Styling a Shelf: 6 Easy Shelf Styling Tips
When it comes to Interior Design, every detail counts! One are of design that is often underestimated but that does wonder to the overall design is the humble shelf. A well-styled shelf can transform a room, adding a sense of style and some personality to your space. In this blog, I’m going to provide 6 simple, yet very effective, tips to style a shelf that is beautiful and balanced.
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1. Balance and Symmetry
Balance plays an important role in shelf styling. To achieve balance, start by arranging items of different shapes, heights, and textures. Place taller items at the ends and shorter ones in the center to maintain visual equilibrium. To prevent the overall look from appearing lopsided or heavy on one side, ensure that the weight of objects is evenly distributed across the shelf. Symmetry creates a sense of order making the design more visually appealing.
2. Color Coordination
Select a cohesive color palette to tie your shelf decor together. Consider the existing color scheme of the room and choose items that complement it. You can incorporate a mix of hues but aim for harmony rather than an exact match. You can incorporate pops of color through decorative accents, art work or books with colorful colors on the cover and/or spine. Balance bold colors with neutrals to create a sense of harmony.
The items featured below are a great example of balance and symmetry and color coordination. I incorporated a few pieces each in black, white, grey and brown/wood tones and threw in some greenery to tie it all together. Some of these items I own and are featured in the image above, the other items were inspired by the above image to help balance this collection of decor.
3. Layering and Depth
Layering adds dimension and visual interest to your shelf display. Start by placing larger items at the back and layer smaller ones in front to create depth. Experiment with stacking books horizontally and vertically to vary heights and break up the monotony. Place decorative objects, such as vases or sculptures, between layers to add texture and style. Layering varying items and ensuring each layer is visible contributes to the success of the overall design.
Our EXTREMELY deep built-in was EXTREMELY hard to style due to its depth. By bringing the decor forward, I was able to make the decor the focal point and make this massive built-in less noticeable.
The below items were selected to provide a clear example and balancing colors, sizes and textures. This selection of items equally showcases black, white and natural brown tones while also utilizing pieces of different styles and textures. Balance of colors, textures and depth is all it takes to achieve a cohesive, well-balanced design.
4. Personal Touch
Throw in a bit of your personality into your shelf design. Add in some family photos, souvenirs, or handmade crafts. Adding a personal touch allows your design your better reflect you and your own personal style. Whether it's a collection of family airlooms, souvenirs or vintage collectables, you can let your shelf tell a story. Allowing your shelves to reflect your passions, interests, and personality creates a captivating focal point in your space.
The meaningful items you collect can represent moments in your life or parts of your personality & your shelves are a great place to showcase them.
5. Lighting and Accentuation
If you want to showcase your shelf design, you could illuminate your shelves by installing LED strip lights or discreet spotlights above the shelves. Adjusting the lighting to create shadows and highlights can add depth and drama to your shelf display. You can also consider using candles (which are my go-to items of choice for ambiance lighting) or decorative lamps to add warmth to your shelf styling.
6. Negative Space
Three simple words: More is less. This is a simple tip - Don't overcrowd your shelves. Embrace the power of negative space to allow each item to shine without being overshadowed. This not only enhances the overall aesthetic but will also prevent the shelves from looking cluttered.
Yep, you guessed it… I have yet another awkwardly proportioned built-in in my home. This built-in is located in my bedroom. The shelves are very poorly proportioned, the top one offers too much open space above it and the bottom one offers none. I styled this shelf by placing a tall plant in the middle making it the focal point while also using it to eliminate some of the negative space above. From there, I balanced the rest of the look with decor that matched my color scheme in a variety of shapes and heights to create a cohesive look. Somehow, I even managed to make my boyfriend’s miniature fridge fit into the design.
Styling a shelf is an art that requires a strategic balance of elements. From maintaining symmetry to adding personal touches, each decision contributes to the success of your overall design. With a little creativity and attention to detail, your shelves can become a showcase of your style and personality.
explore more decor
Wrapping this up with more decorative accents and accessories to inspire your shelf styling project. Mix and match, stack and layer & balance. You got this!
