Open shelves are more than just a place to store your items—they’re a design feature that allows you to showcase your personal style. When styled thoughtfully, open shelving can add character, dimension, and functionality to any room. But achieving that effortless, “designer-worthy” look requires a bit of strategy to avoid overcrowding or chaos.
Here’s your guide to styling open shelves like a designer, with step-by-step tips, creative ideas, and foolproof techniques to make your shelves the standout feature of your space.
1. Start with a Clean Slate
Before styling, clear everything off your shelves. A blank canvas will allow you to visualize your design more clearly and organize items with intention.
How to Prep:
- Remove all items from the shelves and dust them thoroughly.
- Sort through what you plan to display, separating decorative pieces from everyday essentials.
- Declutter by discarding or storing items that don’t fit the aesthetic or function you want.
Why It Works:
Starting fresh ensures your shelves look intentional and curated rather than cluttered or thrown together.
Pro Tip:
Take a picture of your blank shelves to map out where items will go before physically arranging them.
2. Stick to a Cohesive Color Palette
One of the key design principles for styled shelves is a consistent color scheme. A cohesive palette creates harmony and makes the display feel polished.
How to Choose a Palette:
- Match the shelf decor to the room’s color scheme for a seamless look.
- Use neutral tones as a base and add pops of color with accessories.
- Incorporate metallic accents like gold, silver, or brass for a touch of elegance.
Why It Works:
A unified color palette prevents visual overwhelm and ensures the shelves complement the rest of the space.
Pro Tip:
Choose 2-3 main colors and repeat them throughout the shelves for consistency.
3. Use the Rule of Thirds
Designers often use the “rule of thirds” to create balanced and visually interesting displays. This technique works especially well for open shelves.
How to Apply It:
- Divide each shelf into three sections, arranging items in clusters of three or odd-numbered groupings.
- Use a mix of heights, textures, and shapes within each cluster for variety.
- Leave some negative space to prevent overcrowding.
Why It Works:
Odd-numbered groupings are more dynamic and natural-looking than symmetrical arrangements.
Pro Tip:
Play with scale by combining one tall item (like a vase) with two shorter ones (like books or small sculptures).
4. Layer Objects for Depth
Flat displays can feel lifeless. Layering items is a designer trick that adds depth and dimension to your shelves.
How to Layer:
- Place larger items, like framed artwork or cutting boards, at the back.
- Layer smaller items, like vases, candles, or books, in front of larger pieces.
- Overlap objects slightly to create a curated, lived-in look.
Why It Works:
Layering adds visual interest and makes the shelves feel thoughtfully arranged rather than overly staged.
Pro Tip:
Use mirrors or reflective objects to add light and enhance the sense of depth.
5. Mix Materials and Textures
Combining different textures and materials creates contrast and keeps your shelves from feeling one-dimensional.
Ideas for Mixing:
- Combine natural textures like wood, rattan, or ceramics with shiny materials like glass or metal.
- Add soft elements like woven baskets, linen storage bins, or small potted plants.
- Incorporate matte finishes alongside glossy or reflective surfaces for variety.
Why It Works:
Diverse materials add depth and tactile interest, making the display feel layered and dynamic.
Pro Tip:
Stick to a consistent style (e.g., modern, rustic, or minimalist) even when mixing materials to maintain cohesion.
6. Incorporate Greenery
Plants and greenery are a designer favorite for styling open shelves. They add color, life, and a touch of nature to any space.
How to Use Greenery:
- Add small potted plants like succulents, ferns, or trailing ivy for a pop of freshness.
- Use dried florals or pampas grass for a low-maintenance, earthy vibe.
- Incorporate vases with fresh flowers to brighten up the display.
Why It Works:
Plants break up the monotony of solid objects and bring a sense of balance and vitality to your shelves.
Pro Tip:
Vary the size and placement of plants to keep the arrangement dynamic and natural-looking.
7. Stack and Style Books
Books are a must-have for any well-styled shelf. They add height, color, and personality while reflecting your interests.
How to Style Books:
- Stack books horizontally and vertically for variety.
