Nate Berkus' Timeless Rule You Should Follow When Decorating Your Space

Timeless decor never goes out of style because it's ... well ... timeless. Classic home decor trends that withstand the test of time and remain functional are a draw for a lot of people, especially when furnishing your first home or trying to change up your style for a long-lasting run with your furniture. Trends come and go, which means your bank account does, too, when you try to keep up with all the new color palettes and unique styles of furniture and decor. The good news is, HGTV design expert Nate Berkus has a timeless rule you can follow when decorating your home.

On his Instagram, @nateberkuslifestyle, Berkus shares tips for creating a classic, long-lasting design in your home, which includes his timeless rule. Before making any type of purchase on furniture or decor, he recommends asking yourself, "Will I love this and still appreciate it in 10 years?" Berkus goes on to write that, "Furniture should reflect who you are, not just fill space. Choose items, like a coffee table or sideboard, that stand the test of time." It's not about trends or which color palette is "it" for 2025, it's simply about choosing intentional pieces that reflect your style and are functional for you.

Although this all sounds very Marie Kondo-esque, Nate Berkus is not asking you to find things that spark joy — though that can be a helpful way to find your style. Instead, Berkus recommends finding pieces that are functional for your home and lifestyle — and still will be in ten years. Two pieces of furniture that are always stylish and functional are coffee tables and sideboards. According to Berkus, these home features will never go out of style because of their versatility and usefulness.

Spoiler alert: coffee tables don't just have to hold your coffee. These low-to-the-ground tables can be used as a casual dining experience for a lot of guests or even as a sacred place for family game nights. To pick the perfect coffee table for your home, choose one that's roughly two-thirds the length of your couch and about 14 to 18 inches tall. This will ensure it doesn't overwhelm the space, keeping it classic and timeless instead of a statement piece. Sideboards are also very versatile and don't need to be relegated to the corner of a dining room for serving dishes and extra cutlery. You can use them to display art, indoor plants, or even for a functional bar space complete with fancy glassware and your favorite spirits.