Interiors

It’s a Shelfie Life: Tips On How To Style Your Shelves

13th October 2015

Sometimes it can be a little overwhelming when it comes to styling your open shelves especially if you have so many. The more we ponder on it the more we make it complicated for ourselves. For those that can find themselves in a bit of a muddle and it all gets too much, I’ve put together these really simple easy steps to help you along the way. Again there really is no right or wrong and it ain’t no rocket science. My styling tips are just a simple guide to help, the rest is really down to you. So get your creative juices flowing and have some fun…

Tips On How To Style Your Shelves

1. Mix it Up

Mix up your shelves with books, magazines of different dimensions, artwork and decorative accessories. Create vignettes that add personality and which make your shelves far more interesting.

2. Add Depth

Think of your shelves as layers. Start from the tallest objects at the back and work smallest at the front. The rule of triangles is a great guide, which basically means you place objects in a triangle pattern. It’s a great way to balance your shelves and make them look aesthetically pleasing to the eye. At the end of the day it’s all about having the right flow.

3. Keep it Symmetrical

Symmetry is always a good idea and is always a winner. Try and repeat similar displays of items a few times throughout your shelves. It’s about getting the balance right.

Tips On How To Style Your Shelves

4. Plant it!

A few plants or flowers even ‘faux’ are the perfect way to add life to a space. A great easy option for filling those empty spaces and adding pops of colour to your shelves.

5. Play Around

Unless you are an absolute whizz, we rarely get it right the first time. Don’t be hard on yourself instead keep playing around with your objects until you can look back and be truly happy with the overall look. At the end of the day practice makes perfect!

Tips On How To Style Your Shelves

Remember, don’t feel like you have to cram too many objects in one shelf. Sometimes less is more…

12 Comments

  1. karen jones

    13th October 2015 at 2:43 pm

    Great tips. Of course the shelves in my house are also full of colour co-ordinated books!

    I have issues xx

    1. Arianna Trapani

      13th October 2015 at 7:19 pm

      Hahaha I think when it comes to decorating we all have some hidden ocd issues 😉 x

  2. Rachel @ Fresh Design

    13th October 2015 at 3:32 pm

    Really useful, thanks! I’ve been admiring a friend’s styled shelves recently (they look very similar to yours) and really must take heed and tackle mine soon.

    1. Arianna Trapani

      13th October 2015 at 7:19 pm

      Thanks Rachel – lovely of you to say! It always seems such a daunting task but once you get going I promise you’ll get really into it 😉 x

  3. The Ordinary Lovely

    13th October 2015 at 6:34 pm

    Great tips! I can sometimes be a little too clinical with how I organise my shelves and they can look a little soulless. I think I need to play around with them and also add some depth, like you mention.

    1. Arianna Trapani

      13th October 2015 at 7:17 pm

      Thanks lovely! Have a go playing around – like I said there’s no right or wrong and at the end of the day it’s what you feel most comfortable with and that represents your style 🙂 x

  4. Eden Mint

    14th October 2015 at 12:34 am

    Adding plants is a great idea, love these tips!

    1. Arianna Trapani

      18th October 2015 at 4:33 pm

      Thanks Eden – A simple but effective solution to those empty spaces 😉

  5. Summer

    14th October 2015 at 12:10 pm

    Nice styling dear♥♥

    summerdaisy.net

  6. Kate Baxter

    17th October 2015 at 11:14 am

    Lovely shelves my sweet! But of course they would be, in your stylish home xx

    1. Arianna Trapani

      18th October 2015 at 4:32 pm

      Aww thanks Kate – It’s getting there, still lots to do. It’s always the little bits that take ages… xx

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