Brooch Decorating Ideas for a High-End Look

The simplest way to decorate with brooches is to treat them as small, shiny focal points: frame a few real ones, then repeat the idea in hardware, lamp finials and tabletop pieces. One jeweled detail per area is plenty.

You don't need a jewelry box full of heirlooms to do this. Below are ten brooch-inspired objects, plus some brooch display ideas for pins you already own.

Save

What does decorating with brooches actually mean?

It covers two things. One is displaying real brooches as art. The other is choosing objects with a central, jeweled or metallic detail that works like a brooch: a medallion on a curtain holdback, a stone on a drawer pull, a clasp on a box.

Small details like these pull the eye in close, which is why they can make a calm room feel more finished. As an architect, I'd keep the walls, big furniture and floors simple and let these details do the sparkling.

Creative ways to display brooches

Frame them in a shadowbox

A brooch display frame is the safest way to show a collection. Use a deep shadowbox, cover the backing with linen or velvet, and pin each brooch through the fabric into a foam or cork layer behind it. Leave a clear margin around each piece so it reads as its own object, and group similar metals together.

Pin them to a fabric-covered board

A padded bulletin board or a wrapped canvas lets you rearrange pieces whenever you like. It works well above a dresser or desk, and it's easy to take down if you want to wear one.

Use them on soft goods

One of the easiest things to do with old brooches is to pin one to a tied-back curtain, a throw pillow or a lampshade band. That's also how to style a brooch in a modern way: use a single oversized piece on a plain linen or wool surface, with nothing else competing. If you have pets, keep pinned pieces out of reach. An open pin is a hazard, so check with your vet if an animal ever swallows jewelry.

Save

Brooch-style hardware and window details

1. Sculptural drapery holdbacks

A holdback is a brooch for your curtains: a rigid post with a decorative medallion that creates a crisp fold. Mount them well above the floor, roughly a third of the way up for a standard drop, and a little higher on tall ceilings so the window doesn't look squat.

2. Crystal or geode finials

Swap plain rod end caps for finials shaped like gemstones, geodes or brass flowers. A heavy finial needs a sturdy rod, so choose a rod diameter of about 1.25 inches or more rather than a thin tension rod.

3. Center-button pillows

A pillow with a tufted button or rosette center mimics a brooch pinned to fabric and looks good on velvet. I recommend sewn-through, fabric-covered buttons over glued rhinestones, especially with puppies or chewing cats.

4. Duvet covers with visible buttons

Large mother-of-pearl or brass buttons turn the closure into jewelry. Fold the duvet partway down and place the button edge near the foot of the bed so it shows.

Save

Knobs, pulls and backplates

5. Knobs with decorative backplates

A backplate frames the knob the way a setting frames a stone. It also covers old screw holes, which helps renters. On a wide drawer, a tiny knob looks lost, so pick a backplate about 2 inches across or more.

6. Stone-inlay pulls

Pulls with lapis, malachite or quartz inlays are the most literal brooch idea in this list. Skip soft stones like marble on heavily used cabinets, since food and hands can etch them. Polished brass handles daily use better.

If the metals in your home are mixed, our guide to choosing warm bulbs so gold looks rich helps the finishes read as one family.

Lighting details

7. Decorative lamp finials

Most lamps come with a plain brass ball on top. A cast brass bird, crystal sphere or enamel finial costs little and makes the lamp look custom. Check that the finial's height doesn't expose the lamp neck when you sit beside it.

8. Chandelier drops

A single amber or smoked glass drop at the bottom of a chandelier adds weight and a focal point. Crystals add up, so have a licensed electrician confirm the ceiling box can carry the load on an antique or heavy fixture.

Save

Tabletop pieces you can swap seasonally

9. Jeweled napkin rings

Heavy cast metal or stone-set rings look best against plain white linen. The contrast between humble cloth and ornate metal does the work.

10. Boxes with clasp detail

A leather or lacquer box with an oversized clasp is a good coffee table anchor and hides remotes. Choose one wide enough to feel substantial next to your stacked books.

Save

How to keep it from looking like a costume shop

• Limit yourself to three kinds of jeweled detail in one room, such as knobs, holdbacks and a pillow.
• Let one metal dominate. You can mix gold and silver, but one should lead.
• Run your hand over anything on a sofa or chair. If it scratches you, it will scratch guests and pets.
• Measure drawer fronts before buying oversized hardware, and make sure it doesn't block a door or drawer from opening.

For more inspiration, browse 25 ways to add elegant shine, or go bolder with brooched decor for maximalists. If you want to buy pieces, see the 12 essentials for heirloom sparkle. Setting up a desk? Try brooched home office ideas.

Frequently asked questions