mixing linen, boucle, velvet, and wool in their displays. You can do the same at home.
Start with your neutral sofa. Swap out the flat pillows it came with and bring in different fabrics through pillows and throws. Another easy trick is layering rugs. Place a larger jute or sisal rug under your current rug for added contrast and scale.
Would you try rug layering in your home, or do you prefer just one big rug? Either way, don’t forget texture comes from materials too. Wood, raffia, stone, and ceramics all play a role.
4. Neutral Color Palette With Depth
Most designer spaces begin with neutrals like cream, taupe, and camel. The secret to keeping them interesting is layering in darker tones. Add black, brown, navy, or olive for contrast and your palette will feel anything but flat.
Large furniture pieces are long-term investments, so neutrals are the safest choice. From there, you can switch out accents seasonally, like terracotta pillows in fall or blue tones in summer.
One of my favorite tricks is to start with a single pillow that has three to five colors in it. Use three neutrals as your base, then add one or two accents for balance.
5. Statement Accent Chairs
Accent chairs are the modern upgrade to the old sofa-and-loveseat combo. They instantly add personality and style to your space.
Play with the layout. Add one accent chair to balance a sectional, or use a pair opposite your sofa for symmetry. A symmetrical layout feels formal, while asymmetry looks more casual and contemporary.
When shopping, look for curved lines, sculptural shapes, or mixed materials. A leather chair with a linen sofa, or a boucle swivel next to a neutral sectional, will give you texture and balance.
Shopping Tip: Check your local West Elm for floor samples. I spotted the Benson leather chair marked down to $700 in store, while online it was still over $1,100.
6. Elevated Coffee Tables
Your coffee table is front and center in your living room, so let it shine. West Elm has sculptural coffee tables with pedestal bases, nesting sets, and even marble tops. A unique table feels like a piece of art in the middle of your space.
Round tables soften straight lines. Mixed materials like stone with wood add warmth. And nesting tables are perfect for layering heights and textures.
Pro Tip: Leave about 18 inches between your coffee table and sofa for the perfect balance of comfort and flow.
7. Mixed Materials
Designers love to mix materials. That’s what makes a room feel unique and high-end.
At West Elm, you’ll see media cabinets that pair two tones, nightstands with wood, marble, and brass, and lighting with natural details like jute and linen. Even a small piece, like a marble and brass drink table, makes a big impact.
The trick is not to overdo it. Choose one or two statement pieces with mixed materials, and keep the rest simple. That way, your space feels polished, not busy.
8. Small Sculptural Accent Tables
These are my personal favorite West Elm finds. Small accent tables, often called drink tables, are affordable and instantly make a space look intentional.
I have two at home, one marble and brass, and another all brass. Both are versatile and easy to style. West Elm also carries nesting sets and stone styles, most around the $100 range.
I’m obsessed with their gold pedestal table, but I already own two and don’t think I could justify a third! That just shows how good these designs are.
Pro Tip: Some stone composite tables can even be styled outdoors. Just bring them inside in winter to protect them.
9. Multi-Function Pieces
West Elm is especially popular with apartment dwellers and anyone in urban spaces where storage is limited. Their multi-purpose furniture combines function with style.
Think nightstands with pull-out boards for extra surface space, or bookshelves that double as room dividers. Place one behind your sofa, and it works as both a sofa table and a bookcase.
Designers are often hired to maximize space and create zones for different activities. In my Designer Home 101 course, I even have a questionnaire to help you figure out exactly what you need your space to do.
10. Greenery in Modern Planters
No designer room is complete without greenery. West Elm has faux plants in every size, with or without planters, so you can mix and match for a unique look.
Oversized planters are especially stylish. Look for finishes like ceramic, matte black, concrete, or even mixed materials. Adding one large planter with a faux tree instantly fills an empty corner and brings life to your room, no maintenance required.
One oversized planter will make a bigger impact than three small decor items, so keep it simple.
Final Thoughts
And that, my friends, is a wrap. You now have 10 West Elm decorating ideas that will make your home look more expensive. Whether you shop directly from West Elm or simply use these tips as inspiration, the goal is the same: design a home you truly love, on any budget.
Now I want to hear from you. Which tip was your favorite? And where should I go next… Arhaus or Crate & Barrel? Drop your vote in the comments below.
If you’re ready to take your design skills to the next level, check out my Designer Home 101 course. Thanks so much for reading. Happy designing!
This post is all about West Elm decorating ideas.
Last Updated on September 26, 2025 by Nicole DelaCruz
