Open shelves are more than just a functional storage solution—they’re a design opportunity to showcase your personality and elevate your space. When styled thoughtfully, open shelving can add depth, texture, and sophistication to any room, whether it’s your living room, kitchen, or office. However, achieving that perfectly curated yet effortless look can feel like a challenge. Fear not! With some tips, tricks, and creative ideas, you can transform your open shelves into a designer-worthy display.
Here’s a complete guide on how to style open shelves like a designer, step by step.
1. Start with a Blank Canvas
Before you begin styling your shelves, it’s essential to clear everything off and start fresh. This ensures a clean slate to work with and prevents overcrowding.
Steps to Prep:
- Dust your shelves thoroughly to give them a clean base.
- Remove all items to assess what you already have.
- Decide on a general theme or color palette that suits the room.
Why It Works:
A blank canvas allows you to approach the styling process more thoughtfully and with a cohesive vision in mind.
Pro Tip:
If your shelves are painted or have a wood finish, ensure they complement the overall decor style and color scheme of the room.
2. Layer in the Essentials First
When styling shelves, it’s helpful to start with the largest or most important pieces and build around them.
What to Include:
- Books: Lay some vertically and stack others horizontally to create visual variety.
- Decorative Vases or Bowls: Use large, sculptural pieces as anchors for your design.
- Framed Art or Photos: Place them on the back of the shelf to add depth.
Why It Works:
Starting with essential, larger items helps set the foundation and balance for the overall look.
Pro Tip:
Use books with coordinating colors on their spines, or wrap books in neutral paper for a streamlined appearance.
3. Add Decorative Objects for Interest
Decorative accents bring character and charm to your shelves. Choose items that reflect your personality while maintaining a cohesive style.
Ideas for Decorative Items:
- Ceramics or Sculptures: Add artistic flair.
- Candles: Use varying heights to create dimension.
- Natural Elements: Incorporate plants, driftwood, or stones for a fresh and organic feel.
- Textiles: Folded linens or woven baskets add warmth and texture.
Why It Works:
Decorative items fill in gaps and make your shelves feel curated without looking cluttered.
Pro Tip:
Use items in odd numbers (groups of 3 or 5) for a more balanced, designer-approved aesthetic.
4. Mix Heights and Shapes
One of the keys to a beautifully styled shelf is creating visual interest by varying the heights, sizes, and shapes of your objects.
How to Do It:
- Place tall items like vases or candlesticks next to shorter stacks of books.
- Use round objects like bowls or sculptures to contrast angular items like books or frames.
- Layer objects slightly in front of one another for depth.
Why It Works:
Mixing heights and shapes keeps the eye moving across the shelves, preventing the display from looking flat or monotonous.
Pro Tip:
Avoid lining up items in a straight row—stagger them to create a more dynamic arrangement.
5. Play with Color and Texture
Color and texture are crucial for adding dimension and making your shelves feel intentional and cohesive.
Ideas to Incorporate:
- Stick to a color palette of 2–3 complementary tones to create harmony.
- Use textures like wood, metal, glass, and ceramic for variety.
- Add pops of color sparingly for impact without overwhelming the space.
Why It Works:
A limited color palette keeps the shelves from looking chaotic, while texture adds tactile interest.
Pro Tip:
If your shelves feel too neutral, add a small splash of color with a bold vase or decorative book.
6. Incorporate Greenery and Plants
Plants breathe life into any shelf display, making the space feel fresh and vibrant.
Best Plants for Shelves:
- Pothos: A trailing plant that looks beautiful cascading off the edge.
- Succulents: Compact and low-maintenance options for small spaces.
- Ferns: Great for adding texture and lush greenery.
Why It Works:
Greenery adds softness and contrast to the structured lines of shelves and decor items.
Pro Tip:
If natural light is limited, opt for realistic faux plants for the same visual impact without the maintenance.
7. Leave Space for Negative Areas
One of the most common styling mistakes is overcrowding shelves. Incorporating “negative space” allows your display to breathe and look more curated.
How to Create Negative Space:
- Leave some sections of the shelf intentionally empty.
- Use fewer, larger items rather than lots of small pieces.
- Balance busy areas with simpler, cleaner sections.
Why It Works:
Negative space prevents the shelves from looking cluttered and keeps the focus on the pieces you want to highlight.
Pro Tip:
Step back frequently while styling to ensure the shelves don’t feel overwhelming.
8. Incorporate Personal Items for Character
Personal touches make your shelves uniquely yours and help tell the story of your home.
Examples of Personal Touches:
- Family photos in matching or vintage frames.
- Souvenirs or mementos from travels.
- Handmade ceramics or art pieces.
Why It Works:
Adding personal items makes your shelves feel authentic and lived-in, rather than overly staged.
Pro Tip:
Rotate personal items seasonally to keep your display fresh and reflect changing moods or events.
9. Keep It Balanced but Not Symmetrical
The art of styling shelves lies in achieving balance without making everything perfectly symmetrical.
How to Balance:
- Distribute color and texture evenly across the shelves.
- Place larger items on alternating sides to create visual equilibrium.
- Mix horizontal and vertical arrangements to prevent monotony.
Why It Works:
Balance ensures the shelves feel cohesive, while asymmetry keeps the arrangement interesting and modern.
Pro Tip:
Imagine dividing your shelves into thirds horizontally and vertically, and balance items within those sections for a professional look.
FAQs
1. What is the first step to styling open shelves? Start by clearing everything off and deciding on a theme or color palette that complements your room’s decor.
2. How do I prevent my shelves from looking cluttered? Focus on fewer, larger items and leave intentional negative space to create a clean and curated look.
3. Can I mix decor styles on one shelf? Yes, but try to tie the styles together with a cohesive color palette or repeating textures for harmony.
4. What’s the best way to use books on shelves? Mix vertical and horizontal stacks, and use the horizontal stacks as a base for smaller decorative objects.
5. How do I style shelves with limited space? Use compact items like succulents, small sculptures, and mini frames, and focus on vertical arrangements to maximize space.
6. Should I add plants to my shelves? Absolutely! Plants add life, color, and softness to shelf displays, making them feel fresh and dynamic.
7. How can I make my shelves look cohesive? Stick to a color palette of 2–3 main colors and incorporate a mix of textures like wood, glass, and metal.
8. What’s the easiest way to add height to my shelves? Use tall items like vases, candlesticks, or stacked books to create vertical interest and variety.
9. Can I decorate open shelves without buying new items? Yes! Shop your home for items like framed photos, bowls, books, and souvenirs to style your shelves.
10. How often should I refresh my shelf decor? Refresh your shelves seasonally or whenever you want to update the look of your room to keep the display feeling fresh.
With these tips, styling open shelves like a designer becomes an enjoyable and creative process. Whether you’re highlighting your favorite books, displaying personal treasures, or adding greenery for a pop of life, your shelves can become the focal point of any room. Experiment, have fun, and let your shelves tell your unique story!