How to style open shelves (and love the end result)!
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If you follow along with me on Instagram (and especially if you were around in Instagram 2020 lol), it’s no secret that I am a styling amateur. I can conceptualize larger pieces in a space and think about colors, cohesion, textures, etc., but the moment you ask me to style a shelf or a coffee table, I’m…not great at it 😆
But–– after learning, Pinning lots on Pinterest, and experimenting through success and failure, I’ve finally learned the basic fundamentals of shelf styling. While I’m not perfect yet, I wanted to share what I do know so far!
p.s. I DIYed these wood shelves for under $50!
1. Start with a blank slate.
I think trying to work with old pieces in their old places always makes it more difficult. I recommend taking things off and getting a feel for how it is just on its own first. A fresh start!
2. Style open shelves asymmetrically.
There definitely is a style of shelf styling where objects and decor are very minimal and aligned/orderly/symmetrical, but if you’re going for a more organic and effortless look, here’s what you’ll want to focus on the most:
Start with larger objects and work your way down. Let the larger pieces be the “anchor” of the shelves, and the smaller objects will naturally fall into place later on.
Styling asymmetrically here means not letting objects layer directly on top of/centered/in line with other objects. You’ll notice in the image above, the pieces are staggered to make it feel a bit more organic.
3. Create interest with height + shapes.
I love using round baskets or more organically-shaped objects to bring something different to the shelves. Adding a small stack of books also helps to create a diversity of height and maintain balance.
4. Fill in remaining gaps and style open shelves with ceramics + other textures.
This is the fun part! Bring out your favorite thrifted items, ceramic mugs, pottery, even plants. Adding in some textural elements here will style the open shelves with more depth and interest.
As you do this, continue to keep the organic placement in mind, making sure to style in groups of three and diversify height, color, texture, tone.
5. Adjust + style open shelves until it feels right.
After styling, I always go back in and make teeny adjustments like pushing a plate juuuust a tiny inch over. Those things make a difference. Adjust, re-adjust, stand back, adjust again. It’s part of the process!
Enjoy your shelves and mix them up every so often! The beauty of design and styling is that you can always change it up.
Have any questions about shelf styling? I’m not an expert, but let’s chat if you want to learn together ☺️
xo, rach
