If you’ve been stopping by our little corner of the www for a while, then you probably know that a well styled shelf is one of our favorite things. Or maybe you didn’t, in which case we wouldn’t blame you because we have a lot of favorite things. Either way, we’ve covered the concept here before when some awesome readers sent in their questions on how to style a shelf. But since we’ve gotten a few more of those inquiries lately, we thought we’d cover the topic again. We’re expanding the concept, so here are some of our very favorite tips and tricks: how to style a shelf.
How To Style A Shelf – Our Favorite Tips
There are a lot of different types of shelves out there. Bookshelves, bathroom shelves, kitchen shelves, closet shelves, and more. We’re keeping the tips versatile and basic today, so that you have a good idea on where to get started.
1. Go for Symmetry – How To Style A Shelf
We’ve actually added quite a few shelves in our home since we took on our entire remodel and addition. They’ve given us a a ton of space, and we love having it in our home. One of the best pieces of advice I can start with, is go for symmetry.
It’s a great way to achieve balance, and we’ll cover more of that concept below. If you have two shelves on each side of a space, try to match them to avoid making things look cluttered. The “matching” doesn’t have to be exact, and you’ll see more options on that below. But the quickest way to simplify and style is to think in terms of symmetry. You can see where we did that in these shelves, here. Simple clusters that actually stayed functional, like a combo of plates and baskets, and more fun things that really just serve their purpose but keep it simple.
2. Think Through Balance – How To Style A Shelf
If you’re not sure what’s bugging you, sometimes it’s a balance thing. The smallest element can be off kilter, and needs to be adjusted. When you’re looking at your shelf, no matter its purpose, from plates to books… try to see if it feels balanced. Is it too heavy to one side? Do the reverse of that on the next shelf, when styling them. Look for ways to strike an equilibrium of sorts with the entire way that the area feels, and that’s probably where the problem is.
It doesn’t have to be perfect. We’ll be discussing more of that below, but the photo here is an example: Even though we kept these shelves loosely styled in our basement redo, you can see where we struck a balance with books, baskets, little items and more. It’s highly functional but also pleasing to the eye. The more you look for it the more you’ll see it.
3. The Power of Three – How To Style A Shelf
And odd numbers. It’s a thing. And I’m kind of OCD about it.
And it’s a great thing to stick to when you’re styling shelves. Check out how we handle a lot of our styling, and you’ll see it repeated. It’s just a great rule to stick to, and make sure that it flows nicely on your shelves. If a grouping doesn’t feel right, it could be because you only only have two. A third element would probably feel better there. Or maybe you have too many, and need to simplify. It helps to look at things that way, when you’re thinking of all things shelves.
If you can’t do odd numbers, or wish to display more than an odd number – think in concepts of grouping in general. See those mason jars at the top? They were our client’s grandmother’s and are perfect on display there, because they officially make an intentional collection.
4. Add The Sentimental – How To Style A Shelf
Some people are book purists. They think that shelves should be used for books, and that’s all.
We believe that the perfect mix is struck when people use the things they love. And that’s all that matters. In this photo, you’ll see sentimental finds like the mason jars, along with travel souvenirs that remind them of fun trips.
Use whatever you want, and don’t be afraid to do that.
Bonus: Having trouble with those big bulky books that you just have to hold on to?
We had a client who had some fabulous {and gigantic} photo albums of her family that she’d loyally kept all these years. The only problem? They were very burgundy circa 2000. So, to lighten and brighten, and to bring balance and unity to their space, we covered them. All the fun, bright paper patterns you see in the photo above? Those are her photo albums. Cleverly dispersed but still in plain sight. She’s no longer fighting them, but able to embrace them as part of the decor. And when that burgundy comes back around in ten more years {please no} no harm, no foul.
4. Cover It – How To Style A Shelf
Two things.
Bookshelves are not meant to house your router. They’re also not meant to showcase your power strip. Okay. Fine. They can, because sometimes they must. But let’s cover them up. This can also be what baskets are for, if they’re essential to every day functioning. Find a way to cleverly disguise, and you will be so glad that you did!
Sometimes shelves can be used for big things, like entrances to crawlspaces or even electrical pannels. Here you can see our before, and since we knew we wanted to refinish this crusty scary basement into a studio and something functional and beautiful for our family, we weren’t sure what to do with that corner. Until we drew up a design for a bookshelf, that is.
You can always use shelves to hide the ugly.
In the top left corner is where you can find our electrical panel.
In the bottom left corner is the entrance to our crawlspace.
We have outside entrances, too. But because of codes, had to keep this one.
5. Go for Color + interest – How To Style A Shelf
Use your accessories as your best friend. From old posters to finds and so much more – don’t be afraid to let those finds be bold! Or subtly interesting.
In other words, stop letting the idea of it all, intimidate you. They certainly don’t have to be perfect, and they can most definitely be a work in progress. We think you know more of what you love, over time. We say use them as a canvas just for you, and embrace the process.
You never know what amazing solutions you’ll find by doing just that.
Check out more of these spaces here: {House for Hope + Pole Basement}
5. Use Repetition – How To Style A Shelf
Repeat with size and color and shapes and more.
This aligns nicely with the balance and symmetry bit above, but it’s a great way to look at the overall approach to styling your shelves. Whether in the kitchen or a classic bookshelf, using the same elements to bring in balance is a great way to use your style.
You can see more of how we tackled this kitchen shelving with this post here.
Bonus: Look for Inspiration – How To Style A Shelf
For more inspiration on all things styling shelves, be sure to check out this post where we definitely tackled the topic some more in the realm of kitchen. Sometimes the best inspiration for your own home can come with borrowing ideas. It’s everywhere.
Be sure to check out this entire post here.
As always, let us know if you have any questions on all things shelf styling!
Have an inspired day!
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