I often hear that styling shelves is one of the hardest things to do when decorating. There are so many options - what colors to use, which height looks the best, how to vary sizes... etc.
Let me start by saying that my shelves aren't perfect all the time! Sometimes, the best decorating is done when you try something, live with it, and rearrange. I have to take a step back and think about if it's the look I'm going for. Hopefully that's some encouragement for you!
I try to follow a few tips when styling shelves:
Pick your colors - 3 is the magic number here!
Symmetry and lines
Become a hoarder! (Let me explain...)
Focus on categories
Pick Your Color(s)
Since there are a lot of objects going on a shelf/in a small space, I believe this is the most important step - pick 3 (4 max) colors that you want to use. If you have too many colors on your shelves it becomes very overwhelming very fast.
My shelves have three main colors: whites, wood tones (let's just call that a color...!), and green. You want to stick to these colors so that the shelves have a cohesive look without taking away from the rest of your decor.
If you're stuck, go with the idea that two of your colors should be whites and greens (from florals/greenery). From there, pick an accent color that goes with your home. I've seen some amazing shelves with accents of blue, aqua, gold, and even pink! Side note, if the back of your shelves are white already, I would highly recommend painting them a darker color or using peel and stick wallpaper. It makes a BIG difference when decorating!
Symmetry and Lines
I love symmetry, but that does not mean that everything has to be the exact SAME! Think of symmetry in terms of height and width. For example, my top two shelves have a floral arrangement on one end, a shorter item in the middle, and a taller accent on the other side. The vases for the arrangements are not the same, but they are similar in height.
Next, you want to focus on horizontal lines when styling vertical shelves. If you have a vase with greenery on the left on shelf 1, you should alternate and put greenery on the right on shelf 2 OR even do every other shelf with greenery. As I mentioned before, it's a lot of shifting and trial and error - that's totally okay!
Become a Hoarder
I know, I know! This makes me sound crazy. I am giving you permission to become a hoarder for shelves only! Buy one or two Rubbermaid containers that you can use to collect small decorative items. This container of goodies is great for two reasons: it gives you options AND you're shopping your house with items that you already own rather than buying more things that you don't need. If you're tired of something, just switch it out and put it somewhere else in your house or back in the bin! I'm a huge fan of reorganizing to keep things fresh.
Here are my favorite places to shop for decorative items:
TJ Maxx and HomeGoods (Hope they open soon...)
Goodwill (for ALL of the books!!)
Hobby Lobby
Target Dollar Spot
Kirkland's
These stores have clearance sections - ALWAYS start there! I hate spending a ton of money for things that will just sit.
Also, don't let the colors throw you off! Spray paint is your new best friend. If it doesn't fit in one of your three color categories, just paint it! Did you find a toy horse that's a great size but made in all different colors for kids? Paint it white or gold! Time to find your creative hat, my friend, and think outside of the box!
Focus on Categories
I have a few go-to categories for shelf styling:
Books - go to Goodwill and find all of the hardcover books. Look behind the paper jacket to see what color the book/spine is. Don't like the spine? Turn it around on your shelf.
Greenery - the best accent! TJ Maxx/HomeGoods always have greenery that's already in a vase or pot.
Candlesticks - I have a variety of candlesticks on my shelves. None of them match because I got them on mega clearance at Hobby Lobby. I don't even have candles in some of them! Play with height and size here.
Decorative accents - think decorative balls, small figurines, frames, and bookends.
Baskets - these are great to add texture, height, and fill space.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again - styling shelves is all about trial and error! It's okay to play around with what you have in your bin and try different looks.
Thinking about restyling your shelves now? Try it and tag me on Instagram - @Laurenpaigeathome!
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