The everyday objects we live with can quietly shape how a room feels. A single item on a shelf or table can act as a mood booster, turning a routine corner into a small source of delight. In this piece I highlight a selection of compact, well-designed pieces and explain why they work. Think of home jollifiers as the little accents that lift spirits—an intentional detail that signals care, personality, and a sense of welcome.
Rather than a major renovation or a new sofa, these accents let you refresh a space with minimal effort and cost. I’ll point to specific examples available from the MoMA Design Store, share ways to place them for maximum effect, and offer practical tips for building a tiny collection of objects that always make you smile. Along the way I’ll mention the current shopping perk: use code CUPOFJO10 online and in U.S. stores for 10% off, good through May 5th (exclusions may apply).
Why small pieces matter
Objects that earn a daily glance or a quick touch have a disproportionate influence on how a home feels. A cheerful mug on the counter, a sculptural bookend on the shelf, or a glass jug used for water can transform mundane moments into little ceremonies. The principle is simple: visual anchors—small items chosen with care—introduce rhythm, color, and texture into the everyday. An anchor object guides the eye and invites interaction, making a space feel curated rather than accidental. These tiny choices are also flexible, allowing you to swap, layer, and experiment without commitment.
Selected picks that lift the mood
Start with pieces that light and animate a room. For example, a set of tea light houses becomes magical when candles are lit: the windows glow and the flicker casts soft, moving shadows across a wall. A delicate Danish glass jug works equally well as a functional vessel or as a centerpiece for a casual snack—its presence elevates ordinary routines. Practical items like a Kartell storage table combine stylish form with everyday use, holding magazines, toys, or napkins while contributing a pop of color. These choices show that utility and beauty need not be separate.
Some objects feel like small sculptures that also have a job. A playful paper towel holder or architectural bookends can be rearranged, stacked, or paired to change the tone of a shelf. Over time, mixing and matching these objects reveals patterns you like and makes it easier to add or remove items. Collecting this way encourages a home to evolve naturally—pieces enter and leave, but the overall effect remains curated. The MoMA Design Store offers many such items that are both practical and smile-inducing.
Small-format mood makers
Beyond specific products, consider categories when building your assortment: ambient lighting, tactile ceramics or glass, and cheerful storage solutions. Ambient lighting—candles, tea lights, or a low lamp—introduces warmth and a sense of calm. Tactile objects invite touch, which strengthens emotional connection to a space. Storage that looks good makes clutter feel intentional, rather than messy. Curated details in these categories are the fastest route to a more joyful home, and they’re easy to rotate seasonally or as your tastes change.
How to choose and arrange your jollifiers
When selecting pieces, ask three simple questions: does it make you smile, is it useful, and does it relate visually to items you already own? Start with one or two focal pieces—an interesting jug, a glowing tealight house, or a colorful storage table—and then add supporting accents. Group objects in odd numbers, vary heights, and include negative space so the eye can rest. Don’t forget to place a few items in unexpected spots, like a favorite bookend on the kitchen counter or a decorative paper towel holder on a breakfast tray. That sense of surprise is part of the charm.
Finally, remember the practical note: the current CUPOFJO10 discount is available at the MoMA Design Store online and in U.S. stores and is good through May 5th. Photography for the original selection was made by Alison Piepmeyer, and the feature is sponsored by the MoMA Design Store. As you shop, keep exclusions in mind and check terms at checkout. Now: what small objects make you grin when you pass them at home? Share your favorites and see how little swaps can change how a room feels.
