How To Style Your Shelves
Photography: @LITTLEVENICE_LONDON

How To Style Your Shelves

No longer just for books, shelves are an opportunity to showcase beautiful objects and curate a selection of much-loved heirlooms and new finds. We spoke to expert interior stylists to get their tips on how to choose and display your favourite finds.
Photography: @LITTLEVENICE_LONDON

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

Fill Them Up

“All my shelves are full, featuring items of interest, with a variety of textures, books, candles, plants, vases, you name it.” – Leoma Harper, @styletheclutter 

Mix Heights And Sizes

“I like to arrange things so each shelf is different, with a mix of heights, shapes and sizes, grouping items together to create a triangular shape using depths and heights across the shelves. I also like to add depth by adding framed pictures against each other, behind more statement items such as ceramics.” – Leoma

Layer Different Objects

“Ground items through layering – for example, a few books piled up with a candle or plant on top, a little tray with items within it and a candle with a cloche on top are always favourites of mine. When it comes to books, I arrange these in height/size order and keep similar colour tones grouped together. The key rule for a good shelf is to mix and group, so no item looks left out.” – Leoma

Stack Books

“Coffee table books are my go-to pieces for styling any room and are the first items I grab when styling an open shelf. Display them vertically in tight groups and anchored with a book end. Or stack them flat to lay objects on and create different heights within the overall structure. Objects that vary in height allow for a greater visual impact, so always add something like a tall vase or unique piece of art to draw your eye upwards. And consider what colour books you want to go for. Books are a great way to inject a pop of colour into a room. Or go for neutral colours for a more harmonious look.” – Danni Hamer

Soho Home
Soho Home, @NO.17HOUSE
Objects that vary in height allow for a greater visual impact, so always add something like a tall vase or unique piece of art to draw your eye upwards.
One Four Eight
One Four Eight , @ONEFOUREIGHTLONDON

Cluster And Balance

“I love to display a variety of interesting objects – of different forms and sizes – on open shelves,. Larger or more decorative pieces can stand alone, while I like to cluster others in groups of three or four. Go for contrasting colours: darker pieces will stand out against neutral-coloured shelves. And balance smaller items with larger accents: vases, bowls and baskets are all great pieces to incorporate as the foundation or to fill the space.” – Danni

Incorporate Greenery

“Adding a touch of greenery can really help bring your shelves to life. A potted plant or dried flowers work well, or simply place a larger shrub or tree in front of or to the side of your shelves.” – Danni

One Four Eight
One Four Eight, @ONEFOUREIGHTLONDON

Don’t Forget About Lighting

“Don’t underestimate the power of good lighting. Adding simple LED strip lighting to your shelves is an inexpensive way to add warmth and ambiance to a room, and really draws the eye to the objects on display.” – Danni     

Finally, Beware Of Over-Styling

“There are no hard-set rules to styling a shelf. Sometimes, you just need to play around with the objects to see what works best. And remember that less is often more: too many objects can often make a shelf look cluttered. The most appealing shelves offer a balance of interest and space, so try to only incorporate your favourite pieces.” – Danni
 

Shop Our Edit Here...

DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@sheerluxe.com.

Fashion. Beauty. Culture. Life. Home
Delivered to your inbox, daily