You go into someone’s home and before they even open their mouth, you’re like, “Hmm, okay… this person is seriously smart.” It’s not about having walls lined with dusty old encyclopedias or a giant chalkboard covered in complex equations.
Nope. It’s the small, everyday things that quietly hint at intelligence. The way someone arranges their books or the gadgets on their coffee table might reveal more about their IQ than any test. If you’ve ever wondered whether your home gives off ‘genius vibes,’
Research in Psychological Science shows that people with high intelligence often feel more at home and even thrive in settings that might seem messy to others. These individuals are more comfortable in cluttered spaces, which can help spark inspiration and creativity. This article examines 10 household items that studies have found to be frequently favored by individuals with high IQs, providing a unique insight into the minds of the highly intelligent.
A well-stocked bookshelf
A bookshelf that is stocked with a variety of titles is not only decorative, but also a good way to boost intellectual curiosity. A 2016 study in Social Science Research of 31 nations found that being raised in a home with scholarly books has a significant impact on the level of education a child will attain, including whether they will attend college.
Such an influence was so substantial that whether a child had a home library was now seen to matter as much for educational attainment and future success as the education of a child’s parents.
A musical instrument
That guitar propped up against a wall or the cobweb-strewn piano in the corner may be an indicator of a keen mind. A study led by E. Glenn Schellenberg at the University of Toronto Mississauga found that the more structured music classes a child takes, the more likely the child’s IQ is to increase. The practice of music theory helps develop auditory processing, fine motor skills, and memory, which in turn lead to stronger cognitive abilities.
Noise-canceling headphones
Though they may just appear to be a way to listen to music, noise-canceling headphones have become a tool of choice for intelligent people to take them to a realm of deep focus. A ScienceDirect study on office productivity found that wearing ANC headphones, which can also be customized to produce masking, is one approach that can mitigate the harmful effects of office noise in the vicinity.
People with higher IQs frequently are attuned to what they require to control their sensory input and thus focus more on the challenging tasks at hand, making these headphones a necessity.
A chess set
There has always been a close connection between chess and strategic thought and intelligence. Playing Chess Can Raise IQs in Boys and Girls. The highest IQ scores were reported between the ages of 5 and 8. A 4,000-Venezuelan child study showed that playing chess can increase IQ function for boys and girls.
This is an added exercise for the brain, as the player uses a mix of analysis and intuition, which trains the brain to cope with similar situations. And even doing so digitally on an all-in-one desktop (or tablet) counts as a brain workout.
Board games
If you see a collection of board games—not just chess, but also games like Scrabble, Settlers of Catan, or other strategy games—it often indicates someone who enjoys a good challenge and a bit of friendly competition.
A study from the University of Edinburgh last year found that individuals who regularly played non-digital games were more likely to score better on memory and thinking assessments in their 70s. These games promote social interaction, problem solving and strategic thinking, providing mental stimulation and challenge, as well as adding fun to any party.
A nice coffee maker or tea set
The whole performance of preparing coffee or tea can be a sign of a reflective and meditative mind. Caffeine has been shown to help improve focus and cognitive performance in moderate doses, the authors note.
A Science Direct study even found that caffeine can improve problem-solving. Many people with high IQs have an advantage because they can apply their intellectual strength to maximize their brain’s output, and a high-quality coffee maker is an important part of their everyday existence.
A tablet or E-Reader
Though physical books are essential, the existence of a tablet or e-reader in the house represents a nod toward technology in education.
According to a 2015 Pew Research Center, 62% of students with a college degree owned tablets compared to ‘only’ 35% and 19% of their counterparts with a high school diploma. These devices provide users with access to thousands of books, articles, and educational materials, thereby contributing to the practice of lifelong learning.
A blank notebook and a pen
In an increasingly digital world, the act of writing things down by hand is also strongly associated with improved memory and conceptual understanding. A 2014 study by Pam Mueller and Daniel Oppenheimer demonstrated that students who wrote out their notes by hand grasped more knowledge than those who typed their notes on an electronic device.
Many individuals use these notebooks for brainstorming, jotting down, and organizing their thoughts, as they have experienced firsthand the brain-friendly benefits of this classic practice.
Minimalist decor
An orderly living space can be a mirror of a neatly organized mind. Children working in a structured environment completed more tasks than those who worked in a disorganized space, a 2023 study in the Journal of Emerging Investigators found.
A messy workspace can distract you and make it harder to do your best work. Many highly intelligent people prefer minimalist environments because they reduce distractions and help save mental energy for what really matters.
A high-quality blender
Diet has a powerful, science-backed effect on your brain. Studies from Harvard Medical School reveal that diets high in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are compounds found in smoothies, can protect the brain against cognitive decline, and reduce your risk of heart disease, and improve blood vessel function.
Key takeaways
How we choose to style our homes tends to reflect our priorities and habits, and, as research suggests, the same is true when it comes to understanding our cognitive abilities. Whether it’s a bookshelf that encourages lifelong learning or a chess set that sharpens strategic thinking, these items are more than mere possessions.
These items help support curiosity, focus, and mental flexibility. Of course, just owning them doesn’t mean someone is more intelligent, but they often appear in the homes of people who are dedicated to learning and growth. Ultimately, individuals who prioritize learning and efficiency tend to shape their surroundings to support these goals.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
I was in the grocery store the other day, and it hit me—I’m buying the exact same things I always do, but my bill just keeps getting higher. Like, I swear I just blinked, and suddenly eggs are a luxury item. What’s going on?
Inflation, supply-chain delays, and erratic weather conditions have modestly (or, let’s face it, dramatically) pushed the prices of staples ever higher. The USDA reports that food prices climbed an additional 2.9% year over year in May 2025—and that’s after the inflation storm of 2022–2023.
So, if you’ve got room in a pantry, freezer, or even a couple of extra shelves, now might be a good moment to stock up on these staple groceries—before the prices rise later.
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
We scoured the Internet to see what people had to say about gas station food. If you think the only things available are wrinkled hot dogs of indeterminate age and day-glow slushies, we’ve got great, tasty news for you. Whether it ends up being part of a regular routine or your only resource on a long car trip, we have the food info you need.
Let’s look at 6 gas stations that folks can’t get enough of and see what they have for you to eat.
