When it comes to decorating shelves, many people think it’s a small and easy task. However, it actually makes a big difference in the overall look and feel of your space. Some expert advice from a designer can help you achieve the best results.
There are so many options available when it comes to shelving design. You can group objects together, or display a few special items to make a big impact. Don’t be deterred by smaller spaces, as even a little shelf can be transformed into a beautiful focal point.
Simon Deterding, a renowned designer, suggests avoiding empty spaces on your shelves. Instead, fill them with a mix of objects in different sizes and heights. Consider leaning some of the objects or styling them in a way that showcases their beauty. This will keep your shelves looking interesting and inviting.
In addition to adding objects, you can also bring warmth and texture to your shelves by adding paintings, prints, or photographs. Artworks can fill the empty space beautifully, and you can find different designs and colors to suit your taste.
Moreover, Samantha, another designer, advises to hang shelves on the wall at eye level. This is important as it brings the focus to the items on the shelf, rather than the shelf itself. It also creates a sense of balance and harmony in the room.
Whether you are wondering how to style bookshelves, display antiques, or fill empty spaces, these ideas can help you transform your shelves into beautiful showcases. Take the time to experiment with different arrangements and designs, and make sure to have fun in the process!
Decorating shelves
When it comes to decorating shelves, the options are endless. Shelves can be used to display a wide array of items, such as books, photographs, artworks, antiques, and more. With so many options, it can be hard to know where to begin. Here are some creative ideas for styling your shelves:
Group items
- One of the best ways to decorate shelves is by grouping items together. You can group items by color, theme, or style. This creates a visually appealing display.
- Try arranging books in groups of different sizes to add visual interest.
- Grouping smaller items, such as sculptures or photographs, together can create a sculptural effect on the shelves.
Arrange items in layers
- Instead of just placing items on the surface of the shelves, try arranging them in layers. This can be done by leaning larger items against the back of the shelves and placing smaller items in front.
- Consider using books as pedestals for smaller objects, creating different levels on the shelves.
Create themed displays
- If you’re wondering how to decorate shelves in a cohesive way, try creating themed displays. For example, you could have a shelf dedicated to travel souvenirs, another for family photographs, and another for heirlooms.
- By grouping items together based on their theme, you can create a beautiful and organized display.
Add pops of color
- If your shelves are looking a bit empty, consider adding pops of color. This can be done through painting the back of the shelves in a bright color or adding colorful decorative items.
- By adding pops of color, you can bring life to your shelves and make them more visually appealing.
Keep it balanced
- When decorating shelves, it’s important to keep the display balanced. Make sure that each shelf has a mix of larger and smaller items, and that the shelves as a whole are balanced with empty spaces.
- Consider using books as bookends to keep things in place and add a touch of style.
With these tips and ideas, you can transform your dull shelves into beautiful displays that bring style and personality to your home. Whether you’re decorating bookshelves or wall-mounted shelves, the key is to get creative and have fun with it!
1 Start with books
When it comes to decorating shelves, books are always a great place to start. Not only do they add visual interest, but they also offer options for organizing and storage. Designer Samantha Wilson suggests grouping books by color to create a beautiful and cohesive look. You can also mix in decorative objects and photographs for added warmth and personality.
One popular trend is the “leaning bookshelf” look, where books are placed at different heights and angles, creating a more dynamic and visually appealing arrangement. Plus, it offers additional storage space on top of the shelf.
If you have a large collection of books, consider arranging them by size or subject matter. This can help bring order to your shelves while also adding a touch of style. Mixing hardcover and paperback books can also create an interesting display.
Don’t be afraid to play with color when decorating with books. If you’re looking for a more cohesive look, you can cover your books with matching paper or fabric. This can help create a unified color scheme and prevent your shelves from looking too cluttered.
In addition to books, you can also decorate your shelves with other objects. Consider adding decorative boxes, vases, or sculptures to add visual interest. You can also use artwork or framed photographs to fill any empty spaces.
To help you arrange your shelves, here are some tips:
- Group items in odd numbers – Three or five items grouped together often look more visually appealing than even numbers.
- Mix large and small objects – Varying the sizes of objects can add visual interest and create a more balanced look.
- Consider different heights – Playing with different heights can add dimension and depth to your display.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment – There are no set rules when it comes to decorating shelves, so feel free to try different arrangements and see what works best for you.
With these tips in mind, you can create beautiful and stylish shelves that will enhance any room in your home. So, start gathering your favorite books and objects, and get ready to bring some warmth and personality to your shelves!
2 Arrange in odd numbers
When it comes to decorating shelves, one great tip is to arrange your items in odd numbers. You might be wondering why odd numbers are more visually appealing than even numbers. Well, it’s all about creating a sense of balance and harmony.
Imagine you have a shelf that you want to decorate. If you take three decorative items with different colors and group them together, they’ll help create a more interesting and dynamic display than if you were to use just two items. Odd numbers also add a bit of asymmetry, which can make a space feel more visually appealing.
So, why stick to odd numbers? Well, according to some designers, odd numbers tend to be more visually pleasing because they create a sense of movement and flow. They’re also more memorable and can help your displays stand out.
When arranging your items, consider using odd numbers like 3, 5, or 7. You can mix and match different objects, such as decorative objects, books, antiques, or even plants, to create a beautiful and personal display.
For example, you could begin by placing a painting or a large decorative object at the back of your shelf as a focal point. Then, add smaller objects or groupings of objects in odd numbers on either side. You can also mix in books or photographs to add some variety to the display.
Simon Deterding, the Creative Director of this beautiful space, explains that odd numbers not only help create visual interest, but they also bring a sense of color and decor to your shelves. By using odd numbers, you can also avoid having too many items or cluttering your shelves.
So, the next time you’re looking for a creative way to decorate your shelves, consider arranging your items in odd numbers. It’s a simple but effective technique that can result in beautiful and visually appealing displays.
3 Size matters
When decorating shelves, it’s important to consider the size of the items you are using. Mixing sculptural pieces with smaller decorative items can create an interesting and visually appealing arrangement. Think about incorporating items of different sizes such as photographs, artworks, or plants to add depth and texture to your shelves.
Samantha Kelling, founder and design director of Simon & Wilson Designs, explains that the position of each item is important when creating a group. “You want to group items of similar sizes together to avoid a cluttered look,” she says.
If you have lots of smaller items that you want to display, consider leaning them against the back of the shelves or adding a few larger items to break up the arrangement. For example, you could place a large painting or a decorative storage box in the center of the shelves and surround it with smaller items.
Alternatively, you can create a visually striking display by grouping items of different sizes together. For instance, you could place a tall decorative vase next to a small sculpture and a stack of books.
Adding different heights to your shelves also makes the display more visually appealing. “Mixing decorative objects with different heights creates a sense of balance and adds interest to the arrangement,” says Wilson.
When styling your shelves, it’s also important to consider the size of your space. If you have a small surface to work with, opt for fewer items and keep the arrangement simple. On the other hand, if you have a larger space to fill, you can be more creative with the number and size of items you use.
Remember to add a personal touch to your shelves by including items that have significance to you. Whether it’s a family photo, a treasured memento, or a favorite book, these personal elements can help to make your shelves feel more like home.
In summary, when decorating shelves, consider mixing items of different sizes, group them in an interesting way, and add varying heights for visual appeal. Whether you opt for a simple and clean arrangement or a more eclectic display, the key is to have fun and create a beautiful and personalized look for your home.
4 Create an eye-catching ceramics display
Adding ceramics to your shelf display can bring a pop of color and a touch of elegance to your home. Instead of just placing them randomly on your shelves, consider arranging them in a creative and eye-catching way. Interior stylist, Emily Kelling, suggests using a mix of different colors, shapes, and designs to create an interesting display.
One idea is to arrange your ceramics towards the back of the shelf, leaning them against the wall. This not only creates a visually pleasing look, but it also makes the ceramics more stable and secure. You can also mix in other decorative objects, such as plants or sculptures, to add more texture and depth to the display.
When it comes to arranging your ceramics, think about the different heights and sizes of the pieces. You can group them together based on their colors, or mix and match different colors and textures to create a more eclectic look. Play around with the placement of the ceramics on the shelf until you find a composition that you like.
If you have a large collection of ceramics, you can consider dedicating an entire shelf just to them. This can create a stunning focal point in your space and showcase your collection in a beautiful way. Interior designer, Abigail Ahern, advises adding a few larger ceramics to the grouping to create visual interest and balance.
Another option for displaying your ceramics is to hang them on the wall instead of placing them on shelves. This can create a more unique and unexpected look. Just make sure to securely hang them and consider overlapping smaller pieces with larger ones for added visual interest.
If you’re wondering where to find ceramics for your display, there are many options to choose from. You can visit antique shops or flea markets to find one-of-a-kind pieces with a vintage charm. You can also explore contemporary ceramic artists who create modern and sculptural designs. Interior designer, Sophie Wilson, explains that adding ceramics to your shelf decor can bring warmth and personality to your space.
When decorating your shelves with ceramics, keep in mind that less is often more. Avoid overcrowding your shelves with too many ceramics, as this can make the display feel cluttered. Instead, select a few carefully considered pieces that complement each other in terms of color, texture, and style.
Whether you choose to arrange your ceramics on shelves or hang them on the wall, they’re sure to add a touch of beauty and charm to your home. So go ahead and get creative with your ceramic display!
5 Keep to a single color palette
When decorating shelves, it’s important to consider the overall color scheme of the room. Keeping to a single color palette can help create a cohesive and visually appealing display. This means sticking to a range of colors that work well together and complement the rest of the room’s decor.
One way to achieve this is by choosing objects in various shades and tones of the same color. For example, if your room has a blue color scheme, you could arrange books, vases, and decorative objects in different shades of blue. This creates a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing look.
Another approach is to use a monochromatic color scheme, where you stick to different shades of a single color. This can create a more minimalist and modern look. For example, you could arrange objects in different shades of gray or beige for a sleek and sophisticated display.
When selecting objects to display on your shelves, consider their colors and how they will work together. It’s also a good idea to think about the sizes and heights of the objects. Mixing different sizes and arranging them in a thoughtful manner can add visual interest to your shelves.
When it comes to adding color to your shelves, consider not only the objects themselves but also the shelving unit. If you have a large bookshelf or wall unit, you can consider painting it in a color that complements your overall color scheme. This can help bring more visual interest to the shelves and make them a focal point of the room.
A single color palette can also help create a sense of unity and cohesiveness in your space. Instead of looking cluttered and busy, your shelves will appear more organized and put together.
One piece of advice to keep in mind is to avoid overcrowding your shelves with too many items. It’s better to have a few carefully selected objects that have meaning to you, rather than lots of items that clutter the space.
Alternatively, you can also create a “themed” display on your shelves. For example, if you love collecting antique objects, consider arranging them on your shelves in a cohesive and visually appealing way. This can add warmth and character to your space.
When grouping objects together on your shelves, think about the texture and style of the items. Mixing different textures, such as ceramics, wood, and metal, can add visual interest and make the display more dynamic.
In conclusion, keeping to a single color palette when decorating your shelves can help create a cohesive and visually appealing display. It’s important to consider the overall color scheme of the room and choose objects that work well together in terms of color, size, and texture. By following these tips, you can create beautiful and interesting arrangements that bring warmth and style to your space.
6 Break it up with artwork
If you want to add some visual interest to your shelves and break up the monotony of objects, consider incorporating artwork into your display. Artwork can bring a sense of creativity and style to your shelves, plus it helps fill in any empty spaces and adds a decorative touch to the overall design of the room.
Instead of hanging artwork on the wall, lean it against the back of your shelves or prop it up on a small easel. This allows you to easily change and rearrange your artwork as you please, without the need for nails or hooks. You can mix and match different sizes, styles, and textures to create an eclectic look.
As Linda Kelling, founder and designer at Wilson & Deterding Decor, explains, “Grouping artworks together within your shelf display can help bring visual interest and make a small space look larger.” So don’t be afraid to arrange your artwork in clusters or use them to divide different sections of your shelves.
When positioning your artwork, consider the size and shape of the shelves and the other objects around it. It is important to create a balanced composition that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. You can also use artwork to create focal points and draw attention to specific areas of your shelves.
In addition to paintings and prints, you can also incorporate other types of artwork like framed photographs, antique maps, or even small sculptures. The key is to choose artwork that you love and that complements the style and theme of your home.
So if you’re looking to add some variety and personality to your shelves, don’t forget to include some artwork in your display. It can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your space.
7 Decorate alcove shelves
When it comes to decorating alcove shelves, a little bit of decor goes a long way. Whether you have built-in bookshelves or freestanding units, making sure they fit seamlessly into the design of the room is essential.
One idea is to hang personal photographs or artworks on the back wall of the alcove. This not only adds visual interest, but it also brings a personal touch to the space. Alternatively, you can arrange a grouping of prints or smaller artworks on the shelves themselves.
Consider the position and size of the items you want to display on the shelves. Grouping together items of similar colors or textures can create a cohesive and visually pleasing arrangement. You can also mix and match different sizes and shapes for a more creative display.
If you’re wondering how to arrange the items on the shelves, a good rule of thumb is to start with larger items at the bottom and work your way up to smaller and more delicate pieces. This helps create a sense of balance and ensures that each item has its own space to shine.
An array of books can also be a great addition to alcove shelves. Try arranging them in a mix of standing upright and leaning positions, which adds a sculptural element to the display. If you have antiques or interesting objects, consider placing them as focal points within the bookshelves.
Designer and founder of Kelling Designs, Emma Wilson, suggests bringing in a pop of color with accessories like vases or small decorative objects. This can help liven up the space and add interest to the overall design.
When it comes to alcove shelves, there are no set rules. Play around with different combinations and placements until you find the arrangement that works best for you. Remember, the goal is to create a visually appealing and personally meaningful display that enhances the overall design of the room.
8 Incorporate plants
If you want to add some life and greenery to your shelves, incorporating plants is a great option. Plants not only bring a natural element to the space, but they also add texture and color to the arrangement. Plus, they help to create a more vibrant and lively atmosphere.
There are some ways you can incorporate plants into your shelving display. One option is to place small potted plants on the shelves, either individually or grouped together. This adds a sense of freshness and makes the space more interesting.
Another option is to hang plants from the shelves. You can use hooks or brackets to position the plants at different heights, creating a dynamic and visually appealing arrangement. This is a great way to make use of vertical space and add a touch of nature to your shelves.
If you’re wondering what types of plants to use, there are plenty of options. You can choose from larger plants that make a statement, such as fiddle-leaf figs or snake plants, or opt for smaller, more delicate plants like succulents or air plants. The choice is up to you and depends on your personal style and the look you’re going for.
When arranging plants on your shelves, it’s important to consider their care needs. Some plants require more sunlight or water than others, so make sure to position them accordingly. Also, think about the colors and textures of the plants and how they will fit in with the rest of your decor.
Samantha Kelling, the founder and director of Sam Wilson Designs, explains that plants can add warmth and life to a space. “There’s something about the color green that makes you feel happy and calm,” she says.
Alternatively, if you’re not a fan of live plants or want to keep things low maintenance, you can use artificial plants instead. There are plenty of realistic-looking options available that can still bring a touch of nature to your shelves without the need for watering or care.
So, whether you choose to incorporate a few small potted plants or hang lush greenery from your shelves, adding plants to your shelf arrangement can bring life and beauty to your space. Plus, they’re a great way to infuse some natural elements into your home decor.
9 Bring character to a kitchen
When it comes to decorating your kitchen shelves, it’s important to infuse them with a personal touch. This is the perfect opportunity to showcase items that hold meaning to you and your family, and really make the space your own. Here are some ideas to help you bring character to your kitchen shelves:
1. Display family photographs
One way to add a personal touch is by displaying some of your favorite family photographs. This not only adds a sentimental element but also creates a visual interest on the shelves. Consider grouping them together or interspersing them with other decorative objects.
2. Incorporate plants
Plants not only add a touch of nature and color to your kitchen but also bring life to the space. Choose plants that thrive in the kitchen environment, such as herbs, succulents, or small potted flowers. Position them in front of different heights of objects to create depth and visual intrigue.
3. Create themed displays
Consider creating themed displays on your kitchen shelves. For example, you could gather a collection of vintage kitchen tools or antique cooking books. This not only adds a personal touch but also creates a visually captivating arrangement.
4. Add texture with baskets
Add texture to your kitchen shelves by incorporating baskets. Baskets can be used to store kitchen essentials or simply as decorative elements. They add warmth and visual interest, making the shelves feel more inviting.
5. Display beautiful dishware
Show off your beautiful dishware by positioning them on the shelves. Plates, bowls, and mugs can double as decorative objects when arranged in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Consider grouping them by color or pattern to create a cohesive look.
6. Use books for styling
If you have extra shelf space, consider using books for styling. Books can add both color and texture to the shelves. Choose books with beautiful covers or ones that hold meaning to you. Stack them horizontally or vertically to create visual interest.
7. Add sculptural objects
Incorporating sculptural objects can add a touch of artistry to your kitchen shelves. Consider adding pieces that have interesting shapes or textures, such as ceramic vases or small sculptures. These objects can serve as focal points and add a sense of personality to the space.
8. Consider colors and patterns
When arranging decorative objects on your kitchen shelves, consider colors and patterns. Choose objects that complement the color scheme of the kitchen or add pops of color. Incorporating patterns can also add visual interest and break up the monotony of solid-colored objects.
9. Don’t overcrowd the shelves
While it’s important to add personal touches and decorative objects to your kitchen shelves, it’s also crucial to avoid overcrowding. Make sure to leave enough space between objects to allow each item to be appreciated individually. This will also create a sense of openness and prevent the shelves from looking cluttered.
When decorating your kitchen shelves, think about the overall look and feel you want to achieve. Consider the colors, textures, and groupings that work well together. By being creative and thoughtful in your choices, you can bring character and warmth to your kitchen through the styling of your shelves.
10 Create a memory wall
If you’re looking to add a personal touch to your shelves, creating a memory wall is a great idea. It’s a way to display your favorite photos, prints, and artworks that bring back special memories.
Samantha Kelling, the director of design at Samantha Kelling Interiors, explains that a memory wall can add color, texture, and visual interest to your shelving. “It’s a creative way to display objects that are important to you and your family,” she says.
Start by gathering prints and photographs that you want to display. Consider the colors and sizes of the frames when adding them to your memory wall. “Make sure they’re a mix of heights and sizes to create a more interesting display,” advises Kelling.
One option is to lean artworks against the back of your shelves. This gives them more prominence and allows you to easily switch out the display. Alternatively, you can hang them on the wall within the shelving unit.
When positioning the prints and photos, consider the overall layout of your shelves and the other decorative objects you have. “Try to avoid overcrowding the space,” suggests Kelling. “Leave room for smaller decorative items and storage.”
Remember that a memory wall doesn’t have to be limited to just prints and photos. You can also include personal mementos, such as antiques or objects that have sentimental value. Plants can also be a great addition, bringing in some much-needed greenery and life to the display.
Keep in mind that the surface of your shelves can also be used for displaying objects. If you have small sculptures or trinkets, place them on top of the shelves. This will help fill the space and add more interest to the overall design.
Kelling advises that when organizing your memory wall, it’s important to be happy with the arrangement. “Move things around until you’re satisfied,” she suggests. “There’s no right or wrong way to decorate your memory wall, as long as it reflects your personal style and brings joy to your home.”
Adding a memory wall to your shelves is a way to bring your personal touch to your home decor. It creates a visual display of your cherished memories and makes your shelving more than just a storage unit. So, get creative and start arranging your own memory wall today!
