When it comes to designing a home with a classic yet contemporary vibe, Hamptons style furniture investment is a favorite among Australian homeowners.
Characterized by its light color palette, natural materials, and understated elegance, Hamptons style seamlessly blends the sophistication of a coastal retreat with the warmth of a timeless family home.
Whether you’re a seasoned decorator or embarking on your first home furnishing journey, deciding where to invest can be overwhelming. With its blend of coastal charm and elegant simplicity, Hamptons style has become synonymous with timeless sophistication.
Investing in quality furniture that reflects the aesthetic of this iconic design style not only enhances the beauty of your home but also ensures durability and functionality. Instead of rushing to furnish your entire space all at once, consider adopting a more mindful approach. By taking the time to carefully select investment pieces that will stand the test of time, you create a home that tells your story through carefully curated items.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 10 Hamptons style furniture pieces that you should consider investing in first. Whether you’re after classic coastal elements or opulent centerpieces, these investments are sure to elevate your space.
1. Refectory Dining Table: A Perfect Hamptons Style Furniture Investment
A refectory dining table is a quintessential feature of Hamptons style interiors. The large, solid wood table, often with ornate legs, provides a rustic yet elegant appeal. Traditionally, refectory tables were long wooden tables used for communal dining in monasteries, but today, they have been reimagined as luxurious centerpieces for contemporary homes. In a Hamptons-style dining room, the table serves as an anchor, balancing both aesthetics and functionality.
Opt for a natural wood finish to complement a neutral-toned room, or go bold with a dark stain for contrast. Pairing the table with upholstered chairs softens the overall look, adding warmth and comfort. A well-chosen dining table will become the heart of your home—hosting family meals, dinner parties, and holiday celebrations for years to come.
Additionally, the durability and longevity of a solid wood dining table make it a smart investment. Whether you choose a minimalist design or a more detailed piece with intricate carvings, this table will likely remain a beloved item in your home for generations.
2. Statement Buffet or Sideboard
No Hamptons style home is complete without a statement buffet or sideboard. This piece not only adds character to your space but also serves a functional purpose—storing dinnerware, linens, or other household items while offering a surface for display. Whether placed in the dining room or the entryway, these pieces create visual interest and practical storage.
When selecting a buffet or sideboard, look for classic designs with detailed paneling or glass doors. White finishes or natural wood with dark accents are typical of Hamptons style. The furniture’s detailing—whether it’s beadboard or intricately carved moldings—provides an elegant backdrop that ties together the room’s overall design.
A high-quality buffet or sideboard can also serve as a platform for styling décor such as lamps, coastal-inspired ceramics, or framed family photos. Its versatility makes it an ideal investment, as it can transition between rooms while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.
3. Upholstered Accent Chairs
Accent chairs can do more than just provide extra seating; they add personality to a room. In a Hamptons style home, upholstered accent chairs bring both comfort and luxury. Whether used in the living room, bedroom, or even a reading nook, these chairs make a statement with their fabric, detailing, and craftsmanship.
Choose chairs with studded detailing or tufted backs for that extra touch of elegance. Fabrics such as linen, cotton, or velvet in neutral tones or soft blues can keep the space feeling light and breezy. Additionally, accent chairs can be easily moved around the home, offering flexible seating options in various spaces.
Investing in high-quality, comfortable accent chairs ensures they’ll remain a functional and stylish part of your décor. These pieces will blend effortlessly into a room, adding texture and depth without overwhelming the space.
4. Glass-Door Display Units: A Functional Hamptons Style Furniture Investment
Showcasing your most prized possessions is easy with glass-door display units. These cabinets are perfect for displaying everything from dinnerware to coastal-inspired collectibles. The glass doors allow you to create beautifully curated vignettes, making the contents the star of the show while also keeping dust at bay.
In a Hamptons style home, glass-door display units often feature clean lines, soft white or grey finishes, and classic detailing such as molding or crossbars. A well-placed display cabinet can elevate the look of a room and add an element of sophistication to the space.
These units are particularly effective when placed in a dining room or living area, where they can serve both functional and decorative purposes. Opt for taller pieces to draw the eye upward and create the illusion of height in a room. A glass-door display unit is an investment that will grow with your home, offering both style and storage for years to come.
