Have you heard of ‘Sit-Abouts’? Joanna Gaines swears they’re the missing detail that helps your home tell a story
I love Joanna's idea of 'sit-abouts', those little pieces that really pull together a shelf, or a coffee table, or a sideboard, and luckily, her new collection is absolutely full of them


Sometimes, all it takes to make a dull spot in your home come to life is a few decorative trinkets. That is according to Joanna Gaines, who filled her Magnolia fall collection with these trinkets, or as she calls them, 'sit-abouts'.
'One of the things I really wanted for this fall collection were little 'sit-abouts',' Joanna said in a recent Instagram video. These sit-abouts are essentially styling trinkets – small decorative details that give bare shelves or tabletops more character and personality. 'It's these little moments that I think really help storytell on your shelves,' she explained.
Sit-abouts come in all forms, shapes, and sizes. Some are made from wood, and others from brass; some serve a purpose, while others are purely decorative. Differences aside, all sit-abouts have one common trait – they're all details that can help make your home more unique, and there are tons of them in Joanna's new fall collection.
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You see, the best interiors are ones that feel layered and collected, and sit-abouts can help make that happen. Sit-abouts speak to your personality, and they're meant to reflect your interests and favorite things – whatever those may be.
Sit-abouts can be used to style a shelf that needs some sort of decor other than books, or they can function as unique coffee table decor. They can even serve as desk styling accessories, mantel adornments, or bedside table decor. Wherever they're used, sit-abouts are bound to add character to the space and make it feel more personal.
Lucky for us, Joanna designed tons of unique sit-abouts that are all available at Magnolia. From decorative bird sculptures to binoculars and even an hourglass, find 12 standout sit-abouts below.
This handheld bell is a decoration that can make any shelf feel ten times more collected. Its fluted base adds a unique touch while its brass finish makes it look like a vintage accessory. It's a charming sit-about that'll look good when stationary and can ring gracefully.
Hand-carved from mango wood, this little bird is a trinket that's reminiscent of a unique thrift store find. Its wooden base makes this sit-about practical for use as a paperweight, but it could also be used as a simple shelf styling decoration. It's a cute detail that can help tell a story.
Although you might not realize it at first glance, this pear opens up to reveal a hollow interior. It's a quirky sit-about that acts both as a decorative object and as a secret hiding spot for small personal belongings. Style it on a tabletop in your living room to add some personality to the space.
Although these binoculars are purely decorative, they're still a unique detail that can add some character and personality to any corner of your home. They're complete with an aged brass finish and look just as if they are a real antique. Lay them flat on a shelf or stand them vertically for a stylish look.
In her video, Joanna used books as a platform on which to hold her sit-abouts. This book box can do just that, but it can also become a hiding spot for personal keepsakes or other trinkets because of its inner compartment and overall deceiving appearance.
This marble trinket bowl is a stylish accessory to place on tabletops or shelves. It can be left empty for a sleek look, or fill it with all sorts of small treasures. Its marble material and twisted design make it extra unique. Consider this a stylish sit-about that could certainly enhance any corner of your home.
Here's a whimsical detail that can enliven the design of your shelves and tabletops. This hourglass is made with a stylish brass frame, a delicate glass interior, and it's filled with white sand. This sit-about can easily add charm and character to your space.
This black marble swan is one of Joanna's favorite sit-abouts. It's a unique piece by design, but its veining makes it that much more interesting. This swan could be used as a paperweight in your home office, but it could also serve as a simple sit-about on your shelves.
Here's another bell that can act as a stylish sit-about in your home. It's made from 100% brass and has a vintage-inspired look. It has a quick yet cheerful ring that sounds just like that of a bike bell. Style it on top of some books for a curated look.
A display of flowers can also be considered a sit-about, especially if those flowers are displayed in bud vases. This bud vase is rather small, so it can only hold a few stems. Regardless, it can become the perfect spot for a small floral display. Get its matching larger size as well to complete the look.
Despite its small size, this tiny trinket dish is bound to add character to your shelves. Its brass finish gives it an antique look, while its floral handle adds some decorative charm. Use it to hold matchbooks, jewelry, or any other spare trinkets.
Globes are such a unique element of home decor. They can reflect your curiosity about the world or your love for traveling. This globe is on the small side, which makes it the perfect tabletop sit-about. It'll certainly add some character to your home with its colorful map, brass-colored scale bracket, and wooden base.
Sometimes, it's the little details that have the greatest impact in the home. And aside from these little sit-abouts from Magnolia, Joanna Gaines has even more tiny decor in her Hearth and Hand collection at Target.
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Devin Toolen is a New York-based Style Editor for Homes & Gardens. After achieving her Bachelor’s Degree at Villanova University, Devin moved to Paris, France, to obtain her Master’s Degree at Parsons School of Design. Upon returning to the United States, Devin began working in the media industry with Cosmopolitan Magazine, where she wrote trend-driven fashion stories and assisted on set for many photoshoots, and later Livingetc, where she wrote interior design stories and assisted with the magazine’s social media pages. She has an appreciation for every aspect of personal style – from the clothes we wear to the design of our homes. In her spare time, Devin enjoys embroidery and antique shopping in the city.
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