The technique of creating an optical illusion can be a very intriguing and complex activity, and these illusory decor ideas are offering homeowners the chance to infuse that magical quality into their homes.
While it's nice to have decor that is simple and straight-forward in design, adding a bit of mystery and illusion can make the appearance that much more exciting. These illusory decor examples showcase all sorts of unique items that initially appear as something other than it really is. By incorporating designs and layouts that seemingly defy gravity and ordinary expectation, these decor items are able to bring a lot of creativity and artistic qualities to a simple space.
From candles creatively shaped like pieces of watermelon to seemingly levitating illuminators, these illusory decor ideas will definitely add a whimsical touch to any home.
57 Illusory Decor Ideas
From Optical Illusion Wall Decor to Illusory Shelf Extenders:
Tana Makmanee — Oct 1, 2013 — Art & Design
57
Illusory Shelf Extenders
Extend by Yasuko Furukawa is the Ultimate Floating Book Shelf
56
Illusory Staircases
Interior Design Blog Features Stupendous Stairways That Command Attention
55
Optical Illusion Shelving
The Concave Bookcase by Joined + Jointed Seems Out of the 'Matrix'
54
Blurry-Numbered Clocks
This Changing Clock Face is Like an Optical Illusion
53
Optical Illusion Wall Decor
The POV Candleholder by Note Design Plays with Perception
52
Illusory Origami Illuminators
Pop Up Lighting Expresses its Inner Animal Once Switched On
51
Illusory Unbalanced Office Trays
The Protrude Tray by Yasuko Furukawa Can Be Clamped to Your Table
50
Illusory Watermelon-Shaped Candles
This Fruity Scented Candle is Shaped Like Slice of Watermelon
49
Rectilinear Lamp Arrangements
These String Lights Accent Rooms with Illusory Geometries
48
Illusory Hand Canvases
The Handvas is a Clever Way to Show off Art
47
Visionary Two-Tiered Tables
The 'Ta_volo' by Franz Siccardi is a Useful Two Level Table
46
Illusory Rainbow Art
Gabriel Dawe Recreates the Colorful Spectrum with a Twist
45
Shadow-Equipped Chairs
This Unusual Chair Casts a Large Shadow of a Walnut Tree
44
Illusory Utopian Illustrations
Apak Studio's Darling Paintings Are Surrealist and Soothing
43
Physically Illusory Furnishings
Visible Structures by Nendo Look and Feel Falsely Insubstantial
42
Pop-Up Paper Editorials
The 'LuisaViaRoma Editorial' by 'The Makerie Studio' Creates Paper Mastery
41
Metallic Couture Wallpaper
Module H by Shigeru Ban Joins Forces With Hermès to Create Home De
40
Intricate Illusory Shelving Units
The Scatter Shelf by Nendo is Awesomely Confusing
39
Crooked Timber Escritoires
The Bureau B011 Offers a Smooth Surface with Broken Lines Beneath
38
Spectacular Wallpaper Installations
Wies Preijde Creates a Mesmerizing Home Using Only Paper
37
Illusory Origami Rugs
The ORIRI Carpet System Turns Blah Floor Treatments into Bold Ones
36
Illusory Wireframe Furnishings
Tilt Furniture Offers Literal Flexibility in the Contemporary Home
35
Deceptively Eroded Furniture
Nate by Lisa Berkert Wallard Appears Artistically Worn Down
34
Minimalist Steel Strand Furniture
The Wire Side Table by Iacoli & Mcallister is Clean and Modern
33
Canine-Casting Seats
The Wolf Within Chair is the Fairy Tale of the Furniture World
32
Whimsical Illusory Illustrations
Negative Space by Tang Yau Hoong Indulges People's Imaginations
31
Suspended Halo Lights
The 'Nimba' LED Suspension Light Looks Like a Glowing Halo
30
Illusory Two-Toned Drapes
Add Fun Character to Your Room with Dip Dye Curtains
29
Miraged Mesh Armchairs
The Ferrum and Aurum Designs by Dejana Kabiljo are Optically Illusive
28
