HOW TO DECORATE SHELVES LIKE A DESIGNER

STYLING SHELVES

Sometimes, when it comes to home decor, we can get in a space of thinking too much and acting too little.

Even when it is something as small as styling a shelf, we can get into a place of overwhelm. And that doesn’t need to happen!

Personally, I like to look at the little things like shelves as super doable. It is a mini version of an area to add our personal touch to. Rather than looking at an entire room and not knowing where to start, a shelf is a spot to step into something creative and gain some confidence.

I have bookshelves all over my house simply because they make a great place to add style to a room. You can display collections and important items for all to see.

Another bonus is that shelves are a great place to highlight the colors in your home decor.

All around, shelves are very versatile AND so simple to change up when you want to refresh a space.

Let’s talk about some ideas for styling those shelves in our homes!

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DECOR IDEAS FOR SHELVES

When it comes to doing the styling, there are several avenues for you to take. But I do think that if you focus on one or two of these tips, you will have a platform for designing successfully. You DO NOT need to consider every single one of these because that will create chaos.

Just pick a couple of them to start!

Now, this first one I think we all need to do!

Clear It All Off

Before you start doing anything, take everything off your shelves. Clean and dust them off. This creates a blank slate for you to work with and it gives you an idea of what items you might want to use to get the look you want. Keep in mind that you will probably want to put some items back on your shelf, but only the things that appeal to you.

Pick Your Colors

Perfectly Styled Shelves {Sprucing Up Mamahood}

What other colors are in your room? This is your starting point for decorating your shelves. Which colors do you want to repeat in your styling to coordinate with the rest of your space? Keep in mind that if your room decor is blue with touches of peach, you can reverse that on your shelves and make peach more of a focus color. This might actually create a beautiful focal point in your room while staying true to what is already there.

Show Off Your Collections or Create a New One

Open Shelving in the Kitchen for Only $50 {Chatfield Court}

If you have a special collection of stoneware, your shelf might be the perfect place to display it. You can also create a collection by sticking to one color or one texture. All white pieces? All wicker finds? All vases of spring flowers? Yes!

You create visual interest by purposefully inviting people to investigate with you have on display!

Add a Few Bold Pieces

I like to do this by picking my colors and adding black to highlight things. If your color choice is pink and green, a few well-placed black pieces really stand out. You could also go bold by adding large pieces or brightly colored items among those that are more “shy”.

Create Height with Stacked Books

Vintage Eclectic Barn {Coco Kelley}

If you find that most of your items are the same height, you can stack some books to place them on. Keep the books you chose in the same color scheme as the rest of your shelf. You can also paint your books to match what you are creating. Or even reverse the books to leave the pages facing out rather than the spine. This is a very “modern” farmhouse look!

The whole point of adding the books is to create height among pieces that are the same size. Eyes will be drawn to a variety of heights.

Lean a Framed Print Against the Wall

DIY Stained Open Shelving {11 Magnolia Lane}

Framed wall art is not only for hanging on a nail. You can use a print on your shelf by simply leaning it against the wall. Then you can create your look around it. This is a perfect way to add a meaningful quote to your home decor!

Create Layers

Rather than lining things up in a perfect row, create layers. Play around with placing a small vase of flowers in front of your art print. Or turn a stack of books at an angle and place small metal orbs in front of them. Do not worry about perfect symmetry. Allow yourself to play around with different looks until you happen upon what works for you!

Add Plants and Flowers

How to Style Built-Ins {Farmhouse on Boone}

Whether they are faux or real, greenery and flowers can really make a statement on a shelf. They tend to stand out and draw the eye. Do not be afraid to let a plant cascade over the edge of your shelves. This is actually a great look!

Leave White Space

When I say “white space” I simply mean to leave room for the wall behind to show. A styled shelf that is too crowded will actually look messy. Leaving some room for the wall to show allows each piece to take the stage and steal the show in its own way!

Take Your Time and Move Things Around

Unless you happen to place everything on your shelf and love what you see the first time around, you will need to move things around. Maybe several times! Do not get discouraged in this process. When you get to the perfect look, you will know it, and you will be glad that you were patient in finding it!

Friends, I hope this helps you get started on styling your shelves like a designer!

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HOW TO DECORATE SHELVES LIKE A DESIGNER

STYLING SHELVES