GETTING STARTED
First take everything you have off of your shelves.
Think about your homes style. Is it farmhouse, glam, minimalist, or eclectic?
No style, that’s okay… what style do you love or want it to be?
Choose a color palette. Neutral colors are great for shelf styling, but if you love bold colors like Navy go with it. Other color palettes that look great are shades of white, black and white, gold accents, raw organic wood accents, living green, and soft muted rose and blues .
The key is to pick three colors and repeat.
Consider the room your shelves are in to choose what your shelves should display. Living Room? Kitchen? Home Office? Bathroom?
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Make a trip to Marshalls, Home Goods, Old Time Pottery, Hobby Lobby, Kirklands, Target or any thrift store. Look for hard cover or fabric covered books with book jackets (these will be coming off).
Look for greenery, air plants, small faux plants in pots, and real plants if you have a “green thumb”.
Keep and eye out for baskets, frames, small clocks, vases, book ends, candles, bowls, lanterns, wooden boxes or chests, and any unique piece that you are drawn to.
For kitchen shelves look for unique dishes, cook books, bowls, and oversized mugs. Bathroom shelves could have soaps, candles, jars of bath salts, etc.
START AT THE TOP
Choose your top shelf and work downward. Add an item in the middle, for example a pot of greenery, and then add a stack of books or ceramic vase next to it. If you are minimalist maybe you just want one large simple item and more space.
USE A VARIETY OF TEXTURES AND HEIGHTS
Stack similar sized books, with the spines facing out. Add faux greenery or small decor on top of the books. Use different shapes and sizes.
Try wood, straw, metal, and glass decorative objects.
Place items of varying heights to add dimension, for example a large picture frame, basket, or taller decorative object.
Stack and Layer!
WORK IN SEASONAL ITEMS
If you love decorating for holidays, you can add in a few holiday decor pieces into your shelf styling.
Think about color and space when adding these in.
Your goal is for your shelves to look pulled together and balanced.
PLAY WITH IT
Stand back and take some photos of your shelves to see spots that are empty or if items need to be switched. When I did my shelves I sent photos to my amazing friend and she said “love it – try switching the square basket with the bowl.” I tried it and it worked!
MONEY SAVING TIPS
Keep the tags on the items until you know 100% that they are going to work. If not, exchange them for something that might be a better fit without having to spend more money.
Look in your basement or storage area for shelf items before buying new.
Move items from one room to another. I moved a barely noticed round tray from my Master Bedroom to my office. It gave me a whole new look at no cost.
I hope these tips have you ready to style your shelves!
Please send me your before and after shelf styling photos HERE!
XOXO
EVE