Mirrored Wireframe Seating
The Fakir Chair by AGI Architects is Like a Physical Optical Illusion
27
Lovely Illusory Storage Systems
Cubious Bookshelf is Patterned for Further Three Dimensionality
26
Illusionary Spatial Art
Gina Ruggery's Artwork Explores Illusions Created with Space
25
Free Floating Shelves
The Plyght Shelving Design Creates an Illusion for Your Home
24
Optically Illusive Seating
The Inception Chair Plays with Posture and the Line of Sight
23
Illusionary Minimalist Lighting
The Flat Pack Lamp Saves Space and Looks Beautiful
22
Illusive Sporty Wall Decals
These Sporty Wall Decals Will Playfully Glide Off Your Furniture
21
Faux-Spill Flooring
Mirror Puddles Add an Illusory Dimension to a Tidy Room
20
Visual Trickery Wallpaper
These Designs by Lago Are the Ultimate in Contemporary Wallpaper
19
Legless Dining Sets
The Rauma Collection Features an Illusory Table and Seats with Invisible Bases
18
Simulated Snapped Shelving
The Frame Work Bookshelf Appears to Abstractly Encase Books as Art
17
Deceptively Empty Cabinets
The Hide & Seek Side Table Uses a Magician's Mirror to Appear Vacant
16
Matrix-Like Trompe L'oeils
American Artist Damien Gilley Creates Mind-Boggling Illusory Blueprints
15
Mirage-Inspired Lighting
The Sahara Collection by Matteo Ugolini is No Optical Illusion
14
Illusory Adhesives
Hinge Packing Tape Creates Optical Illusion of Age
13
Cubic Shadow-Casters
The Darkness Becomes Just as Important as the Light with Think Lanterns
12
Trompe l'Oeil Tables
The Kuban Series Messes with Your Perception as Mesmerizing Movables
11
Illusory Metal Cushions
This Tech Pillow is Comfy Enough to Rest Your Head On
10
Illusory Reflections
The Mary Temple 'Light Installations' are Subtle and Creative
9
Surrealist Stick Coatracks
The Poke Hanger Stands Upright in a Seemingly Unsupported Stance
8
Sleek Erupting Humidifiers
The Volcano Humidifier Spews Forth Simulated Smoke and Lava
7
Deceptively Broken Sculptures
Artist Wyatt Kahn Creates Geometrically Intricate and Abstract Art
6
Geometric Modular Reflectors
The Luxx Mirror Design is Artistically Prismatic and Sculptural
5
Minimalist Pylon Lights
The Semplice Lamp Takes a Flaring Form with an Illusory Transparent Base
4
Illusionary Drawer Units
The Booleanos Cabinet by Joel Escalona is Inspired by Modern Art
3
Gravity-Defying Furniture
The Hover Collection by Kirstoffer Kjaer
2
Illusory Loopy Candelabras
The Equilibrio Candlestick Balances Impossibly on its Curled Form
1
Undercover Lamp Shades
The Illusory Denis Santachiara at Pallucco 'Tabard' Coat Hook
Related Ideas
Surreal Sci-Fi Photography
Justin Benzel's 'The Fifth Dimension' is Both Vintage and Otherworldly
DIY Cruller Lamps
This Wooden Lamp is Stylishly Twisted in Shape
DIY Hexagonal Wooden Lamps
This Handmade Wooden Lamp Starts Off as a Simple Cubic Frame
DIY Bug-Repellant Candles
The Summertime Floating Candles Stylishly Keeps Mosquitos at Bay
Simple Timber Illuminators
The 2x4 Pendant Lamp Brings Structure and Light to Modern Spaces
Concrete Socket Lighting
Base by NUD Collection is Modern and Industrial
Customized Furniture Artwork
Samuel Treindl Turns IKEA Furniture into Something More
Asymmetrically Staircased Bookcases
The Tolbiac Plays Around with Dimensions to Create Ambience
Metaphoric Conceptual Photography
These 'Fredrik Broden' Photographs are Strangely Surreal
House-Shaped Shelving Units
The Citybook Modular Bookcase Makes a Chaotic Community
Coiled Clasp-Free Watches
This Flexible Watch Design is Suitable for the Visually Impaired
Ergonomically Arrangeable Pillows
This Dual Pillow Can Configure into Many Forms
Foldable Sculptural Seating
Versatile Chairs Get Strikingly Stylish with the Flipt Chaise Lounge
