Let’s talk shelves, because I know you’ve seen those Pinterest-perfect ones that feel so calm and intentional—then you look at yours and think, “Okay… maybe not.” Don’t worry, Im here to help . Shelf styling is all about balance. Do too much and it feels like visual overload. Do too little and it looks unfinished. The sweet spot is somewhere in between.
The best part? Picking out the pieces. That’s where the fun comes in.
Pick Up A Book
The colors, the textures, the bindings—it’s my favorite way to fill a shelf without making it feel cluttered. I especially love books with bold fonts, oversized spines, or those covers that double as art. Stacked flat, they instantly give your shelves dimension and that designer feel.
Whats In Your Box?
And not just any boxes—unique ones. Think leather, suede, velvet, even metal. They bring in texture and act as grounding pieces, especially if you don’t want to lean on florals or greenery. Plus, they’re functional. Who doesn’t love hidden storage that doubles as decor?
The Decorative Object
You know those random pieces that don’t really “do” anything but somehow make the whole space feel elevated? That one element that’ll make your guests stop and say, “Wait… where did you get this?” Etsy, Michaels, Hobby Lobby—those hidden gem spots always come through with the finds that feel special and not overdone.
Where’s This Going?
Styling isn’t just about what you use—it’s about how you place it. Whether your style leans minimalist or maximalist, you want to play with balance. Think high, low, high in terms of object height. Pair wide items next to narrow ones. That mix keeps the eye moving without overwhelming it.
Don’t forget colors and textures.
Pull in different tones, mix matte with shiny, smooth with textured—it makes the shelves feel layered and intentional. And remember our color balancing talk from a few weeks ago? Yep, it applies here too. (If you missed it, go check out the color theory blog for a quick refresher.)
At the end of the day, shelf styling is meant to be fun. Play around until it feels right to you.
So tell me—how do you style your shelves?