5. Elegant Bedroom Suite
Your bedroom is your sanctuary, and an elegant bedroom suite in Hamptons style is the ultimate indulgence. Look for upholstered bedheads with soft fabric, paired with wooden side tables and tallboys that echo the simple, coastal design ethos.
A Hamptons style bedroom typically features light and airy color palettes—think soft greys, whites, and blues. Incorporate natural textures like linen and cotton to add depth and comfort. Bedside tables with clean lines and elegant drawer pulls complete the look, while a matching tallboy or dresser can offer ample storage without overwhelming the room.
Investing in a full bedroom suite allows you to maintain a cohesive look, while also ensuring that each piece is designed to work harmoniously together. This not only makes decorating easier but also enhances the overall flow of the space.
6. Timber Coffee Table: A Timeless Hamptons Style Furniture Investment
The humble timber coffee table is a versatile investment that marries functionality with style. In a Hamptons-style living room, a natural wood coffee table serves as the centerpiece of the seating area. Opt for a sturdy table with clean lines and a lightly distressed finish for a relaxed yet polished look.
Timber coffee tables work beautifully with coastal-inspired accessories, such as woven baskets, candles, or decorative books. The addition of a few carefully selected pieces can transform the coffee table into a focal point of the room, while still maintaining the understated elegance typical of Hamptons style.
Investing in a high-quality coffee table ensures longevity and adds warmth to your living area. A well-made timber coffee table can transition through various design trends, making it a timeless piece in your home.
7. Studded Upholstered Bedhead
For a luxurious bedroom upgrade, consider a studded upholstered bedhead. This piece instantly elevates the look of any bedroom, providing both comfort and style. In a Hamptons-style bedroom, opt for bedheads upholstered in natural fabrics like linen, cotton, or even velvet in soft, neutral tones.
The studded detailing adds a layer of sophistication without being overbearing, making it a versatile investment for any bedroom. Whether you’re going for a minimalist look or a more detailed, layered approach, an upholstered bedhead creates a focal point that sets the tone for the room.
Pair it with matching bedside tables and elegant lamps to complete the look. This investment piece will bring both comfort and timeless elegance to your bedroom for years to come.
8. Outdoor Lounge Setting
An outdoor lounge setting is an essential investment for any Hamptons-style home, especially in Australia, where the outdoor lifestyle is a key part of daily living. Creating a comfortable and stylish outdoor area that feels like an extension of your indoor space is key to achieving the Hamptons aesthetic.
Look for weather-resistant materials such as teak or rattan, paired with plush, comfortable cushions in natural tones. White or navy-striped fabrics and wicker accessories further enhance the coastal charm of the space. Investing in a high-quality outdoor setting ensures that your furniture will withstand the elements while maintaining its beauty.
Your outdoor area should be a space where you can entertain guests or relax with family, and the right furniture makes all the difference. With an outdoor lounge setting, you can seamlessly blend style and comfort, creating a space you’ll love to use year-round.
9. Coastal-Inspired Lighting Fixtures
Lighting fixtures play a crucial role in setting the mood of a home. In Hamptons-style interiors, coastal-inspired lighting such as pendant lights, chandeliers, or table lamps with a weathered, antique finish are ideal for adding warmth and character to any room.
Look for fixtures with natural materials like wood, rope, or metal accents, which enhance the beachy feel of the space. Whether in the dining room, living room, or bedroom, investing in high-quality lighting can transform a space and highlight the elegance of your Hamptons furniture.
10. Large Framed Mirror: A Reflective Hamptons Style Furniture Investment
Mirrors are often used in Hamptons-style homes to enhance natural light and create the illusion of more space. A large framed mirror with timber or whitewashed detailing can be an elegant addition to an entryway, living room, or bedroom.
Strategically placed mirrors can make a room feel more open and airy, a key characteristic of Hamptons design. Choose a mirror with intricate detailing or simple lines, depending on the overall aesthetic you’re aiming for. Either way, this investment piece will bring both beauty and function to your home.
Conclusion
Furnishing your home in Hamptons style is about more than just following a trend; it’s about investing in pieces that bring both beauty and functionality to your space. Each of the items listed in this guide—whether it’s a dining table or an upholstered chair—will help create a timeless, elegant look that captures the essence of coastal luxury. With careful selection, these pieces will become cherished parts of your home for years to come.