Surreal Hanging Object Photography
Faber Franco's Ethereal Photography Conjures a Dreamlike World
Vibrantly Framed Model Portraits
The Zachary Male Model Scene Exclusive is Prim and Polished
Dark Side Storage Shelves
The At-At Imperial Bookcase is Perfect for Holding Star Wars Novels
Intricate Scientific Sculptures
Rogan Brown Creates Paper Sculptures that Resemble Micro-Organisms
First Class-Inspired Loungers
This Award-Winning Chair Design Resembles High-End Airline Seats
Yielding Lumber Seating
The Squishy Sticks Chair by New Colony Furniture is Hard Yet Forgiving
Soda Bottle Lighting
The Campari Bar Table Lamp is Playful and Sophisticated
Beehive-Inpsired Lamps
This Winnie the Pooh-Inspired Beehive Lamp Look Nectar Sweet
Scattered Grid Storage
The Sloped and Slanted Bookcase from Anthropologie is Sculptural
Digital Fairytale Mirrors
'Tell Me, Mirror' by Yoori Koo Reacts to Movements with Ambient Light
Built-In Lamp Furniture
The Slim Collection by Nir Meiri are Quirky and Practical
Literal Handmade Illustrations
These Whimsical Illustrations are Only Complete with Handy Help
Full-Figured Furniture
The POPRAWIANY Armchair by Wamhouse Plays on Plastic Surgery
Vine-Inspired Lighting
This Vine Photosynthesis Lamp is a Natural Way to Light Your Home
Twig-Formed Seating
The Haluz Bench by Tomas Vacek is Modern and Rustic
Tree Stump Seating
The Stump Chair by Coby Unger is Quirky and Creative
Suspended Kinetic Photography
The Suspended Photography by Brad Hammonds is a Surreal Adventure
Eccentrically Eared Seating
The BAO Chair by Alix Videlier Will Bring Disney's Dumbo to Mind
Cutesy Lovable Couple Cushions
This 'His and Her' Couple Pillow Set is a Great Wedding Gift Idea
DIY Gradient Lighting
The Ombre Pendant Lamp Adds a Pretty Flair to Living Spaces
DIY Stylish Scarf Watches
These Scarf Watches Upcycle Old Timepieces into a Neat DIY Accessory
Joint-Accentuating Furniture
Patch by Beza Projekt Brings Attention to the Construction of Designs
Galactic Explorer Watches
The Bernhard Lederer Gagarin Tourbillon Celebrates Yuri Gagarin
Whimsical Modular Desk Organizers
Héctor Serrano's Desk Organizer Set is Building-Block Like
Upcycled Tin Can Lights
The 'Edward Coffee Can' Spotlight Reuses Vintage Coffee Cans
Concert-Inspired Home Lighting
The Multilamp Series by Emanuele Magini is Made for Stage Lovers
Fly Away Timepieces
These Modern Wall Clocks Appear to Have Butterflies Flying Out of Them
Artistic Sculptured Shelving
The My-Kado Bookcase from Cattelan Italia is Ultra Modern
Softly Sunken Tables
The Tray Family by Johannes Fuchs is Stylishly Circular
Historically Replicated Lighting
The Ion Table and Desk Lamp Takes Inspiration From Thomas Edison
Quirky Light Sculptures
Rodger Thomas Repurposes Vintage Relics into Illuminating Objects
Futuristic Sculptural Furniture
The Spooning Armchair by Roy Kesrouani is Lightweight and Modular
Fighter Jet-Inspired Lighting
The Stealth Lamp by Timothy Ben Furniture is Barely Perceptible
Humanized Cartoon Depictions
These Realistic Retro Illustrations of the Mario Brothers Are Amazing
Kinetic Nude Photography
Olivier Valsecchi's Nude Photography Deftly Captures Motion
Industrial-Style Illuminators
The Sputnik Filament Floor Lamp Provides Light in a Stylish Way
Brightly Based Furniture
The Level Coffee Table by Erik Remmers is Playfully Contemporary
Shape-Shifting Lights
The Abyss Table Lamp is a Customizable Way to Light Your Home
Reversible Outdoor Seating
The Battery Park Pretzel Chair by Michal Maciej Bartosik is Versatile
Stunning Surrealist Illustrations
Artist Simón Prades Lets His Imagination Run Wild
Air-Cleaning Clothes Hooks
