How to Style Your Shelves Like a Pro

Have you ever had a shelf you wanted to decorate but felt like you didn’t have the right pieces to create the look you wanted? Styling shelves can be a daunting task, and it is easy to get overwhelmed by the thought of it. However, it doesn't have to be all that difficult. With just a few simple tips and tricks, you can create a stylish shelf display that will be the envy of all your friends.

In this article, we will discuss how to style your shelves like a pro, including how to pick the right pieces, arrange them in an aesthetically pleasing way, and accessorize with the right items. Whether you want to create a chic bookshelf or a stylish display of knick-knacks, these tricks will help you create an eye-catching display everyone will love.

Choose the Right Display Pieces

When styling your shelves, it is important to select the right pieces to include in your display. Choose items that complement each other in terms of color, shape, and texture. For example, if you are styling a bookshelf, consider grouping books of similar colors together or arranging them by size. Incorporating other items, such as vases, candles, or picture frames, can add visual interest to your display, too.

You can also select things that have sentimental value or personal significance to you. This way, you’ll add more personality to your space rather than filling it with generic items you can find in every other home.

Create an Aesthetically Pleasing Layout

The layout of your shelves is crucial to creating a visually appealing display. Symmetry can be pleasing to the eye, but don't be afraid to mix it up and play with different arrangements. In fact, asymmetrical displays can also work great when it comes to adding a sense of movement and energy to your shelves.

So, don’t be afraid to experiment with different layouts until you find one that you truly love. You can even consider investing in convenient custom shelves to ensure that you are able to turn your vision into reality. When arranging your items, try to create a sense of flow and movement throughout the display. You can achieve this by using items of varying heights and by incorporating diagonal lines.

Pay Attention to the Scale

When styling your shelves, it's also important to pay attention to the scale of the items you use. Make sure the pieces on your shelves are proportional to the shelf's size and each other. Mixing small and large items can create visual interest, but be sure to keep the balance.

Avoid overcrowding your shelves, as this can make the display feel cluttered and unappealing. On the other hand, if you go for too many small items, it may look sparse and unfinished. Additionally, consider leaving some negative space between objects to create a more open look.

Don’t Forget About Proper Lighting

Proper lighting is especially important if you plan to take photos of your carefully styled shelves and become a #shelfie influencer on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Lighting can create depth and add dimension to your display. You can use a combination of overhead and task light fixtures, such as table lamps or picture lights, to highlight specific items on your shelves.

This can create an interesting contrast between the light and dark areas of your display and draw attention to the focal points of your shelf. Additionally, using adjustable lighting can give you the flexibility to change the atmosphere of your room depending on the occasion or mood. You may also consider hiding some battery-operated fairy lights that you will use to add more ambiance to the room.

Consider the Importance of Continuity

Finally, it's important to maintain continuity throughout your display. This means that all the items on your shelves should have a connection or a common theme. For example, if you're styling a bookshelf, you could group all the books by author, genre, or color. If you have decorative items from different parts of the world you brought from vacation, you may want to avoid mixing them on the same shelf.

This way, you should be able to create a sense of unity and harmony in your display and make it feel more cohesive. You can also maintain continuity throughout your room by styling your shelves to complement the overall aesthetic of the space.

In Conclusion

Styling shelves can seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach and a few simple tips, it can be an easy and enjoyable process. By selecting the right pieces, creating an aesthetically pleasing layout, accessorizing with the right items, paying attention to scale, incorporating proper lighting, and maintaining continuity throughout your display, you can create a stylish and visually appealing display that will be the envy of all your friends.

Remember that styling your shelves is all about experimenting and having fun, so don't be afraid to try different things and see what works best for you. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to style your shelves like a pro in no time.

 Guest Contributor: Nina Elliott