11 Less is more
When it comes to decorating shelves, sometimes less is actually more. Instead of cluttering your shelves with too many items, it can be more effective to take a minimalist approach and carefully select a few key pieces to display. This allows each item to stand out and creates a clean and organized look.
One way to achieve this is to decorate your shelves with personal items that have special meaning to you. This could be a collection of photographs, mementos from your travels, or items that reflect your hobbies and interests. By choosing items that are personally significant, you can create a display that is unique and meaningful.
Another option is to create a simple and clean display by using only a few well-chosen items. Consider using different textures, colors, and sizes to add visual interest to your shelves. For example, you could mix smooth ceramic vases with rougher textured items like woven baskets or wooden sculptures.
Alternatively, you can create a minimalist look by grouping similar objects together. For example, you could place a collection of antique books on one shelf and a grouping of colorful vases on another. This creates a sense of order and cohesion while still allowing each item to be appreciated individually.
Interior designer Simon Wilson, the founder and director of design house, advises that when decorating shelves, it’s important to consider the space you have and avoid overcrowding. He suggests starting with a few key items and then gradually adding more if needed. This allows you to avoid the cluttered and busy look that can result from filling every available surface.
Another tip from Wilson is to think about the scale and size of your shelves. If you have larger shelves, you can display larger items such as a painting or a large vase. On smaller shelves, it’s best to stick with smaller items or groups of items to avoid overwhelming the space.
To bring warmth and color to your shelves, consider adding a few plants or flowers. Not only do plants add life and freshness to your display, but they also help to fill empty spaces and create a more inviting and organic look.
In conclusion, when it comes to decorating shelves, less is often more. By carefully selecting a few key items and being mindful of space and scale, you can create stylish and well-curated displays that enhance the overall look of your home.
12 Think about layering
When it comes to styling your shelves, consider layering to create a visually interesting arrangement. Layering involves placing objects of different sizes and heights in front of each other, creating depth and dimension.
You can achieve this by leaning larger items against the back of the shelves and placing smaller objects in front. This makes each item more visible and adds a sculptural element to your shelves.
When layering, it’s important to consider the overall look and feel you want to achieve. Think about the colors, prints, and shapes of the objects you have, and how they will work together when layered. For example, you can group items of similar colors or styles together to create a cohesive and visually pleasing arrangement.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to layering, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your arrangements. You can mix and match objects of different sizes and styles to create a unique and personalized look.
If you have a lot of items to display and not much shelf space, you can alternatively consider adding shelves within shelves. This allows you to make use of the vertical space and fill it with smaller decorative objects or storage solutions.
When layering, keep in mind that empty spaces are just as important as the objects themselves. They provide breathing room and prevent your shelves from looking overcrowded. So make sure to leave some gaps between your items to create a balanced and visually pleasing arrangement.
If you’re not sure where to begin with layering, start by grouping similar objects together. For example, you can group books of similar sizes or decorative objects with a similar theme. This creates a cohesive look and makes it easier to arrange your shelves.
Remember, layering is all about bringing warmth and personality to your shelves. It’s an opportunity to showcase your favorite items, whether it’s a collection of books, photographs, or decorative pieces. So have fun with it and let your creativity shine!
13 Use color to set off your display
When decorating your shelves, color can be a visual element that really sets off your display. It can add pops of brightness, create a cohesive style, and draw attention to certain objects or areas of your shelving unit.
If you’re looking for creative storage options that are also visually appealing, adding color is a great way to achieve this. Whether you’re using colorful bins or baskets, or arranging your books by color, the use of color can transform your shelves into a visual masterpiece.
One part of your shelves that you should consider when using color is the backing. By painting the back of your shelves a different color, you can add depth and visual interest to your display. This technique is commonly used by interior designers like Dorothee Deterding and Shiri Dahan Wilson, who say it can bring warmth and make your objects stand out even more.
Another way to incorporate color into your shelving design is by hanging artworks or prints on the wall behind your shelves. Grouping them together in a cohesive color scheme or theme can create a visually stunning backdrop for your shelving unit.
