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How to Style Shelves Like an Interior Designer
Nov
Shelves are one of the most versatile features in a home. Whether they’re used to display books, decorative items, or family photos, they offer endless possibilities for personalization. However, styling shelves can often feel like a daunting task. With the right approach, you can make your shelves look like they belong in a high-end design magazine. If you’ve ever wondered how interior designers create those perfectly curated shelves that look both stylish and functional, you’re in the right place. Here’s your ultimate guide on how to style shelves like an interior designer.
1. Start with a Clear Theme or Color Palette
One of the first rules of styling shelves like a professional is to create a cohesive look. Interior designers often begin by selecting a theme or color palette that ties the entire shelf together. Whether it’s a neutral palette, bold and vibrant colors, or a theme like “nature” or “boho,” having a guiding idea makes all the difference in creating a harmonious display.
Tips for choosing a theme or palette:
- Neutral tones like whites, blacks, and wood tones give a calm, minimalist feel.
- Bold colors like blues, yellows, or greens can make your shelves pop.
- Natural elements like plants, woven baskets, or wooden pieces can add texture and warmth.
Once you have a palette or theme in mind, make sure to stick to it, using accents and accessories that complement your overall vision.
2. Start with Larger Items First
Interior designers often start styling shelves by placing the largest items first, as they will anchor the display. These could be tall vases, large art books, framed artwork, or sculptural pieces. Starting with big items ensures that you have the right amount of space for the rest of your accessories and that the shelf doesn’t feel overcrowded.
What to consider when placing larger items:
- Balance: Don’t cluster all the large items on one side of the shelf. Spread them out to maintain visual balance.
- Height Variation: Mix tall and short items to create visual intrigue. A tall vase next to a shorter decorative object creates an interesting dynamic.
3. Add Books for Layers and Texture
Books are the go-to item for interior designers when styling shelves, and for good reason. They add both color and texture to your shelf while also acting as great layering pieces. Stack books horizontally and vertically to create a layered, curated look.
How to use books on shelves:
- Stack Horizontally: Stack a few books on top of each other to form a base for smaller decor items. This technique works well for items like sculptures, candles, or small plants.
- Vertical Placement: Stand books vertically along the edges of shelves for a more organized, symmetrical look.
- Color Coordination: If you want a polished and organized look, group your books by color to create a visually cohesive theme.
4. Incorporate Decorative Objects
Once you’ve placed your large items and books, it’s time to add decorative accessories. This is where you can get creative and inject your personality into the space. Decorative objects like sculptures, trays, bowls, and candles can enhance your shelf’s design and elevate its aesthetic.
Ideas for stylish decorative accessories:
- Sculptures or Figurines: These can be conversation starters and focal points for your shelves. Choose pieces that align with your theme, such as abstract art sculptures for a modern look or natural stone figures for an earthy vibe.
- Trays: A small tray can be used to group smaller objects together, such as candles, coasters, or plants. This adds a sense of organization to the display.
- Bowls and Baskets: Decorative bowls and baskets can add texture and functionality, especially when they’re placed strategically with other items.
When choosing decorative objects, consider varying the sizes and shapes to create visual interest.
5. Bring Nature Indoors with Plants
Adding greenery is one of the easiest ways to style shelves like an interior designer. Plants can introduce color, texture, and life into a shelf display while also providing a natural element that contrasts with the hard lines of books and decorative items.
How to style plants on shelves:
- Vary Plant Sizes: Use a mix of tall, trailing plants and smaller potted plants to create a dynamic look. A hanging plant can add a different dimension to the shelf.
- Unique Planters: Choose planters that complement your theme. Minimalist white pots, vintage ceramic containers, or textured baskets can all enhance the aesthetic of your display.
- Strategic Placement: Place plants at different heights to create movement and flow. Tall plants can go in the back of the shelf, while smaller ones can be placed toward the front.
6. Mix Textures for Depth
To make your shelves look more dynamic and interesting, it’s important to mix textures. Interior designers understand the power of contrasting textures, which can create a balanced and layered display. Incorporate materials such as wood, glass, metal, and fabric to add visual depth and richness.
Ideas for mixing textures:
- Wood: Wooden frames, bowls, or boxes can add warmth and earthiness to your shelf.
- Glass and Metal: Items made from glass or metal, like vases or candlesticks, add sleekness and shine, balancing out softer textures like fabric or wood.
- Fabric: A fabric-covered book or a woven basket can provide a soft touch among harder materials.
When mixing textures, try not to overwhelm the space with too many contrasting elements. Aim for harmony by choosing items that complement each other.
7. Create Visual Balance and Symmetry
Balance is key to creating an aesthetically pleasing shelf display. While you don’t need to go overboard with symmetry, try to avoid crowding one section of the shelf with too many items. Distribute objects evenly across the shelves to maintain a balanced look.
Tips for visual balance:
- Groupings: Create small clusters of objects rather than spreading them too thin. This can include placing a few books together, followed by a small vase or bowl.
- Uneven Spacing: Don’t be afraid to have some empty space in between items. Negative space can be just as important as the items themselves in creating a clean, organized look.
- Mirrored Design: If you prefer symmetry, try mirroring the same objects on both sides of the shelf. For example, place a plant on one side and a similar plant on the other.
8. Incorporate Personal Touches
Interior designers often add personal touches to their shelf displays to make the space feel unique and inviting. Personal items like framed photos, family heirlooms, or meaningful souvenirs can make a shelf feel warm and lived-in.
Ideas for personalizing your shelves:
- Framed Photos: Add framed family photos or vacation snapshots to bring a sense of personal connection to the space.
- Travel Souvenirs: Small keepsakes or trinkets from your travels can give the shelf an eclectic and worldly feel.
- Handmade Objects: Items such as pottery or a handmade sculpture can add character and uniqueness to your shelves.
Just be sure not to overcrowd the shelves with too many personal items. Select a few special pieces that tell a story.
9. Keep It Organized
One of the hallmarks of professional shelf styling is organization. Even though the display might look casual and effortless, designers pay attention to how each item is placed to ensure a tidy and organized result. Keeping your shelves neat is key to achieving a polished look.
How to keep shelves organized:
- Declutter Regularly: Regularly assess your shelves and remove any items that feel out of place or no longer fit the overall look.
- Storage Baskets: For a functional yet stylish solution, use decorative baskets or boxes to store items that you don’t need on display but want to keep within reach.
10. Rotate and Refresh
Lastly, one of the secrets to maintaining a designer-like shelf display is to refresh it periodically. Interior designers often switch out items seasonally or whenever they want to change the mood of a space. Rotating decor, books, or artwork helps keep the display feeling fresh and new.
How to refresh your shelves:
- Seasonal Items: Swap in seasonal decor such as autumn-themed candles or holiday decorations.
- New Books or Decor: Change up the books or decorative objects when you feel like your shelves need a refresh.
- Different Layouts: Try rearranging items for a new look and feel.
Conclusion
Styling shelves like an interior designer requires a thoughtful approach and an eye for balance, texture, and personalization. By starting with a clear theme, incorporating books and decor, adding plants, and mixing textures, you can create shelves that look both stylish and functional. With a little planning and creativity, you can elevate your shelves from functional storage to a stunning visual centerpiece in your home. Happy styling!
