Achieving Shelfie Goals: How to Style Shelves like a Pro
Styling built-in shelves can pose a significant challenge when it comes to decorating your space. Achieving the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics requires careful thought and attention to detail. It is no surprise that people find this part of decorating difficult, as there’s a fine line between creating an organized and purposeful display and ending up with cluttered and messy shelves.
Here are some of our favorite tips for styling shelves:
Grouping Items in Odd Numbers: When arranging items on the shelves, group them in odd numbers (e.g., 3 or 5). Odd numbers create visual interest and more dynamic arrangement. This technique breaks away from the expected symmetry of even numbered groupings, adding an organic and visually pleasing touch to your shelves. Whether it is a trio of vases, books, or decorative objects, embracing the power of odd numbers elevates your shelf styling game to a whole new level.
Vary the Heights: When styling your shelves, think in terms of a visual symphony, where tall, medium, and short objects harmonize together. Taller items, such as vases or sculptures, grab attention and serve as focal points. Medium-height objects, such as framed art work or decorative boxes, bridge the gap between the taller and shorter elements, providing a balanced transition. Shorter objects, such as small figurines, add visual interest to the lower part of the shelves.
Mixing Textures and Materials: One of the most effective ways to elevate the aesthetic appeal of your shelf styling is by skillfully mixing textures and materials. To create a visually appealing display start by introducing objects with smooth finishes, such as glass vases, or ceramic sculptures, to add a touch of elegance. You can then compliment them with items featuring rough textures, such as woven baskets or textured pottery. Another way to add to the mix is to include objects with shiny surfaces, such as metallic accents or mirrored decor. Balance out the shine with matte objects or natural wood pieces.
Create Balance and Symmetry: Achieve a balanced look by placing larger or heavier objects on one side of the shelves and balancing them out with smaller objects on the opposite side. Alternatively, create symmetry by mirroring the arrangement of objects on each shelf.
Consider Color Coordination: By carefully selecting a color scheme or sticking to a cohesive color palette, you can achieve a harmonious and unified look that enhances that overall aesthetic of your display. Having a color scheme does not mean everything has to be the exact same color, but rather that there should be a cohesive thread connecting the items. Introduce objects in varying shades, tones, and textures within your chosen color palette to add depth and dimension.
Use Books as Styling Elements: When incorporating books into your display, explore the art of arranging them in different orientations to create varying heights and visual interests. Experiement with both horizontal and vertical stacking techniques to achieve a dynamic and layered effect. Horizontally stacked books can act as sturdy foundations for other objects, such as vases or sculptures, while vertically stacked books add a sense of height and elegance to your arrangement.
Add greenery: Adding a touch of greenery to your shelves can add life and freshness into your space. Introducing natural elements like potted plants or flowers bring a sense of tranquility, rejuvenation, and connection with nature. Whether you opt for live plants or artificial alternatives, the presence of greenery adds a different dimension to your shelves.
Adding Artwork: Placing artwork at different heights and layering it with books, decorative objects, or smaller pieces of art, you can create a visually interesting dynamic and display that adds depth and dimension to your shelves.
Styling this stunning mountain-style home was both a delightful challenge and an opportunity for creative expression. The abundance of open shelving and built-ins presented a unique canvas on which we could showcase our expertise. To achieve a harmonious and visually captivating result, we strategically incorporated an array of textures that not only delighted the eyes but also seamlessly blended with the overall aesthetic of the home. We also incorporated materials such as natural wood, textured ceramics, and metals to introduce depth. These variety of textures help create a sense of warmth and authenticity that resonated with the mountain-style ambiance.
This stunning renovation in Overland Park was an absolute delight for any stager. The shelves provided the perfect canvas to create a minimal and clean aesthetic that seamlessly aligned with the overall feminine ambiance of the house. Our goal was to ensure every aspect of the design exuded a sense of elegance and grace, harmoniously flowing from room to room.
This beautifully crafted built-in desk showcases a sleek and minimalist design that effortlessly captivates the eye. The shelves are filled with an assortment of items, carefully places to create a captivating visual composition. Books, lanterns, greenery, and decorative boxes of various heights coexists harmoniously, adding depth and interest to the overall design.
Shop for your Shelves
Take a look at how we used some of our favorite decor items from above to style this shelf!
Need Help With Your Shelves?
Need some additional help with styling your shelves? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with our virtual design service. Simply take a snapshot of your shelves and provide us with the height, depth, and width measurements of each individual shelf. Our amazing team will work their magic and create a customized design plan tailored to your unique space. Fill out the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible!