Few things make a decorator happier than having beautiful shelves to fill with pretty pieces! For a collector of vintage and antique pieces, however, a set of boring shelves can become transformed into a work of art when filled with treasures collected over time, bringing interest and depth to a space that is simply unmatched.

Styling shelves with your favorite pieces can be an enjoyable and gratifying experience, but it can also get overwhelming. Where do you start? Below are my five quick tips to keep in mind when styling shelves.

1. Color Pallet. First, consider the color of the shelves or piece of furniture, the color of your decor, and the overall look you want for your space. Do you prefer high contrast or a more monochromatic look? For my personal style, I fall somewhere in the middle. I gravitate towards warm, earth tones overall with soft contrast. Color pallet is really all about your personal preference, but it’s helpful to think of your overall pallet before you start; this will help you be intentional about the decor you place on your shelves. For example, in the picture below, I opted to bring in green, burgundy, and a little ivory to break up all the warm brown tones. These colors provide subtle contrast and compliment the warm brown tones, without looking too harsh.

2. Placement/Layers. When I am styling shelves, I will usually start with my biggest pieces and spread them out on the shelves first. From there, I will began to fill in areas with smaller items.

One of my go-to tips when it comes to styling is always layering. Layers bring depth, interest, and more style to a space. You can layer by grouping some objects together, or bringing some pieces forward and pushing others to the back.

Step back and look at your shelves, and consider if you need to shift some pieces around so they are not directly in line with the pieces on the shelf above or below. This will help provide balance. (I was a dancer when I was younger, and when we were lined up, we were always taught to “find a window” so that everyone could be seen - I think of finding windows when I am decorating shelves!)

3. Variety. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: having a variety of decor is SO important - this is why a collected home is at the heart of everything I do. Whatever pieces you choose to display on your shelves, they should be meaningful to you. Art (especially small art), vases, vessels, statues, candle holders, trays, bowls, books - all of these pieces provide variety in your decorating, but especially on your shelves. Decorating is a process, and I believe the best decorated homes are done so over time, one collected treasure at a time.

4. Movement. Having a few pieces that are more organic in nature provides movement and helps soften your shelves. Plants are ideal for this, but as you can see in the image above, the vintage alabaster grapes on the bottom left corner also help bring a soft touch to this hutch.

5. Breathing Room. I would definitely consider myself more of maximalist than a minimalist. I love when a home is filled with beautiful and thoughtful pieces, but I think when it comes to shelf styling, having a little breathing room is a good thing. Allowing some space will help showcase each special treasure you choose to display on your shelves and will help bring a sense of peace and calmness to your space.

Find Out More…

Get more shelf styling inspiration when you check out my office nook makeover, and shop the decor right off my shelves!

If you love decorating your shelves with florals and candles, check out some of my helpful tips for selecting realistic floral stems and my secret to the perfect taper candle.

Interested in taking your entire space to the next level? Read about my 5 Tips for Elevating Your Space.

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