Open shelving has become a beloved design element in modern homes, offering both functionality and an opportunity to showcase your personal style. But styling open shelves can feel intimidating—how do you make them look curated rather than cluttered? Here's your guide to styling open shelving like a professional designer.
Start with a Clean Slate
Before you begin styling, remove everything from your shelves and give them a good clean. This allows you to start fresh and approach the styling process with intention. Take stock of what you have and decide what deserves a spot on display.
Follow the Rule of Threes
Designers often group items in odd numbers, with three being the magic number. Odd-numbered groupings create visual interest and feel more natural to the eye. Arrange items in clusters of three, varying the heights and shapes within each grouping.
Mix Heights and Shapes
Variety is key to creating visually interesting shelves. Combine tall items like vases or candlesticks with medium-height objects like small plants or picture frames, and anchor with shorter items like decorative boxes or small sculptures. This creates a dynamic rhythm that draws the eye across the shelf.
Layer Items Front to Back
Don't just line everything up at the front of the shelf. Create depth by layering items from front to back. Place larger items like artwork or trays at the back, medium items in the middle, and smaller decorative objects at the front. This adds dimension and makes your shelves feel more curated.
Incorporate Books Strategically
Books are a styling staple for open shelves. Stack them horizontally to create platforms for smaller objects, or arrange them vertically with bookends. Group books by color for a cohesive look, or turn them spine-in for a more neutral, textural appearance.
Add Natural Elements
Plants, flowers, and natural objects like driftwood, stones, or shells bring life and organic beauty to your shelves. Even a single small succulent or a vase of dried flowers can make a big impact. Natural elements also help soften the look of more structured items.
Include Personal Touches
Your shelves should tell your story. Include meaningful items like travel souvenirs, family photos in beautiful frames, or collected objects that spark joy. These personal touches make your space feel authentic and lived-in.
Leave Breathing Room
One of the biggest mistakes in shelf styling is overcrowding. Leave negative space between groupings to let each vignette breathe. This prevents your shelves from looking cluttered and allows each item to shine.
Consider Color and Material
Create cohesion by repeating colors and materials throughout your shelves. If you have a brass lamp, echo that with a brass picture frame or decorative object elsewhere. Stick to a limited color palette—three to four colors work well—to keep the look unified.
Step Back and Edit
Once you've arranged everything, step back and look at your shelves from across the room. Does anything feel off? Is there too much visual weight on one side? Don't be afraid to edit—sometimes removing an item or two makes all the difference. Great styling is as much about what you leave out as what you include.