- Use books with neutral or matching spines for a cohesive look.
- Top horizontal stacks with decorative objects like candles, small bowls, or figurines.
Why It Works:
Books are versatile decor pieces that double as functional storage for your favorite reads.
Pro Tip:
Remove dust jackets from hardcovers to reveal their often elegant, solid-colored bindings.
8. Include Personal Touches
Your shelves should reflect your personality and story, so don’t forget to include meaningful items that make the display uniquely yours.
Ideas for Personalization:
- Display family photos or framed artwork.
- Add travel souvenirs like shells, trinkets, or postcards.
- Showcase one-of-a-kind items, like handmade pottery or vintage finds.
Why It Works:
Personal touches make your shelves feel authentic, turning them into a visual representation of your life and style.
Pro Tip:
Rotate personal items seasonally or whenever you want to refresh the look of your shelves.
9. Use Trays and Baskets for Organization
Trays and baskets are not only functional but also help keep smaller items neatly grouped. They’re great for combining storage with style.
How to Use Them:
- Place a decorative tray to group candles, vases, or small knick-knacks.
- Use woven or fabric baskets to store unsightly items like remotes or mail.
- Incorporate smaller containers for loose items like jewelry, pens, or coasters.
Why It Works:
Grouping items in trays or baskets creates visual order while adding texture and character to your shelves.
Pro Tip:
Stick to baskets or trays in materials that complement the overall design of the room (e.g., wicker for rustic, marble for modern).
10. Embrace Negative Space
One of the biggest mistakes people make when styling open shelves is overcrowding them. Embracing negative space allows your decor to breathe and shine.
How to Do It:
- Leave gaps between clusters of items for a clean, airy look.
- Avoid filling every shelf—leave one or two shelves almost empty for balance.
- Use fewer but larger items instead of many small objects to reduce visual clutter.
Why It Works:
Negative space adds sophistication and prevents your shelves from feeling overwhelming or messy.
Pro Tip:
Step back and assess the balance of your arrangement frequently to ensure the shelves don’t look too busy.
FAQs
1. How do I choose what to display on open shelves?
Stick to a mix of decorative and functional items that reflect your personality, like books, vases, plants, and meaningful objects. Prioritize pieces that fit your desired aesthetic.
2. How do I style open shelves in a small space?
Use fewer, larger items to avoid overcrowding. Opt for multi-functional pieces like decorative boxes for hidden storage.
3. Should I match shelf decor to the rest of the room?
Yes! Incorporate colors, materials, or themes that complement the room’s overall style for a cohesive look.
4. How do I keep my open shelves from looking cluttered?
Limit the number of items, group them in clusters, and leave negative space between pieces. Use trays or baskets for small items to keep things tidy.
5. Can I style open shelves with a mix of modern and vintage decor?
Absolutely! Mixing modern and vintage pieces adds character and depth. Balance the look by sticking to a consistent color palette.
6. How do I style open shelves in the kitchen?
Use stylish jars for pantry staples, stack plates and bowls neatly, and add a pop of greenery or small framed artwork for charm.
7. What’s the best way to style deep shelves?
Layer objects with taller pieces at the back and smaller ones in the front. Use decorative boxes or baskets to fill empty spaces.
8. How do I incorporate plants on open shelves?
Place small potted plants or trailing greenery like ivy on the edges of shelves. Use a mix of faux and real plants for easy maintenance.
9. Can I style open shelves seasonally?
Yes! Rotate decor items like candles, flowers, or artwork to reflect the season. For example, use pumpkins in fall or pastel accents in spring.
10. How do I add lighting to open shelves?
Install LED strip lights or puck lights underneath each shelf for a warm glow. Use battery-operated string lights for a budget-friendly option.
Conclusion
Styling open shelves is an art that blends creativity, functionality, and design principles. By following these tips—like layering objects, sticking to a cohesive palette, and leaving negative space—you can create a visually stunning display that enhances your home’s aesthetic. Whether you’re showcasing books, decor, or personal treasures, your open shelves can become a true reflection of your style and personality. Happy styling!