Shelves are one of the most functional—and often under appreciated—features in a home. Whether they’re lined with books, decorative objects, or everyday kitchen essentials, shelves have the power to elevate your interior design and give your space a sense of personality and cohesion. You want them to look aesthetically pleasing but also practical and personal. With the right balance of function and flair, your shelves can become a standout feature in any room.
Here’s your ultimate guide to styling bookshelves, kitchen shelves, and other open storage spaces with a personal touch.
- Start with a Clean Slate
Before you dive into the fun part of styling, clear your shelves and take stock of what you have. This is the perfect time to declutter, reorganise, and decide what items you truly want to display. Don’t be afraid to donate or repurpose items that don’t match your vision for the space.
Tip: As you empty the shelves, take note of their size and structure. Are they deep, narrow, or wide? Understanding the space you’re working with will help guide your design choices.
- Layer and Create Depth
A great bookshelf or shelf arrangement isn’t just about stacking items in a straight line. Layering objects in front of and behind others creates depth and visual interest. Instead of lining up all your items edge to edge, try placing a few objects at varying depths or leaning books against the back of the shelf for added dimension.
Tip: Use books, trays, or art prints to create natural layers. Try leaning a large art piece against the back of the shelf and stacking books or decorative objects in front of it for a multi-dimensional look.
- Mix Up the Heights
Varying the height of your objects will keep your shelves visually exciting and prevent them from looking flat. If you place all your items at the same height, your shelves might seem too uniform or boring. Combine tall books with smaller décor, vases, and sculptures to add movement to the display.
Tip: Add height variation by stacking books in a horizontal or vertical manner. Use taller items like vases, sculptures, or even plants to break up the symmetry and add drama.
- Balance is Key
When styling shelves, balance is crucial. This doesn’t mean everything has to be perfectly symmetrical, but it does mean that each shelf should feel visually “balanced” so that no one section feels too heavy or too sparse. For example, if you place a large object on one side, balance it out with something similarly large or bold on the opposite side.
Tip: Try dividing your shelves into sections or “zones” with a similar style or colour scheme. This will help visually balance out the space without it feeling overly chaotic or mismatched.
- Incorporate Natural Elements
Natural elements like plants, flowers, or even a bowl of fresh fruit can bring life and warmth to your shelves. Greenery especially adds a refreshing, organic feel to your space, softening any hard lines and adding contrast to other materials.
Tip: Use plants of varying sizes, from trailing vines to tall succulents, to create movement and interest.
- Personalize with Art and Family Heirlooms
Your shelves should reflect your personality. Don’t be afraid to showcase quirky pieces or unexpected items—they’ll make the shelves feel more personal and lived-in.
Tip: Arrange photos in varying frame sizes and angles, or mix in a few framed prints with your books and decor to create a cohesive story throughout your shelves.
- Use Decorative Objects to Add Flair
Objects with texture, colour, and shape can inject personality into your shelves. These pieces help to break up the repeat of books or stacked items and add visual intrigue.
Tip: Choose objects that contrast in size and texture with your other items. Experiment with varying shapes—circular, square, and organic forms can all complement one another beautifully.
- Don’t Overcrowd
While it’s tempting to fill every available inch of shelf space, sometimes less is more. Overcrowding shelves can make them feel cluttered and overwhelming. Aim for a curated look that allows each item to breathe. A few well-chosen objects are often more impactful than a shelf crammed with too many things.
Tip: Try leaving some open space on each shelf to allow the items you do display to shine. The key is to find a balance between filling the space and leaving it open to create visual calm.
- Create a Colour Scheme
A cohesive colour palette can make your shelves feel more organized and harmonious. Think of your shelf as a canvas—by choosing a few complementary colours for your books, decor, and other items, you can achieve a balanced, eye-catching arrangement.
Tip: If you love colour but don’t want to commit to a full scheme, try incorporating books with matching spines or grouping items in complementary tones. Shades of neutral tones like black, white, grey, and wood tones are versatile and stylish.
- Embrace Open Kitchen Shelving
If you have open shelving in your kitchen, use it as an opportunity to showcase both functionality and beauty. Stack plates, bowls, and glasses in an organized yet aesthetically pleasing way. Add personality with decorative kitchen accessories like wooden spoons, ceramic jars, or glass canisters.
Tip: To make your kitchen shelves feel more cohesive, group similar items together (e.g., all mugs on one shelf, all bowls on another) and layer them with plants, cookbooks, or unique pieces.
Final Thoughts
Styling shelves is all about creating a space that feels both functional and visually appealing. Whether you’re showcasing your love for books, displaying cherished personal items, or styling open kitchen shelves, the key is to make the arrangement feel intentional. Play with height, texture, and colour, and don’t forget to add personal touches that reflect who you are.
Your shelves are a canvas for creativity—so have fun experimenting with different arrangements until you find one that feels just right!