The Gentleman's Journal Online

These are the 10 items every true gentleman should have in his home

From a bookcase packed to capacity to a plant you remember to water, these are the things that make a house a home…

A gentleman’s home, much like his wardrobe, should give anyone who steps inside a true insight into his personality. From those particularly-picked curtains to your carefully-curated kitchen knives, everything from lounge chairs to light bulbs should be selected to convey you character.

“Everything from lounge chairs to light bulbs should be selected to convey you character…”

But, even if your budget doesn’t yet stretch to a palatial pad — one that can be stuffed with countless objet d’art — we’ve come up with the definitive list of ten simple things every man should invest in. These aren’t bank-breaking buys — rather just the musts that will make your house your home.

An interesting piece of art is essential

These are the 10 items every true gentleman should have in his home
Narcissus Arts

Displaying a great piece of art, something that is both pleasant to look at and a handy conversation starter, can really create a sense of home. Bare walls give off bedsit vibes, and frameless posters are a little ‘student digs’ for our liking. So, be it sculpture, photo or canvas, find something that resonates with you — even if you’re not in a position to be purchasing a Picasso just yet…

Read the Gentleman’s Journal guide to collecting art here.

A well-engineered statement speaker will make some noise

Music has always been the best way to imbue an ambience into your home, and no stone kills two birds quicker than a statement speaker. Some could even double as your art piece they’re so striking. From Bowers & Wilkins to Bang & Olufsen, there are many manufacturers, who each use many materials and techniques to create speakers loud in both volume and design.

An armchair of equal parts design and comfort

These are the 10 items every true gentleman should have in his home
Heals

It may be rare that the modern man gets any down time, but a good armchair remains a key piece in your home even if you do hardly find the time to sit in it. Go for something that informs the rest of the room, and can be used as a focal point or centrepiece to the rest of the design.

The key thing here, however, is not to let style conquer substance. Buy cool but uncomfortable, and you’ll never want to curl up and turn on the television. And you should be reaching for the remote — there’s some really good stuff on…

Plants bring some much-needed colour — and oxygen — into a room

Never underestimate the power of some greenery. Not only do plants bring the outside in, oxygenate your home and teach you responsibility, they also look great.

And we’re talking proper plants here. No messing around with baby succulents or plastic imitations. Go for a big plant from a brand like Patch, such as an Areca Palm or Guinea Chestnut — or we hear cacti are having a moment — and stick them in a big statement pot for added oomph.

A robe — and slippers — will keep things comfy around your home

These are the 10 items every true gentleman should have in his home

Half of the fight, when setting up your house, is making it into a home. Your art on the walls, and plants in pots will undoubtedly help achieve this, but nothing says homely like unbridled comfort.

Enter the robe and slippers. Stalwarts of your Sunday morning, these silky investments are must-haves if you want to live a gentlemanly life. So slip on your robe, pick up the paper and sip at your freshly-brewed coffee (more on that later…)

Games sets show personality and intellect

Of course, there are so many great shows on television these days that we can be tempted to plug in, sit down and glue our eyes to the screen all night.

But a mark of a true gent is mastery of all leisure activities. And how better to show that than finding an immaculately-made chessbackgammonpoker or cribbage set and giving it pride of place when you’re entertaining?

A bookcase is a must — and stuff it full of books and interesting things

There is absolutely no excuse to not have a well-stocked bookcase sitting somewhere in your home. Books are windows into different times, places and walks of life — and are key to broadening your horizons. So get buying and get reading. If you’re looking for inspiration, why not ask Jasper Conran?

And, even if you’ve not got enough tomes to fill your shelves just yet, a bookcase is also a great space to showcase some of your more interesting trinkets.

Whisky glasses, and a decanter to match, will add sophistication to your space

These are the 10 items every true gentleman should have in his home
Tom Dixon

Whether you’re entertaining friends, or having a solitary nightcap, there’s nothing more sophisticated than a whisky decanter with matching glasses. Feel free to go for the traditional cut crystal, or down a more modern route, but a drinks set is the best way to impress guests and channel your inner drinks aficionado.

A coffee machine — a proper pump espresso one, without pods

Yes, we know, if you’ve snoozed your alarm one too many times and are practically rolling out of bed and then the door, your Nespresso machine is a godsend. A quick, clean burst of coffee in the morning is sometimes all you want.

But, when the weekend rolls around, you should have a proper pump espresso machine; one you can grind the beans for and make exquisite, luxurious lattes with.

A desk, designed to sharpen and focus you when you work from home

These are the 10 items every true gentleman should have in his home
Artifox

If you’re working from home, your house suddenly becomes your office. And, with that, the two most important places in your life come crashing together.

So, to save yourself from mountains of papers on the coffee table and perching your laptop on your legs, you should find yourself a brilliant desk — one that will keep your organised, focus your mind and not destroy your back. Luckily for you gents, we’ve rounded up some of the best on the market…