How to Style Open Shelving

Welcome to our guide on how to make the most of open shelving in your home. Open shelving is not only practical but also a fantastic way to showcase your personality and style. Whether you have open shelves in your kitchen, living room, or bedroom, we’ve got you covered with tips and tricks to help you style them like a pro!

1. Declutter and Organise

Before you start styling your open shelves, it’s essential to declutter and organise your items. Remove any unnecessary clutter and only keep items that are both functional and visually appealing. Group similar items together to create a cohesive look.

Tip:

Use baskets or bins to store smaller items and keep the shelves looking tidy.

2. Mix and Match

Don’t be afraid to mix and match different textures, colours, and materials when styling your open shelves. This adds visual interest and depth to the space. Combine items like books, plants, ceramics, and artwork to create a curated look.

Tip:

Alternate between vertical and horizontal stacks of books to create balance.

3. Add Greenery

Plants are a great way to bring life and freshness to your open shelving. Consider incorporating a mix of real and faux plants to add a touch of greenery to your space. Succulents, trailing plants, and small potted herbs work well on open shelves.

Tip:

Choose plants that suit the light conditions of your space to ensure they thrive.

4. Personalise with Artwork

Artwork is a fantastic way to add personality and character to your open shelves. Mix and match framed prints, photographs, and small sculptures to create a gallery wall effect on your shelves. Consider leaning artwork against the back of the shelves for a more relaxed look.

Tip:

Rotate artwork seasonally to keep your shelves looking fresh and inspiring.

5. Play with Height and Depth

Creating visual interest on your open shelves is all about playing with height and depth. Use a combination of tall vases, short sculptures, and medium-sized decor items to add dimension to your shelves. Avoid placing items of the same height next to each other.

Tip:

Layer items by placing shorter objects in front of taller ones to create depth.

6. Keep it Functional

While styling your open shelves, don’t forget about functionality. Ensure that the items you display are not just for show but also serve a purpose. Incorporate kitchen essentials, storage baskets, or decorative boxes to make your shelves both beautiful and practical.

Tip:

Use trays to corral smaller items and create a cohesive look on your shelves.

7. Reflect Your Style

Above all, styling open shelves is about reflecting your personal style and tastes. Whether you prefer a minimalist, bohemian, or eclectic look, let your shelves showcase who you are. Experiment with different arrangements until you find a style that resonates with you.

Tip:

Take inspiration from interior design blogs, Pinterest, and magazines to discover new styling ideas.

Conclusion

Open shelving offers a fantastic opportunity to get creative with your home decor. By following these styling tips, you can transform your shelves into a focal point in any room. Remember to declutter, mix and match, add greenery, personalise with artwork, play with height and depth, keep it functional, and most importantly, reflect your unique style. Have fun styling your open shelves!