How to Style Shelves If You’re Terrible at Styling Shelves- 4 Easy Tips

How to Style Shelves If You’re Terrible at Styling Shelves- 4 Easy Tips 

It’s no secret that styling shelves is not my forte. But, whether you are revamping dated shelves, or you just built them, it has to be done! 

I try to add specific elements to all of my shelves. 

Wood/ natural + glass/ hard + greenery/ soft + metal + color/white/books. Try to stagger items in a zig-zag/ triangle/ diamond way that is aesthetically pleasing. It helps create a balance you won’t realize until it’s unbalanced. So play around with everything. Oh, and also make sure that things are similar in size and shape, with a touch of symmetry, but nothing is the same. We want our decor to look like cousins, not twins. 

So here’s my take on shelf styling—I like the look of bigger, functional decor. My first go to is always a big basket. The bigger, the better. Great texture, plus storage for remotes, tv necessities, video game paraphernalia, DVDs…wait, do they still make those?! 

Storage matters! 

The first step I take is measuring to see how big of a basket I can put in a space. The bigger, the better. Really. First of all, you can’t ever go wrong with MORE storage. Secondly, large decor and baskets LOOK better in a space, in my opinion. You’d think adding smaller would make a space look larger. But, I’ve found that the larger the piece, the larger the space looks. Plus, it’s cozy and inviting, and more functional if done well. 

I didn’t go shopping for baskets. I used what I had. My shelves are different heights, so that alone made it tricky. I prefer open baskets here, but had to go for closed for one, because, it’s what I had! Again, my goal is functional and pretty… a curated look, not a perfect look. 

Time to hide! 

Ok, so what do we DO with the baskets? 

Let’s hide cords and electronic devices! And whatever else needs a home that you don’t know what to do with. Think: old/spare keys, office supplies like paper clips (where do those even go?!) 

We still have an Amazon fire tv BOX, not a stick (yes, I know… get a stick. I KNOW! 😅 it’s one of those very few things that never makes it to the <amazon cart>!) We 

also still have a DVD player, and to be honest, I have no idea what else. You can drill a small hole in the back to weave your cords through, or just conceal everything in there as much as you can. Removes the cold, technology eyesore from the space. 

Next, look around your house for small containers that can be used for storage, but also as fillers. Cases, bowls, wooden boxes such as brick molds, candle molds, or even jewelry boxes. Here, I added a reproduction brick mold with lid, and an old tool box. I also added this handmade wooden box that had literally served a purpose in nearly every room in my home. For now, it’s holding remotes. And probably a marble and a dime. It’s fine. 

Memories 

I am a firm believer in using heirlooms and memorable pieces passed down from loved ones that bring 👏🏼 you 👏🏼 back 👏🏼. It brings real life to your space. Home. Memories. Love. I’ll take a memory piece that I cherish, all day over a trendy piece of decor from a retail store. So, here, I added my Grammy’s mantel clock. Functional, memorable, and pretty. See? We can do it all! 

Let’s go Green! 

Next up is greenery. Think about where your shelves are located. If there is light, you may be able to add real greenery. If not, go faux! I love adding greenery as a natural, soft element. Plant decor can match your homestyle. Do you trend toward modern? Go with a snake plant style. Boho? Let’s go string of pearls or Fiddle leaf fig. Farmhouse? Try olive trees. Traditional? Let’s go with Maiden Hair ferns or pothos. All can easily be found in a faux style and possibly easier to find varying sizes and heights. 

Get balanced! 

Books are always a must have on a shelf. I don’t care what anyone says, shelves are made for books, in any room, even if you haven’t opened a book since sixth grade reading group. Ha! They serve as fillers, add color OR a neutral texture, and my favorite part is the height they give!! Add books, spine or pages out depending on the look and style you’re going for, and stack ‘em high! Can’t figure out WHAT to put in that space? Add a book! Books are always a good answer. Thrifting them is my suggestion. Try a thrift store, tag sale, used book store (in person or online), or even a dollar store. And while you’re at it, grab one to read. Reading is good for your soul. 

Finish Line 

Let’s fill in those empty spaces with desk calendars, a small vintage clock, a small family photo, or….. dare I say…. Nothing! Let your minimalist flag fly if you feel it! 

Step back, assess, live with it a couple of days, and reassess. Is it good? Are we done? Are you angry? (Insert- 7/10 Melissa styling shelves). Now, adjust. And that’s it. Tag me in your shelf styling stories and posts over on IG, send me your accomplishments and your woes. Let’s chat here in comments! What shelf are you ready to tackle now? 

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