What do small lamps, upholstered chairs, and candle sticks all have in common? TikTok would tell you that they’re all very demure. Yes - this trend is now a design philosophy too. Think subtle sophistication with a playful twist, and if it’s vintage, that’s the cherry on top. While there are no clear rules for what makes a home demure - or not demure, we've gathered some suggestions to help you create that understated yet charming aesthetic, with a selection of our own very modest, and cutesy pieces.
SWAP BIG LAMPS FOR SMALL LAMPS
Left image by The Niche Room and sold on Bazaa
Right image by Manor on George and sold on Bazaa
Let’s start with the most obvious suggestion. When creating a demure home, the big light is not your friend. Instead of large, overpowering lamps, consider swapping them for floor or small table lamps. These smaller lighting options are gentler on the eyes and help create a warm, inviting ambiance during the night. Choosing the right lighting can make all the difference in achieving a calm, balanced atmosphere in your home. Whether it’s for warmth or the cosy aesthetics, the small lamps are here to stay.
Besides their height, placement and style are also important factors to consider when crafting a demure home. Strategically positioning a delicate stone table lamp on a nightstand can create a cosy reading nook, while a sleek floor lamp in the corner of a room can provide gentle, ambient light to soften your space. These lights preferably have neutral tones, or a gentle texture that add a touch of refinement without being overpowering, such as glossy ceramic finishes, soft fabric shades, or intricate patterns.
CONTRAST BOLD COLOURS WITH NEUTRAL BACKDROPS
Left image by Enjoy Seconds and sold on Bazaa
Right image by Heir and Loom and sold on Bazaa
Achieving a demure aesthetic doesn't mean avoiding colour altogether, but it does require thoughtful contrasts. Pair bold colours with neutral backdrops to create a balanced look that's not too overwhelming. This approach allows you to introduce personality through pops of colour while maintaining a serene and mindful atmosphere. The key is to keep the overall palette harmonious, ensuring that no single element becomes the centrepiece of your space.
Identify focal points within the room where these striking colours can make the most impact. For example, a baby blue clothes hanger in a beige entryway can offer a dynamic contrast while keeping the overall look calm and sophisticated. Similarly, a vintage rug in icy blue and pale soft sage can serve as a focal point which grounds the space. Another option can be incorporating slightly bolder pieces, such as a turquoise blue Japanese vase placed on a white glass coffee table together with elegant decanter and tulip glasses - because in a demure home, even the smallest details should embody understated elegance.
DON'T OVERWHELM THE SENSES
Left and right image by Ananthy Vintage and sold on Bazaa
While there is nothing wrong with wanting your home to smell fresh and inviting - whether you choose candles or diffusers, there are plenty of products to help you achieve that. However, an overload of fragrances can quickly overwhelm the senses, and even be detrimental to the air quality. In a demure home, instead of filling your space with multiple strong scents, opt for just one or two candles to create a subtle, inviting aroma. This minimalist approach to fragrance helps maintain a calm, relaxing environment, allowing you to enjoy your space without sensory overload.
Select candles with minimalist designs that blend seamlessly with your home decor. An elegant long-stem glass candle holder or a carved wood candle holder with an organic shape can add a touch of sophistication while maintaining a low-profile presence. You can place them on your dining table or beside a nightstand, paired with the small lamps at night to enhance the overall demure atmosphere.
PICK UPHOLSTERED CHAIRS WITH ARMRESTS
Left image by Manor on George and sold on Bazaa
Right image by Nick Knack Cave and sold on Bazaa
When picking chairs for your demure home, consider upholstered chairs with armrests. These provide the perfect combination of plush support and practical design, making them ideal for long dinners, casual conversations, or simply relaxing with a good book.
Upholstered chairs with armrests add a layer of cosiness to your space while also elevating the overall aesthetic, creating a very mindful, very tasteful environment that’s both comfortable and stylish. Consider fabrics and finishes that complement your decor, whether it’s sleek minimalist Dutch velour chair or a pair of 1940s French chairs in rich velvet for more sophistication.