Whimsical Decor Is Design's Most Joyful Trend This Year—and Here Are 16 Items We Love

"I already have two Tulip shades covering the boob lights in my apartment, but they just released their Bloomers Collection, and I'm obsessed. The ruffles, the pleats, the colors—it's just all so darling! This pink Tulip shade is sheer, so it adds a rosy tint to the light it emits. I may have to splurge and buy this to cover up yet another horrible light fixture in my place."

—Meghan Shouse, Digital Editor

"Maybe it's the spring's silent promise of fresh produce, farmer's markets, and fruity floral bakes, or maybe it's the Bridgerton binge I've been on, but I need this serving tray stat. Use it for cookies, cakes, canapés, or hors d'oeuvres; the design dances the line between fairytale and Regency-era bliss. Silver, footed, and multifunctional, this tray would absolutely shine on my tablescape."

—Alyssa Khan, Assistant Editor

"OK, so I haven't purchased this yet, but it's on my wishlist for spring. I am totally guilty of being someone more motivated by pretty things—couple that with the fact that I never drink enough water, and it's pretty easy to see why this pitcher is on my to-buy list. It's great for batch-making lemon water for the day and keeping it on my desk, but it can also double as a vase!"

—Alyssa Longobucco, Contributing Editor

"I have all-white bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths, but I do love a fun, extremely girly towel every now and then, and these ones are my favorite. They're not overly plush, but they're also not flimsy. In other words, they're perfect. The slightly darker piping also makes for such a charming detail that's impossible to miss."

—Jessica Cherner, Associate Shopping Editor

"Spring feels far, far away right now, but seeing this place card holder definitely brightened up my mood and had me looking forward to meals outdoors again. I love bluebells and think it's genius to replicate this flower into a place card holder that also doubles as table decor. This is whimsy done right!"

—Marina Liao, Senior Commerce Editor

"Elephants have always been my spirit animals. When I was a child, my mom gave me a ceramic elephant her grandfather made many years ago, and it's traveled with me to every single apartment. Suffice to say, I think about this Elephant Side Table from Serena & Lily at least once a week. At $648, this rattan table is on the pricier side, but if you want to bring a fun, whimsical touch to a room, it doesn't get much better. Do I need this? I think so."

—Kelsey Mulvey, Contributing Writer

"I’ve already sung the praises of SIN’s ceramic candelabra, but it’s truly one of my favorite decor pieces. The squiggle silhouette looks playful yet ultra-pretty, and the neutral color lets me experiment with different taper candle combos. Even on its own, it’s a sculptural statement piece worthy of any coffee table, mantel, or shelf."

—Blair Donovan, Digital Director

"To me, nothing is more whimsical than the right moodlighting in a room. Our house is 200 years old, so overhead lights are few and far between, leaving me to rely heavily on table lighting to not only illuminate a space but also set a cozy scene. This charming table lamp, from a collab with designer and artist Josh Young and Williams-Sonoma, feels like an heirloom, goes perfectly with my Colonial Revival interior, and instantly makes my living room feel more transportive and welcoming."

—Alyssa Longobucco, Contributing Editor

"No retailer curates whimsy like the MoMA Design Store—I’ve indulged in many 'little treats' from the museum shop over the years. My most recent purchase was this Bodum French press, clad in a MoMA-exclusive colorway. In deep winter, its candy-like colors add a little brightness to my mornings. This coffee maker lives on my countertop, always at the ready to make three to four cups when I need it to."

—Melanie Yates, Senior Digital Editor

"My bedroom, like the rest of my apartment, is very color-forward, which often means that it's a delicate balancing task of trying to make many colors work together. With blue bedding covers and a blue rug, I was faced with the challenge that the room felt too cool-toned, which is why I had to rely on accessories and decor to not only bring in warm elements but also tie the different tones across the room together. Enter this papaya rug! I layer the rug over my larger area rug, and I really like how the yellows and oranges in the rug help brighten the room. It's also extremely soft and machine washable, which makes cleaning it a breeze!"

—Soumi Sarkar, Digital Designer

"When I think of whimsical decor, I picture a lot of color, fun prints, and a ruffle trim or two. I've been seeing throw pillows like these everywhere, and they just feel so unserious and joyful."

—Marina Liao, Senior Commerce Editor

"We often think about ways to let light in, but rarely do we talk about letting it dance through our homes. When spring finally steps in and our days seem to stretch, I’ll be thinking of ways to make the most of the extra sunlight. Renter-friendly and rooted in the whimsy aesthetic, sun catchers are like mini chandeliers that channel the beauty of natural light. Scoring major points for intricate designs, these pendulums don’t just add charm to the room. Suncatchers send splashes and sprinkles of light across your space, a fairy core mirror ball, if you will."

—Alyssa Khan, Assistant Editor

"Can we all make 2026 the year we start romanticizing the everyday? Pretty please?! While it's easy to pick up decor or essentials that 'get the job done,' we all deserve to fill our e-carts with items that are functional and joy-sparking. And, after spotting the Margot Step Stool from Hati Home, I'm ready to ditch the step stool I haphazardly bought on Amazon. At $525, it is expensive, but hear me out: It's almost like a piece of furniture. The honey oak construction will last much longer than a cheap plastic stool, and the scalloped detail is so charming that you'll actually want to leave your step stool out. And don't we all want to feel like we're the main character of our own Nancy Meyers movie?! I rest my case."

—Kelsey Mulvey, Contributing Writer

"This may cost a bit too much for me to buy myself on a whim, but if someone else wants to offer it up, I'd take it. It almost looks like it's made of dripping crystal icing, and that's why I love it. I'm so sick of presenting my desserts on a boring white plate. It's time for some drama, and this beautiful hand-blown piece of art definitely brings it."

—Jessica Cherner, Associate Shopping Editor