Have open shelving that your struggling to style? We use styled shelves throughout the home. Whether we are designing in the kitchen, the living room, or the bedroom, we always consider adding these five things to round out a beautiful display.
Organic Materials like Wood, Ceramic and Stone to add Natural Beauty and Interest
One of the easiest ways to create a timeless shelf display is by incorporating natural, organic materials. We love mixing pieces made from stone, wood, and ceramic to add texture and warmth. A carved wood bowl, a stack of travertine objects, or a handmade ceramic vase instantly brings character to a space.
Artwork that Reminds you of People, Places, or Things you Love
The most memorable shelf styling includes pieces that feel personal. Small framed artwork is one of our favorite ways to add meaning and personality to a display. Choose pieces that remind you of a favorite place you’ve traveled, a special memory, or something that simply brings you joy. Whether it’s a landscape from a beloved vacation destination, a vintage sketch, or a photograph of someone you love, meaningful artwork helps transform shelves from decorative to deeply personal. Lean artwork against the back of the shelf and layer smaller objects in front for a relaxed, curated look.
Easy Access to Everyday Items
Beautiful shelves don’t have to be purely decorative. In fact, some of the most successful displays blend beauty with function. Consider incorporating items you use every day, such as favorite books, serving pieces, coffee table books, or frequently used kitchen essentials. Keeping practical items within easy reach makes your shelves feel lived-in and intentional while helping your home function more efficiently. The key is choosing pieces that are both useful and beautiful enough to contribute to the overall design.
Sconces to Highlight your Beautiful Display
Lighting can completely transform the look of your shelves. Installing sconces above or alongside built-ins adds both architectural interest and a warm glow that highlights your carefully curated display. Sconces draw attention to artwork, decorative objects, and collected treasures while creating beautiful ambiance throughout the room. Whether you choose a classic brass fixture or something more modern, adding layered lighting helps your shelves become a focal point, especially in the evenings when the soft light creates warmth and depth.
Baskets for Storage and Hiding Clutter
Every well-styled shelf needs a little hidden storage. Baskets are one of our favorite tools for keeping shelves organized while maintaining a beautiful aesthetic. Woven baskets add texture and warmth while providing the perfect place to tuck away items that don’t need to be on display. Think remote controls, charging cords, kids’ activities, or miscellaneous household essentials. By mixing decorative objects with practical storage, your shelves can remain both beautiful and functional.
When styling shelves, remember that less is often more. Leave a little breathing room between objects, vary heights and textures, and incorporate pieces that feel meaningful to you. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s creating a display that reflects your personality and enhances your everyday life. By layering organic materials, meaningful artwork, functional essentials, beautiful lighting, and practical storage, you’ll create shelves that feel collected, balanced, and unique to your home.
Xxo
Becki