If you have sculptural or smaller decorative objects, consider arranging them within a larger display. This can add color and texture to your shelves without overwhelming the space. In addition, adding plants to your shelves can bring a touch of nature and color to your display.
When decorating with color, it’s important to consider the overall look of your home. If you’re wondering what colors to choose, consider the style and colors already present in your space. Leaning towards colors already found in your home can create a cohesive and harmonious design.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to make a bold statement, don’t be afraid to use contrasting colors that stand out. The options are endless when it comes to color, so have fun and experiment!
In conclusion, using color is an important aspect of decorating your shelves. It can add visual interest, create a cohesive style, and bring warmth and brightness to your space. Whether you’re considering painting the backing, grouping artworks, or adding colorful decorative objects, incorporating color into your display will make your shelving unit truly stand out.
What do you put on shelves to decorate
When it comes to decorating shelves, there are a variety of options you can consider. Whether you’re a minimalist or someone who loves a maximalist style, shelves offer a great opportunity to showcase your personal style. Here are some ideas on what to put on shelves to decorate:
1. Books:
- Add a touch of sophistication by kelling your books on the shelves. Display them with their spines facing out to create an interesting visual display.
- If you prefer a more casual look, you can stack them on the shelves with their covers facing out.
2. Artworks and photographs:
- Adding artwork or photographs to the back of the shelves can bring warmth and personality to the space. Consider leaning larger pieces against the wall or hanging smaller ones.
- Don’t just limit yourself to framed pictures – you can also use postcards, prints, or even fabric swatches to create a unique display.
3. Plants:
- Adding some greenery to your shelves can instantly liven up the space. Consider using different sizes and textures of plants to create visual interest.
- Hanging plants from the ceiling above the shelves can also add a sculptural element to your display.
4. Decorative objects:
- If you have decorative objects such as vases, figurines, or sculptures, shelves are the perfect place to display them.
- Group similar objects together in clusters for a more cohesive look, and mix in different sizes and shapes to create visual variety.
5. Mix of textures:
- Consider adding textured items like baskets, woven trays, or decorative boxes to your shelves to add depth and visual interest.
- Playing with different textures can give your shelves a more dynamic and unique look.
Remember, when decorating shelves, the most important part is to have fun and be creative. They’re a blank canvas waiting for you to bring your design vision to life!
How do you fill empty shelves
When it comes to decorating shelves, there is so much advice out there on how to achieve beautiful arrangements. However, one aspect that is often overlooked is how to fill empty shelves. If you have a shelf that is lacking in interest or simply needs some items to give it a little life, here are some ideas to consider:
Plants
Bring some greenery into your space by adding plants to your shelves. Whether it’s small potted succulents or larger leafy plants, they can add an interesting touch to any shelf display. Consider positioning them at different heights to create visual interest.
Photographs
If you have lots of photos that you want to display, bookshelves can be a great place to showcase them. Instead of just leaning them against the back of the shelf, consider grouping them together in frames of different sizes and colors.
Decorative objects
Fill your empty shelves with decorative objects that bring color, texture, and personality to the space. Look for unique sculptures, vases, or other interesting objects that can make a statement on your shelves.
Books
Books are always a great option for filling shelves, but instead of just lining them up side by side, try stacking them horizontally or arranging them by color to create a visually appealing display.
Antiques and smaller treasures
If you have some smaller antiques or special treasures that you want to display, shelves are the perfect place to do so. Mix them in with other objects to create an interesting array of items on the surface.
Designer displays
If you’re looking for some more unique ideas to fill your shelves, consider creating designer displays. This could involve arranging objects in a specific color scheme or theme, such as a beach-inspired display with shells and driftwood.
Personal touch
When filling your shelves, it’s important to include objects that have personal meaning to you. Whether it’s a souvenir from a memorable trip or a family heirloom, these personal items will not only make you happy but also add a layer of sentimentality to your shelves.
So, if you’re wondering how to fill your empty shelves, consider these ideas and get creative with your arrangements. There are endless possibilities to make each shelf in your home a beautiful and interesting display!