The LEAK Coatrack Dries Your Duds and Refreshes Your Room
Iconic '50s Seating
The Wishbone Chair by Hans J. Wegner is a Timeless Design
Arcing Minimalist Furniture
The Kaari Table by Juhani Horelli is Inspired by Bridges
Eco Insect-Inspired Illustrations
Coulson Macleod's Insect Design Adds an Organic Touch to a Room
Illuminating Glass Furniture
The Holy Tristan Side Table by Michael Neubauer Glows Futuristically
Stadium-Style Illuminators
The Multilamp Spotlight Brings the Football Pitch into the Family Room
Cord-Opening Seating
The Pull Stool by Benjamin Kicic is an Easily Assembled Flat-Pack Design
Wooden Oblong-Shaped Lighting
These Bentwood Pendants are a Stunning Way to Illuminate Your Home
Abstract Angular Bookcases
The Chopped Tree Bookshelf by Lenka Czereova is Sharp and Modern
Spooled Backrest Seating
The Haptic Chair by Trine Kjaer Design Studio Focuses on Textures
Head-Covering Kid Cushions
The Ostrich Pillow Junior Provides Children with an Impromptu Sanctuary
Folded Felt Lighting
The Vanity Pendant Lamp by Rodrigo Vairinhos is Both Soft and Sharp
Pixelated Superhero Portraits
Ercan Akkaya's 8-Bit Heroes Get Up Close and Personal with Pixels
Colored Cord Corner Lamps
The Sleek Design of the Lightbracket Fixture is Vibrantly Minimalist
Adorable Zoo Animal Nightlights
This Elephant Lamp is the Perfect Nighttime Companion
Soccer Goalie Tables
Sports Collaborates with Furniture in the Football Desk Design
Paper Wire Sculptures
Polly Verity Creates Diaphanous Artworks Out of Delicate Materials
Shell-Like Seating
The Globe Chair by Michiel van Gageldonk is Simply Sectioned
Deceptive Smartphone Docks
The Pillow Cement iPhone Rest by Snarkitecture is Whimsical
Layered Rainbow Cabinets
The Mille-Feuille by Emmanuelle Moureaux is Colorfully Abstract
Modern Pill-Like Lighting
Capsula by Lucie Koldova is Visually Striking
Dad-Appreciating Infographics
The 'Why We Need Dads!' Father's Day Infograph Celebrates Great Dads
Darkly Comedic Skeletal Illustrations
Inca Pan's Nature-Infused Drawings Depict Whimsical Violence
Imposing Organic Lighting
The Accastillage Floor Lamp Looks Like a Vintage Wooden Fishing Cane
Metal-Framed Wooden Seats
The Bella Outdoor Collection by Carsten Astheimer is Warm and Modern
Double-Duty Home Workstations
The Table for Two by Daniel Liss Expands to Accommodate Six
Disc-Like Lighting
The Circa Lamp by Pablo Design Also Charges Devices
Diamond-Studded Watch Necklaces
The Hermes Le Pendentif Boule Combines Watches with Jewelry
Cinematic Travel Posters
A Collection for Ster-Kinekor Theatres Glorifies Movie Travel Locations
Transfigured Folded Photos
Eli Craven Transforms Existing Photos Through Clever Folding Patterns
Caffeine-Inspired Lighting
These Coffee Lights are an Adorable Way to Showcase Your Favorite Drink
Grim Historical Dioramas
Jack and Dinos Chapman’s Dioramas Showcase History in a Grim Light
Dapper Off-Balance Stools
The 'Neutral Posture ONGO Stool' Keeps You Active While Sitting
Minimalist Global Timepieces
The 'WRLDCLCK' Multi-Timezone Clock Tracks Multiple Locations
Leather and Concrete Decor
The EKDESIGN Product/Furniture Collection References Ancient Techniques
Topographical Tennis Tables
Slice by Snarkitecture is Not the Average Ping Pong Table
Wood Block Time-Tellers
O'Clock by Okum Made is Sleek and Geometric
Coded Expression Posters
The 'Coding Cards' Series Extracts the Meaning from HTML and CSS Tags
Geometric Wool Lighting
The Trame Collection by in-es artdesign is Inspired by the Moon
Human Furniture Artworks
The Arm Chair by Jamie Isenstein Takes Its Name Literally
Ultra-Thin Marble Tables
The Dritto Collection by Piero Lissoni is Surprisingly Modern
