A few weeks ago, a reader wrote in with an interesting question about the one element we’ve added to nearly every space, that has been universally helpful in terms of style and organization. It took us a while to think about it, but we realized that it was open shelving.
If you’re a ‘stuffer’ like me, it’s a great way to hold you accountable for displaying all your items in a nice, easy-to-find way. But today we’re breaking it down with the basics on what makes it work.
Because first things first: Not all shelves are created equal. And no two shelves are going to function in the same way, just like the great diversity that is every home in the world. From functional purists and book lovers to decoratologists {we just made that up, but they sound super official} to those who love to style their spaces with a little bit of a happy medium, everyone’s opinions will be different.
And each job for each space will be versatile.
For instance, our pantry’s main purpose is organization, with a little motivational pretty on the side. While our playroom’s main purpose is pretty, with a little motivational organization.
But here’s a few elements and applications we’ve found to be universally true when it comes to the anatomy of the well-styled shelf:
A. The elements:
But here are two key elements that make it work when it comes to attractive organization: Containers + Labels.
From baskets to jars, to metallic and woven, whether you’re working with a playroom shelf that works hard to keep toys together, or the pantry with all those supplies-various possibilities are what make those shelves interesting and functional, all at once.
B. Styling
One of the one struggles we hear from people in their home is how to style a shelf?
Where to start? What to look for?
We’ve covered it a bit in the past, and again it will be different based on your needs, but today we thought we’d touch a little on this topic again. We used my brother and sister in law’s bookshelves below as an example.
Here’s a few of our favorite tips and tricks when it comes to styling a shelf: {or really, any area of your home}
First things first: We believe that there are no ‘rules’ in the home, and creating one that you truly love. There have never been truer words, and you should always fearlessly go for it. We’re totally in your corner.
That being said, there are reasons why some things just tend to work better visually when it comes to your spaces. These are because of time-tested principles. For the same reason that blue and orange make brown (because they’re on opposite ends of the color wheel) odd numbered groupings and consideration for scale are more pleasing to the eye.
• Have a plan. Here’s one thing you should always remember when it comes to styling anything in your home: give it heart. Looking for an easy place to start because I may as well be talking gibberish? Conjure some words to define how you want your space to look. I usually limit the description to no more than three. For these particular shelves we’re using in this example, we went for classic and decided to go with ‘curated’ and ‘authentic’.
On curated: One of the biggest things we see done in a home, is too many nicknacks thrown onto one area. It can be overwhelming without a plan. So people spend too much money or take up too much space on multiple, singular items to fill it up haphazardly. The shelf becomes a catch-all, with no feeling behind it. In the end, they can’t quite a finger on what’s wrong. For it to feel collected over time and even intentional, is the ultimate goal.
On authentic: And just like you don’t want it to feel thrown up there, you never want anything to feel ‘decorated’ or ‘designed’. Not overly planned. Thus the word authentic. You want it to feel interesting and personal. And you want it to feel like the items you’re displaying successfully tell the story of who you are. They aren’t just something some designer or website {ahem} told you to buy.
If you truly love antlers, then show off some beautiful antlers. But not because someone read it on a blog and told you it was the “in” thing to do. So from photographs to fun keepsakes, we shopped their home and gathered things they love.
A side note: Each area in your home has it’s own challenges. Embrace them, and what they mean for you. Sometimes, they’re a big pain in the rear (see: the asymmetrical shelving with no other option for the tv here) and sometimes, when you can solve that problem, the elements can come together like pieces of a puzzle to really make that space beautiful. When you give yourself time to think about the area and work through the possibilities, you’re more likely to be pleased with the outcome.
And let it grow with you over time. You’re never done, and neither is your home. Let it change and evolve as you do.
Once you have your plan, breaking it down further:
Look at the shelving first, as an individual unit, per shelf. Then look at how the shelves work together as a whole above and below each other. For example: Maybe frames, or two groupings of books, or multiple candlesticks shouldn’t go directly above and below each other on different shelves. If they do, maybe they should balance each other out by going on opposite ends above and below.
As a general rule on the items placed together on a shelf, I always stick with a wide variety on the sizing side of things. It creates interest for the eye, and highlights the items around it. Frames beside each other should have some difference in size relationships… Groupings should have diversity in their appearance, etc.
Balance it out:
Consider symmetry in subtle ways, with groupings. They had a lot of chunky frames. So we used a wide variety and we made a point to place them both but on the top part of both sides of the shelving. If you go with even numbers, always try symmetry in subtle ways. (And if you don’t want to go with symmetry, stick with odd numbers as your best bet, but not always the case.)
On Groupings: Collected items at various heights create interest on a shelf. Try to think of ways to make them new and intriguing. Imagine the bookshelf as a checkerboard that tells a story. Then alternate items with their positions. This gives them room to be showcased.
On books: In my world, books… both old and new… are the best investment you can make for your home. I am to books as Belle was to the beast’s library. Hoard them. They’re timeless and beautiful and go with anything. They add color and dimension and help bookshelves feel real, and purposeful. Use them on your bookshelves to balance out the items. Use lots of them. You won’t regret it.
It’s just as important as the positive space.
The ability to edit, is just as crucial as the overall design. A home stuffed full of antiques is meaningless, unless given the space to breathe, and be appreciated. So are your items on a shelf. If they aren’t seen… what’s the point?
What’s our point? Just because you have a shelf, doesn’t mean you should overwhelm it with things. The only exception to the rule? A well-placed row of good books.
Color: Sprinkle it throughout, evenly. Again, we were working with what we had, but it still made an impact to work with a lot of their green items, with touches of earth tone reds + yellow.
Contrast: Our absolute favorite element that you can apply to all the previous tricks and tips mentioned. Finish, color, shapes, sizes and numbers are all more appealing when placed next to their opposites. Use contrast as your final decision-maker to showcase the beauty in each item. With spacing, placement, balance – A shiny metal with a rustic finish… We think you get the picture.
These are just a few of the principles we stick to. Use them enough consciously as a reference, and you won’t even realize you’re doing it after a while.
We hope this helps with breaking it down, and conquering any trouble spots. Bookshelves are a simple way to really add finesse and personality to a space- it becomes it’s own work of art for your room.
We’d love to hear your take on it… what are some of your favorite tips for styling a bookshelf? Have an inspired day!
Christa @ BrownSugarToast says
looks great! I really like the 2 “M’s” they have on their shelves. That’s one way I’m trying to personalize & “graphic-ize” my shelves. I love how using letters can be both personal + graphic!
Beth says
Perfect timing!!! I worked on my bookcases last night and had to take a break. I had way too many frames and some are just old and junky. I’m trying to simplify and only display meaningful images in pretty frames. This post helps so much!
Nicole says
I love seeing styled bookshelves, but as an avid reader, homeschooled, and lover of all things “book”, my question to you is this: how do you style a set of bookshelves that are 95% full of books? (You know, BOOK-shelves? Lol) i really would love to get your vibe on this! Thanks! And happy New Years!
erin says
I just overhauled the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in our living room (which should really just be called the library.) Not a quick project for me–it took three days! lol My husband teaches theology and philosophy and we have A LOT of books. My challenge was balancing the “real” books with the more decorative/antique/classic books as well as the pretty things that broke up the bookish monotony of a truly working bookshelf stuffed with books. 🙂 It was a feat, but I’m so glad it’s done.
Lisa's Marutz says
Great ideas!
I can hardly wait to get to work…Lisa
Bethany says
Thanks so much for this post! I struggling with styling anything.
hollisamps says
Haha, you write a post about shelves, and I’m over here all, “OMG, floor pillows would be great! Mental note, floor pillows…”