Tips to Style Shelves for Beautiful Display

Shelves are more than just functional storage solutions. They are an opportunity to showcase your style and personality. Whether you have built-in shelves in your living room, floating shelves in your kitchen, or bookcases in your home office, styling them properly can create a beautiful and curated look. But styling shelves can sometimes feel like a daunting task—how do you strike the right balance between organisation and aesthetic appeal? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

In this blog, we’ll share expert tips on how to style your shelves like a pro, transforming them into eye-catching displays that add charm and character to any room.

1. Start with a Clean Slate

Before you start arranging your items, take everything off your shelves and give them a good dusting. This will not only ensure your space looks fresh, but it will also give you a chance to reassess the items you want to display. Once you’ve cleared the shelves, take a moment to consider the overall look and vibe you want to create. Are you going for a minimalist aesthetic or a more eclectic, layered style? Also, think of shelf colour, and analyse if it's too dark or too light according to the theme of the place.

DIY Tip: Add a few drops of oil in a cup of water, soak a micro fibre and deep clean the shelf for that perfect shine.

2. Layering is Key

One of the most important techniques when styling shelves is layering. A single row of objects can look flat and uninteresting, so adding depth and dimension is essential. Begin by placing larger, heavier items towards the back of the shelves. This creates a solid foundation and allows smaller items to stand out in front.

DIY Tip: Stack books horizontally to create varying levels of height, and place decorative objects like vases, candles, or framed photos on top. Layering also adds a sense of organisation, making the display look more thoughtfully curated.

3. Use a Balanced Mix of Objects

To create a well-balanced display, mix up the types of items you place on your shelves. A good shelf styling mix should include:

• Books: A classic staple, books add personality, colour, and texture. Stack them or place them vertically for variation.
  
  
• Art and Frames: Incorporating framed art or photographs brings visual interest and personalisation to your shelves. Consider adding a small picture frame on top of a stack of books for an extra touch.
  
  
• Decorative Items: Add a few statement pieces such as vases, sculptures, or decorative bowls. These can help tie your theme together and add visual interest.
  
  
• Greenery: Plants are an easy way to breathe life into any shelf. Whether you use small succulents, trailing plants, or large statement plants, greenery adds warmth and freshness to your display.
  

4. Play with Colours and Textures

Colour plays a huge role in shelf styling. To create harmony, think about your room’s existing colour scheme and pick items that complement it. If your room features neutral tones, you can experiment with pops of colour on your shelves using bright books, accessories, or plants in colourful pots.

DIY Tip: Consider using different textures to add depth to the display. For example, mix matte ceramic vases with shiny glass bottles, or combine soft textiles like woven baskets with smooth stone sculptures. This contrast in textures makes your shelves more visually interesting.

5. Create Focal Points

A great way to add impact to your shelves is by incorporating a focal point—a larger object or statement piece that draws attention. This could be a large sculpture, a bold art print, or a striking vase. Position this item in a central or prominent spot, and build the surrounding display around it.

6. Use the Rule of Three

The rule of three is a well-known design principle used to create visually appealing arrangements. Odd numbers of objects tend to look more balanced and natural than even numbers. Grouping objects in sets of three (or multiples of three) creates a sense of rhythm and harmony.

7. Don’t Overcrowd Your Shelves

When styling shelves, less is often more. While it’s tempting to display every knick-knack or souvenir you own, overcrowding your shelves can make them look cluttered and chaotic. Be selective with the items you display and leave some empty space for your shelves to ‘breathe’. This will allow each piece to stand out and make the overall display feel more curated.

8. Personalise with Meaningful Items

Your shelves are the perfect place to showcase meaningful objects that tell a story. Whether it’s a collection of travel souvenirs, family heirlooms, or personal art, including items that have sentimental value will make your shelves feel more personal and unique.

Styling shelves is an art, and with a few simple techniques, you can turn your shelves from functional storage into a striking display. By layering items, mixing textures, and balancing colours, you can create a beautiful, curated look that enhances your space. Remember, less is often more, don’t overcrowd your shelves and always leave room for your personality to shine through. Happy styling!