Let it be shouted from the rooftops, I love styling shelves!  They’re challenging in all the best ways, much like a puzzle, as each element fits into the styling process perfectly in the end.  Does it take a while to get there?  Absolutely!  Is it fun to move things around to get it just right?  You betcha!  Here’s my tips and tricks for styling your shelves effortlessly like the pros. 

tip #1 – drop it like it’s hot

…The extras, that is.  Really evaluate your shelves and figure out what is enhancing the design and what is simply excess.  Keep those accessories that are visually interesting, conversation starters, or personal mementos and remove the rest.  Remember, you don’t need to fill every space on your shelves, so if it’s not doing anything for you, take it out. And while we’re at it, we’re going to pare down books and use hardbound only and use just enough to provide vertical and horizontal balance within groupings.

tip #2 – shop ‘til you drop

We recommend that you first start with a lap around your house to gather pieces and accessories you love for your shelves. But then, go ahead and pick up some new faux or real plants to provide texture and color.  We love natural elements and plants are simply wonderful!  We also suggest investing in a few new and updated accessory pieces to complete your shelves.  This will freshen up your shelves as much as a new pair of shoes freshens up an outfit.   Local stores such as Home Goods are a great place to shop for bookshelf accessories! We also recommend hitting up local antique galleries or second hand stores to find those unique and wow-inducing items.

tip #3 – is it vintage or just plain tired?

Does your existing accessory look tired?  As in, old and dated … like a old car prior to trading it in for an upgrade?  One way to freshen up your shelves is to swap old frames for new ones that coordinate!  On the other hand, vintage items are pieces that hold a story like a family heirloom or a generational photo.  Vintage items fall under the category of conversation starters and look great on shelves! Just make sure that you are acknowledging the difference between vintage and just plain old 🙂

tip #4 – mix and match styles

No matter the style, modern or traditional, shelves can translate to your own personal taste.  For modernized shelves, consider sticking to a monochromatic pallet and clean lines. Traditional styles usually incorporate some vintage items, baskets and stacks of books.  Anywhere in between is a mixture of both and super fun!  The sky is the limit!

Keep in mind that when styling shelves it’s all about balance.  Achieving balance takes a bit of shuffling around as you move from shelf to shelf.  It’s also important to consider scale – top to bottom and front to back.  Consider anchoring the back of a few shelves with some leaning art or larger pictures.  This helps to provide an anchor and depth.  When aiming for balance, consider larger items that pack a punch (translation: impact) and balance them with a smaller item paired with it.  I love to stagger items on shelves as I bounce from one shelf to the next. 

Crank up the music and style those shelves! It’s definitely a challenge worth overcoming. I believe in you!

XO, Meg