It’s a Shelfie Life: Tips On How To Style Your Shelves
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…
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.
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!
Remember, don’t feel like you have to cram too many objects in one shelf. Sometimes less is more…
karen jones
13th October 2015 at 2:43 pmGreat tips. Of course the shelves in my house are also full of colour co-ordinated books!
I have issues xx
Arianna Trapani
13th October 2015 at 7:19 pmHahaha I think when it comes to decorating we all have some hidden ocd issues 😉 x
Rachel @ Fresh Design
13th October 2015 at 3:32 pmReally 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.
Arianna Trapani
13th October 2015 at 7:19 pmThanks 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
The Ordinary Lovely
13th October 2015 at 6:34 pmGreat 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.
Arianna Trapani
13th October 2015 at 7:17 pmThanks 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
Eden Mint
14th October 2015 at 12:34 amAdding plants is a great idea, love these tips!
Arianna Trapani
18th October 2015 at 4:33 pmThanks Eden – A simple but effective solution to those empty spaces 😉
Summer
14th October 2015 at 12:10 pmNice styling dear♥♥
summerdaisy.net
Arianna Trapani
18th October 2015 at 4:32 pmThank you so much 🙂
Kate Baxter
17th October 2015 at 11:14 amLovely shelves my sweet! But of course they would be, in your stylish home xx
Arianna Trapani
18th October 2015 at 4:32 pmAww thanks Kate – It’s getting there, still lots to do. It’s always the little bits that take ages… xx