How To's

5 Helpful Tips for Styling Shelves

Styling shelves can be a tricky task. Whether you are starting from scratch on a new built-in or bookcase or restyling your currently filled shelves, we want to help make the process of styling shelves as easy as possible. Which is why we are sharing 5 super helpful tips to guide you when styling shelves. Here we go!

1. HAVE EMPTY SPACES

Imagine having a beautiful set of built-ins flanking a fireplace, or a gorgeous bookcase along an important wall in your home. Now, imagine if you filled all the shelves with so many items that you couldn't see the beauty of the built-ins or bookcase underneath. This is why our number one styling tip is to have empty spaces. The goal is that each shelf shouldn't feel overcrowded. Add a few decorative items on a shelf and then leave a good amount of space before adding another item to the same shelf. This will allow, not only your built-ins or bookcase to shine, but also all of the decorative items on the shelves to get the attention they deserve.

2. DO A VARIATION OF HEIGHTS

Think of a mountain. The silhouette of a mountain moves up and down and is beautiful and random. This same concept should apply to your shelf styling. Use items that are taller, some that are shorter and some that are right in the middle. We know it can be hard to find that item in the perfect height that you need, but there are ways to achieve the right height that you need. Try stacking a few books and place an item on top. Use a decorative box under an item to boost it up a few inches. Large frames and artwork are great taller height options. Using a book easel or stand can also prop your decorative books up a little as well.

3. USE CONTRASTING TEXTURES

What if every item on your shelf was wood? Or if every item on your shelf was glass? Now, there is a time and place for a collection of all the same materials, but the majority of the time using all the same materials can create the look of a store shelf. Lack of variation in materials and textures can create little visual interest. One way to avoid this is to use contrasting textures on each shelf. If you have a lot of wood items, incorporate some marble or metal items to break up all of the wood. Add woven bowls, canvas art, acrylic items, fresh greenery or leather pieces to create a big contrast throughout an entire bookcase or built-in.

4. UTILIZE SIMILAR ITEMS

This may sound contradicting to our last tip, but there still should be some similarities in between all of the contrasting textures. For example, spread multiple of the same texture throughout all the shelving in between other textures. These items don't have to be the same kind of items either, they can be trays, boxes, frames, objects, etc. If this sounds complicated to achieve, we have an easy way to do it. Look for items in various sizes that are sold as a set and spread those throughout the bookcase or built-in.

5. INCORPORATE PRACTICAL PIECES

We have some clients that are against too much decor in their home because the decor doesn't serve a functional purpose to their everyday life. Yes, some decor serves the sole purpose of making a home look beautiful, but some decor can be functional and make life better too. What are those items? Well, candles make your room smell better. Pretty bowls and boxes can help store odds and ends. Trays help keep little things organized. Frames filled with personal photos help keep those precious memories alive. Books can actually be for reading if you buy topics you are interested in.

If you need extra help styling your shelves, our designers can help! Our designers can curate a custom, unique shopping list and a design plan to give your shelves the ultimate designer look in a matter of 3-5 business days!

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. All opinions and recommendations are our own.



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