Ideas for Styling Shelves

Regardless of where you call home, a  600 square foot loft or 6,000 square foot home, we all have shelving space that needs attention.  Open shelves can be tricky, the items they hold are constantly visible, most of them things we have either collected over time and don't know what to do with, can't get rid of, or things we use ever day and forget they too can be as beautiful as your grandmothers antique sliver platter if styled right.   It's not as difficult as you might think.  With a little creativity and an imagination you can turn the items you have in your home already into beautiful things to look at every day.

These built-in shelves have a green theme.  This creates harmony throughout the individual shelves.  The clay pots above the door are a great example of similar grouping.  This is an easy way to cheat if you're not sure where to begin.

 

 

You can never go wrong by keeping it simple.  Here the various photographs are framed in a variety of sizes that have a similar look.  Black frames with white mats are the perfect, classic option that can work with almost any interior style.

 

 

Pulling an accent color into the open shelves ties the space together.  Try wrapping random books with the same paper to give them a coordinating, collection look.

 

Mounting art work or a mirror between shelves can break up a long run and add unexpected character and dimension.

 

 

Get rid of loud obnoxious packaging by placing your detergent in clear containers.

Baskets are a great way to organize multiples.

 

 

These simple pots and tools become art work when displayed with care.

 

 

Windsor Smith does it right with color blocking and simplicity!

Group shades of a color to create unity.

 

 

Symmetrical shelves don't have to match perfectly but should speak to one another.

If all else fails, keep it clean and simple!  Always remember not to over accessorize!