Deconstructed Dinnerware Artwork
Livia Marin’s Melted Ceramic Art is Fantastically Deconstru
Exceedingly Structured Seating
Taylor Forrest Creates Minimally Modern Pieces for the Modern Home
Whimsical Water-Focused Art
These Watery Illustrations Feature Colorful Bathing Suits and Tubs
Tailored Suit-Inspired Furniture
The Afrika Sofa Collection by Jorge Pensi is Modern and Masculine
Modular Honeycomb-Like Shelving
Build by Movisi Can Be Arranged in Almost Any Way Imaginable
Cute Cloud-Inspired Mirrors
This Cumulus Wall Mirror is the Perfect Addition to Any Home
Reflective Honeycomb Decor
The Honeycomb Mirror by Zuo Adds Zest to Any Room
Paper-Like Bird Illustrations
Strong Packaging by Andrew Lyons Gives Wings to Supplements
Hair-Simulating Poster Ads
The 'Paper Hair' Campaign Turned Sheets of Paper into Hair
Architectural Candle Holder Accessories
The Manhattan Candlestick Boasts Multi‐Dimensional L
Shuttered Lantern-Like Lighting
The Cylinder Lath Lamp by Jonathan Dorthe Sheds a Warm Glow
Frustrated Desk Supplies
The Magnetic Paper Weight Looks Like He Could Use a Day off
Minimalist Jellyfish-Like Lighting
The Medusa Lamp by Thomas Merlin Boasts a Simple Silhouette
Social Media Shower Curtains
Your Facebook Network Can Now Join You During Your Morning Routine
Minimalist Rustic Mirrors
The CR Mirror by Miles Dexter Stylishly Combines Copper and Rope
Blossom-Embedded Bulbs
These Teardrop Pendant Lights Cast Feminine Floral Wall Shadows
Skyscraper-Inspired Lamps
The Forq LED Wall Sconce by Modern Forms is Shaped Like a Building
Stainless Steel Candles
These Outdoor Accents Add Romantic Candle Lighting to Outdoor Spaces
Stacked Fairy Tale Furniture
The Stack Chair by Skrivo is Comfortable Enough for a Princess
Evil Movie Character Lights
This Witch Leg Lamp is Inspired by the Wizard of Oz Villain
Montage Film Slide Lampshades
These Creative Lampshades Are Film Slide-Inspired
Boat-Like Lighting
Drift by Valentin Loellmann is Luminously Serene and Elegant
Radiant Coat Racks
The Coatlight by Mathias Hahn is a Doubly Inviting Home Accessory
Pulse-Reading Jogging Jewelry
The Sport Pulse Ring is a Heart-Monitoring Jogging Accessory
Vibrant Dancing Devil Portraits
These Happy Monster Illustrations Portray Devils Dancing
Genetics-Revealing Bookcases
The 'DNA Bookcase' Stores Your Books with a Scientific Flair
Spiraling Asymmetrical Concrete Clocks
This Sleek Desk Clock Indicates Time with Light and Shadow
Floating Waterproof Lamps
Illuminate Your Backyard with Waterproof Outdoor Lights
Fragmented Face-Revealing Pillows
Mineheart's Pillows with Faces Seem to Be Wearing Away
Crafty Stick-On Cushions
This Adventure Pillow Makes Car Rides Fly By
Adorable Avian Stationary
The Bosa Owls Collection is a Cute Way to Get Organized
Law-Defying Paper Flowers
The Parking Tickets Bouquet was Beautifully Designed by Mathieu Tremblin
DIY Weather-Displaying Lamps
Flip the Switch to Get Your Daily Forecast with This Great Light
Mystical Coffee Tables
Prehistoric Aliens by Glimpt is Inspired by the Culture of Peru
Charmingly Quirky Illustrations
Swedish Artist Klara Persson Creates Heartwarming Artworks
Simple Spidery Seating
The Outer Chair by Alex Dorfman Looks Like It is Made Out of Spun Webs
Casserole Dish Coffee Tables
The Duo Tables Series Explores a Magnificent But Unlikely Material
Celebratory Coaster Timetables
Discover Fun Reasons to Drink Every Day with the Corona Calendar
Dual-Perspective Mirrors
The Smart Mirror by Halb/Halb Makes Sharing Space Easier
Rabbit-Eared Seating
The AlterEgo Chair by Albert Puig Boasts a Skeletal Geometric Frame
Pricey Luxury Paperclips
These Golden Paperclips are for People Who Can Afford to Make it Rain