3 Steps For Styling a Shelf
I love to decorate my house. We are on a pretty tight budget so when I am ready for a change I love to mix stuff up to make it feel new! It is one of the easiest ways to give any room a facelift without spending a ton of money! One of my favorite spots to mix up are my shelves. Styling a shelf can be pretty intimidating but as you move things around you get a feel for what style you like. I am no expert, but here are a 3 easy steps that can help you get started.
Gather
When I am going to style a shelf I start by gathering things around my house that will work with the color scheme of the room. Think frames, books, art, graphic prints, toys, bowls and small collectables. I love to use books in my decorating. If the books you want to use don’t fit with your color palate try removing their jacket or even turning them around backward.
Layer Objects And Add Height
By putting all different size objects on your shelf you add interest and depth to your shelf. Layer them together starting with your larger pieces. Once you have the larger pieces in place, add in the smaller objects around them. If you begin layering and notice you have too many small objects try stacking objects to add height. Books work great for adding height where you need it. You can also use decorative storage boxes.
Rearrange
I have never ever put everything on my shelf and thought, “That is perfect!” I throw it up one way and move stuff around to play with my options. After I try a few looks out, I pick my favorite parts and complete the final look.
In my house photographs tend to be my focal point for my shelves. New photos always give me the motivation I need for rearranging. I recently ordered a brand new 16×20 canvas print from Canvas Factory and when it came I knew I had some styling to mix up.
This picture is of my children at a friends wedding and it really captures their relationship perfectly. I knew I wanted a large copy of it in my home, and I am so glad I decided to have it printed on canvas. The quality is just beautiful and I know I will treasure it for a really long time. There are a couple different edge styles you can choose between and I am loving these beautifully wrapped edges, so happy with that decision. Canvas Factory makes it really easy to upload your pictures and order your prints. Plus, they are super fast. My order came much quicker than I expected it to. To find out more about their prints visit their website here. Once you have ordered sit back and enjoy those beautiful prints on your newly styled shelves!
Great tips I like the height because of my youngest getting into things. What a great way to decorate though love that first shelf.
I’m going to check out Canvas Factory, that print looks great! The shelves that you styled look gorgeous, I’ve never given much though to how they look before.
Great decorating tips! I love shelves!
Great tips – I’m working on my daughter’s play room so I’m paying attention!!!
I am a major re-arranger too! I get stir crazy if things are the same for too long. Love the look of things layered, we did that in our bathroom on a shelf!
These are great tips. I love those looks! Very classy.
Great ideas and gorgeous looks. You’ve got a great eye for this stuff!
I love this post. I can’t decorate a cake, so I really needed this.
This is a great post. You’ve got quite an eye!
I wish my shelves looked as neat and pretty as that! I am just happy if the books are all the same way and there’s no dust lol
Your canvas looks beautiful too.
Oh my goodness, can you come style my shelves??? They all look awesome. I am horrible at that sort of stuff, but maybe if I took your advice I wouldn’t be… ha!
Those look great! I have been in a re-decorating mood recently and I have been trying to spice up my shelf space as well.
Very gorgeous styling tips! I too love to mix and match certain objects, colors, and patterns.
What great ideas! Love the accents you used accompanied with photo’s.
I always rearrange to make old looks seem new! Great tips!
These are great tips! I’m going to apply them to my TV stand that I’m redecorating!
I love all of your tips. I am one of those people who lets my shelved get all cluttered and they look all messy.
I am terrible at styling things, so this was a great post for me. I love the bookcase and all the books and accessories you chose for that.
I have no tips for this. My shelves are all cluttered! 🙂 Thanks for the help. Maybe if I decorate the shelves, then I won’t be inclined to put random junk on them.
I need to keep the height in mind more often, we tend to pile and hang things only at eye level. So much wasted space!
I need to get some shelves. Love the large letters and the & sign!
Great tips! I love the vase holding rubber duckies! What a cute way to store the kids toys and decorate the shelf.