Decorating Shelves Like a Designer: Tips and Tricks for Styling Your Space

Are you looking to spruce up your shelves and transform them into a stylish focal point in your home? Whether you have built-ins, bookshelves, or wall shelves, styling them can seem like a daunting task. But fear not, because I’m here to guide you through the process with some expert tips and tricks that will help you decorate your shelves like a pro!

Table of Contents

Meet the Experts

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of shelf styling, let’s get to know some experts in the field who can offer valuable insights:

Traci Connell
Rachel Cannon
Ashley Ferguson

These design experts have years of experience in creating beautifully styled spaces and have graciously shared their tips for decorating shelves with us.

Assemble Your Collection

The first step in styling your shelves is to gather all the items you plan to display in one place. This includes books, decor items, trinkets, and any other pieces you want to showcase. Lay them out on the floor near your shelves to get a sense of what you have to work with.

Sorting through your collection will help you determine how to space out your items on the shelves. You don’t want to realize halfway through styling that you have too many items to fit comfortably. Take stock of your books, accessories, and decorative pieces to develop a strategy for arranging them on your shelves.

Sort Books and Decor Into Piles

Once you have all your items laid out, it’s time to sort through them and categorize them based on size, shape, and theme. You can choose to arrange your books by color or topic, or simply based on their dimensions. Consider alternating between stacking books and standing them upright to create visual interest on your shelves.

Similarly, group together decor items that complement each other and place them in piles to make styling easier. Small figurines, picture frames, storage boxes, and accessories can be grouped together to create a cohesive look on your shelves.

Cut the Clutter

While it may be tempting to fill every inch of space on your shelves, it’s important to leave room for breathing space. Avoid overcrowding your shelves with too many items, as this can create a cluttered and chaotic look. Be selective about the decorative pieces you display and choose items that bring you joy and add to the overall aesthetic of the space.

If there are items that no longer resonate with you, consider removing them from your shelves to create a more curated and balanced display. Remember, it’s better to showcase items that you truly love than to fill your shelves with objects that don’t bring you happiness.

Take Your Time

Styling your shelves is not a task that needs to be completed in a single day. It’s perfectly okay to take your time and step back to assess your progress. If you find that your shelves are lacking in a certain area, take the time to go through your home and gather additional items that can enhance the display.

Consider incorporating items from other rooms, such as small vases, candlesticks, or canisters, to add variety to your shelves. Mixing books with decorative pieces can create a visually appealing arrangement that reflects your personal style.

Expert Tips for Decorating Shelves

In addition to the steps outlined above, here are some valuable tips from interior designers that will help you achieve a beautifully styled shelf display:

Layer and Mix Materials: Experiment with different materials and textures to create a curated and eclectic look. Incorporate a mix of plaster, metal, leather, and greenery to add depth and visual interest to your shelves.
Stick to Small Decorative Items: Avoid cluttering your shelves with too many small items. Opt for larger decorative pieces that make a statement and have a visual impact. This will prevent your shelves from looking overcrowded and busy.
Rotate Your Items: Refresh the look of your shelves by rotating out different decorative items periodically. This not only keeps things interesting but also allows you to enjoy your entire collection over time. Mix books and trinkets while maintaining a balance between them.
Create Breathing Space: Don’t overcrowd your shelves with too many items. Leave space between stacks of books and decor pieces to create a visually appealing display. Showcase only items that hold sentimental value to you to create a personalized and curated look.

By following these expert tips and strategies, you can transform your shelves into a stylish focal point in your home. Experiment with different arrangements, mix and match materials, and have fun creating a display that reflects your unique style and personality. Happy styling!