How to Style Shelves

When it comes to styling shelves, it can be difficult to find the balance between functionality and aesthetic. Here are my top tips to help you find that balance.

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Add Some Height 

Use larger pieces as anchors, for instance baskets or boxes that are also useful for storage along with more decorative pieces such as flowers in vases or plants. 

Place these items on different positions on different shelves in order to avoid one section from looking too blocked out. 

Remember, layering up items like a stack of coffee table books is a great way to add height and interest whilst being functional. You can also add smaller items on top to finish it off, such as small bud vases for posies. 

Asymmetry is Key

An easy way to position your larger anchor pieces is by forming a triangle across multiple shelves. These triangles don’t have to be symmetrical. In fact, you’ll find that your items will look less ‘staged’ and more effortlessly natural if they’re placed at different positions on different shelves. Then fill the gaps with smaller items like bud vases, picture frames or candles, forming more triangles and adding different heights. 

Keep To A Theme Use items of similar themes such as plants and flowers. This is a great way to introduce a range of heights and sizes of similar objects without it looking too haphazard. Think small bud vases along with one larger vase or a variety of plants rather than the same type of plant repeated on each shelf. You could even include other items related to the themes, such as a watering can or mister for keeping your plants healthy. 

Incorporate these themes with the use of the space, for instance stationery for an office or serve-ware for a dining room. 

Mix it up

Select items of different textures, sizes and  colours for added interest. Mixing up more decorative pieces with the more functional objects that are useful for the space will help make your shelves feel more natural and less deliberately put together. Don’t be afraid to mix leather trinket boxes with straw baskets or glass candle holders with ceramic pots.

Anything goes!

As you assemble your items on your shelves, keep in mind the ‘Rule of Three’ as your guide. 

The Rule of Three

As with forming the triangles, keep colours to 3 main colours and similar shades in order to avoid too much visual noise.

You can also try grouping together items in small clusters of 3. A print propped up next to a stack of coffee table books with a plant or small vase on top will feel well balanced and not too cluttered. 

Mostly importantly, have fun!