Shelf Styling - there’s no single right way, my friend
My living room shelves are both my favorite and an absolute chore to style.
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Styling shelves can be a fun, never ending adventure in your very own home. Some days you love it, some days, you change it completely. Here are ten ways to mix it up and add character to your space.
Books - stack them vertically or horizontally with the spines in or out. There are no rules! Explore your free will.
Contrast textures - wood, paper, leather, your child’s 2nd grade art project. Nothing is off limits.
Bring in light - I love rechargeable LEDs - these puck lights and this cordless LED lamp - no wiring needed.
Something old - Estate sales, Goodwill, garage sales, roadside “trash”? Everyone is welcome.
Something new - A classic item you’ve been dreaming of that would add that perfect touch to your home? Sold.
Break it up - Leave some blank space so it doesn’t feel busy or cluttered.
Play with height - using different sized items that don’t necessarily “go together”. It’s about interest, not logic.
Add something living - Add some life - a fish tank maybe? Plants are my go-to. Just make sure it gets enough light so you aren’t featuring a plant cemetery. I love a trailing vine draping over from a taller shelf.
Make it accessible - Cookbooks, for example, make sure you can actually use them! These are not a place for trinkets or other bits. Make sure they’re readable and both physically and visually available.
Get it “most” of the way there - Don’t feel pressure to finish it completely. It’s more fun and, just like you, always a work in progress.
I have a wall of shelves that is persistently overwhelming, but I’ve found peace with it (at least for now).