5 Tips to Perfectly Styled Shelves
It’s not rocket science, but there’s definitely an art when it comes to styling shelves. From bookcases to floating shelves to media console built-ins, the key to a curated look is the same for most shelf areas in your home. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to find out that in addition to how they’re displayed the actual items you use are equally important. In this guide, we’re sharing our styling tips and tricks plus, beautiful décor pieces that will help you create a wow-worthy shelf display.
Tip #1 - Remove Everything and Start from Scratch
That’s right, take everything off your shelves and start with a blank slate! This gives you the opportunity to really see what you have to work with. Once everything is removed, group everything off to the side by category. For example, put all your books together, picture frames, vases etc. We promise that going into your styling session with your accessories organized will make it go much smoother.
Also, now that everything is removed, this is the perfect time for a quick dusting and wipe down!
Tip #2 - Add a Mix of Large and Small Scale Items
Too many small items can make your shelf look cluttered whereas too many large items will make it feel heavy and clunky. Pick a few key focal items, such as a large vase, a potted plant or a decorative bowl, and then fill in with the smaller items. If you’re going for a more modern/minimal look, you might even consider a shelf that just features one, large focal piece.
We love a statement vessel! Here’s a few sculptural pieces that are bold enough to stand alone or look great styled alongside other décor.
Tip # 3 - Stop Grouping All Similar Items Together
While grouping like items together once they’re off your shelves is a tip to stay organized, that doesn’t mean that we’re going to be adding them back to the shelves by category. In fact, one very common mistake we see is that similar items are all styled together (for example, all the picture frames are on one shelf and all the books are on another.) which creates an unintentional look rather than a purposeful one. Instead, mix it up! Make sure each shelf features an item from each category that you’re styling with… books, art, plants, decorative items…and we guarantee your styling will feel so much better and more intentional.
Click here for a visual on what NOT to do and also check out our favorite books to style with!
Tip #4 - Vary the Height
While there are multiple ways to beautifully style a shelf, you’ll win every time by ensuring that you include items of a variety of heights. Imagine if every decorative item you chose was 5” tall…that would feel weird right?! A rule of thumb is to always include something low, medium, and high, by mixing up the height, you’ll bring balance and visual interest to your styling.
Tip #5 - Layer Your Pieces
By overlapping or staggering items in front of each other, you’ll create thoughtfully and intentionally styled-looking shelves. We absolutely love the look of leaning, overlapped art, especially ones that feature different frames or different mediums. While family photos are lovely, if that’s all that you have displayed, try adding a painting, framed poster or anything to break up photos. This fun mix adds depth and an artistic, elevated feel.
Stagger that décor too! Items that are placed too far apart from each other feel disconnected and styling is about creating little mini looks within a single space.
Whether it’s a tall striking vessel or a little bud vase, here are a few vases that’ll look great layered in with the rest of your décor.
Bonus Tip - When in Doubt, Edit Out!
You know the saying “less is more”? Well, that applies to styling too. Too many trinkets being displayed just for the sake of being displayed can make your shelves look messy. While there’s definitely a certain appeal to a maximalist approach to styling, we find that minimal displays can sometimes feel more sophisticated and allows more focus to be placed on the chosen pieces.
If editing your personal items feels daunting, we’ve got you! Book a consultation with our Organizing Guru and let us help you sort & purge so that the only items you have in your home and those you need and love.
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