A little shelf styling goes a long way. We are giving our top tips for you to be able to style your built-ins with confidence.

1. Cut the clutter

In styling shelves, less is more. You want your eyes to be able to pick up on the pretty, and that requires incorporating negative space. We normally separate shelf styling items into groups of objects, allowing for empty space between groups or to the ends of the shelves. Another decorative touch to shelf styling can be incorporating wallpaper, color, or texture to the back of the shelves. This allows you to really make the most of the empty spaces as there is some element of decor simply in the negative space.

2. Use color intentionally

Having items on your shelves can add a pop of color or interest to an otherwise neutral space. Colors we love to use in our coastal modern designs are different shades of blues and greens with wood tones and metallic touches incorporated throughout.

3. Group items

Grouping items can allow you to control the “weight” of objects so you can balance each shelf. It also allows you to incorporate smaller items that get lost on their own. Lastly, grouping items of the same color can allow for you to use different shapes and heights of items but give a more organized presentation.

4. Vary overall width of items

If you look at any shelving unit we style, the decorative elements of each shelf can vary in the width of the presentation. One shelf may have a few items clustered together in the center whereas the next shelf may have items evenly dispersed from edge to edge. For instance, on a four shelf unit we may vary the width of items so that the top shelf has a single item centered, the second shelf may have two groupings of items that are separated by 5-8” from the center, the third shelf may have another two groupings of decorative items that are closer together or a wider set of items grouped in the center, with the bottom shelf hosting two large baskets that dominate the space or a single decorative oversized item. The practice of varying the widths of decorative items allows you the decor to bring your eye in and out and creates visual interest.

5. Mix highs and lows

One of the biggest mistakes I see is not enough variation in object heights. You want your eyes to travel up and down as well as in and out with the widths. If you are styling a shelf and you feel stumped, look at the height of the items on each shelf. Once you start incorporating variety with your heights it can help to ground your design and adds a layered feel which is appealing without creating too much clutter.

6. Always use books

Books are a secret weapon of shelf styling. Books can be used standing in stacks to add height flanked with decorative bookends or books can be used laying flat to add a wider mass to spaces with the ability to add height. Books are an easy way to add in pops of color and can easily be used to serve as a base to add height to shorter objects. With all the ways book can be used to enhance shelf styling, they are a no brainer and a necessity when shelf styling. I like to source books via Amazon, thrift stores or garage sales - remember to remove the book jackets and let those spines shine.

7. Add organics

Adding organic material can help add more texture and variation in shape. I always love to include plants, driftwood, or coral to shelf styling. All come in different shapes, sizes and depths so there is a lot of flexibility with how you can incorporate organics into your shelves. The warmth offered by plants can we really create a homey feel in your space. We won’t tell if you use faux plants…

8. Give yourself plenty of time!

You need time and options. Shelf styling can (and usually does) take hours! So make sure you start when you have plenty of time. Have a variety of different size and height items to chose from, as well as plenty of options! Styling shelves is an artistic process, it goes better the more you have to choose from! It gives you opportunities to try different items to narrow down what looks the best. It also helps to have a partner to do it with - you always see different things and sometimes a partner can make combinations you aren’t seeing at first.