What someone keeps in their home says a lot about how they think and live. People known for being highly intelligent often fill their living spaces with items that support learning, creativity, and focus. These objects are not just decoration. They reflect habits that train the brain and fuel curiosity every day. This guide highlights 12 things you’re likely to find in the homes of people who value deep thinking, problem solving, and constant personal growth.
1. A Wide Variety of Bookshelves
Bookshelves filled with fiction, science, history, and more are a common sight in homes of intelligent people. A 2021 Pew Research report found that adults with college degrees read an average of 12 books each year. Keeping books close by makes it easier to explore new ideas at any time. From thick nonfiction to short novels, a wide book collection shows curiosity and a constant desire to learn. Bookshelves are more than storage. They reflect a lifestyle that centers around thinking, reading, and always seeking knowledge.
2. A Whiteboard or Idea Board
A whiteboard or corkboard helps intelligent people organize thoughts and make plans they can see. It’s often used to sketch ideas, set goals, or track tasks. In 2019, researchers found that visual mapping tools improved problem-solving performance by about 15 percent. These boards turn daily thinking into something you can build on. Seeing your thoughts laid out in front of you makes it easier to focus and act. That’s why people who like to brainstorm and plan often keep a board in their room or office.
3. Brain Games and Puzzles
Brain teasers like Rubik’s Cubes, chessboards, or jigsaw puzzles are more than just fun. They keep the brain sharp and active. The puzzle market hit over $14 billion in 2022, showing that many people value mental challenges. Intelligent individuals often enjoy solving things in their free time. Puzzles improve memory, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Having one out on a coffee table or desk shows that the person enjoys thinking critically and isn’t afraid of difficult tasks that require focus and patience.
4. Musical Instruments
Homes of highly intelligent people often include guitars, pianos, or keyboards. Playing an instrument builds memory, focus, and creativity. A 2020 study showed musicians scored 20 percent higher than non-musicians on memory tasks. Learning music teaches discipline and pattern recognition. Even if it’s not used daily, an instrument signals that the person values music as a mental exercise. It’s not just about making sound. It’s about using the brain in a structured and creative way, which supports overall cognitive development over time.
5. Indoor Plants
Plants make a space feel peaceful, but they also help with thinking. A 2019 study by Texas A&M found that indoor plants could boost focus and memory by up to 15 percent. Intelligent people often care for ferns, succulents, or small herbs in their homes. Taking care of plants requires attention and regular care. It adds a calming task to the day and teaches patience. Having greenery nearby also improves air quality, which can help with concentration and mood. It’s a simple way to stay connected to nature indoors.
6. A Quiet Reading Nook
A dedicated reading corner, often with a soft chair and natural light, is a favorite setup for people who love to learn. Intelligent people often create calm, quiet spaces where they can read without distractions. A 2021 report by the National Literacy Trust said that just 15 minutes of reading each day can improve vocabulary and thinking. A cozy nook encourages longer, focused sessions of reading. Whether it’s near a window or in a corner of a bedroom, this space helps the mind relax and absorb information.
7. Notebooks and Journals
Intelligent people often write down their ideas, questions, or plans in notebooks or journals. Writing helps clear the mind and makes ideas easier to follow. A 2021 study showed that students who journaled regularly performed 10 percent better in tasks that required complex thinking. Keeping a notebook nearby shows a habit of reflection and curiosity. Whether used for daily planning, sketching, or tracking goals, it keeps thoughts organized and encourages deeper understanding. It’s also a simple way to develop self-awareness over time.
8. Map or Globe Displays
Maps and globes spark curiosity about the world. They are common in homes of people who love geography, history, or travel. Maps have been used in classrooms and homes since the 1800s to support learning. A globe or world map hanging on a wall invites questions about places, cultures, and global events. Intelligent people often explore the world through study. These tools offer visual ways to learn and think big. They remind us that learning isn’t just local—it’s about seeing the bigger picture every day.
9. Smart Home Devices
Devices like smart speakers, thermostats, and lights help make life easier. In 2024, the smart home tech market passed $140 billion worldwide. Intelligent people often use these tools to save time and stay organized. Voice assistants can answer questions, set reminders, or help with research. Automating daily routines makes it easier to focus on more important tasks. Having smart tools around shows interest in using technology wisely. It also reflects a mindset that values efficiency and making life smoother through innovation.
10. An Organized Workspace
A clear desk or tidy work area helps people think better. In 2018, a Princeton study found that clutter limits the brain’s ability to focus and process information. Intelligent people often keep workspaces clean and efficient. Tools like drawer dividers, shelves, or cable organizers help reduce distractions. An organized space makes it easier to start projects, solve problems, and stay on task. It shows that the person values order and is ready to focus without wasting time looking for things they need.
11. Science or History Decor
Posters of planets, models of atoms, or antique maps often decorate the homes of intelligent individuals. These items reflect specific interests and keep the brain engaged. For example, a replica of the solar system or a chart of famous inventions can inspire questions and conversations. Such decor is both personal and educational. It turns walls and shelves into tools for learning. Rather than just filling space, these items invite you to keep thinking, wondering, and discovering something new every day.
12. Creative Tools or Kits
Homes of intelligent people often include supplies like sketchpads, LEGOs, design tools, or model kits. These objects support hands-on creativity and problem solving. At places like MIT, students use physical models to explore solutions. Working with tools that build or create encourages original thinking. Whether it’s painting, building, or designing, these activities keep the mind active and open. Keeping creative tools nearby makes it easier to turn an idea into something real and reminds you that learning can also be fun.
