Open shelving is a trendy and practical way to display your favorite items, whether in the kitchen, living room, or bedroom. It adds a light, airy feeling to your space while providing an opportunity to showcase both functional and decorative pieces. However, styling open shelves can be a challenge, as too many items can make the space feel cluttered, while too few can look sparse. In this guide, we’ll cover how to style open shelving like a pro, with tips on balance, organization, and creativity.
1. Start with a Clean Slate
Before you begin styling your shelves, start by removing all the items from them. This will give you a blank canvas to work with and help you see the potential of the space without distraction. Clean the shelves and ensure they’re in good condition.
Tip: If you’re styling kitchen shelves, this is a great time to wipe everything down, especially if they’re exposed to grease or cooking splatter.
2. Choose a Color Palette
When styling open shelves, it’s important to stick to a cohesive color palette. This helps create a harmonious and visually appealing look. You don’t need everything to match exactly, but a few complementary colors will help tie everything together.
How to Pick a Palette:
- Neutrals: If you prefer a minimalist or classic look, stick to neutrals like whites, grays, and beiges. This creates a clean and serene environment.
- Pops of Color: For a bolder look, choose a neutral base and add a few pops of color, such as deep blues, mustard yellows, or muted greens.
- Metallic Accents: Consider incorporating metallic elements like gold, brass, or copper for a bit of shimmer. These can elevate the overall style.
Tip: Pull inspiration from the rest of your room’s decor to ensure your shelving design feels connected to the space.
3. Balance Functionality and Decor
While open shelving is great for displaying decorative items, it’s also a practical storage solution. The key to making it work is to strike a balance between functionality and style. Group items that serve a purpose with more decorative pieces to create an aesthetically pleasing yet practical display.
Kitchen Shelves:
- Function: Place frequently used items like dishes, glasses, or jars of pantry essentials where they’re easy to reach.
- Decor: Add plants, vases, or decorative bowls to break up the functional pieces.
Living Room or Bedroom Shelves:
- Function: Stack books, organize storage baskets, or display framed photos.
- Decor: Incorporate art, candles, small sculptures, or personal mementos to give the shelves personality.
4. Vary Heights and Textures
Creating visual interest is essential when styling open shelving. One of the best ways to do this is by varying the heights and textures of the items on your shelves. This helps prevent the shelves from looking flat or monotonous.
Vary Heights:
- Stack books vertically and horizontally.
- Mix tall items like vases with shorter pieces like small bowls.
- Use stands or risers to elevate certain objects.
Add Texture:
- Incorporate woven baskets, wood accents, or ceramic pieces.
- Use glass, metal, or fabric-covered objects to introduce different textures.
- Add natural elements like plants or dried flowers for softness.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to play with contrasts, such as pairing rough textures with smooth surfaces for a dynamic look.
5. Group Items in Odd Numbers
Designers often recommend grouping items in odd numbers, especially threes. Odd-numbered groupings tend to look more balanced and natural to the eye. Group items of varying sizes, shapes, and heights to create a dynamic composition.
How to Group:
- Threes: Place a small, medium, and tall object together, such as a small plant, a medium vase, and a tall candlestick.
- Fives or Sevens: Larger shelves or open shelving systems can handle more items, but still keep the groupings in odd numbers for balance.
Tip: Arrange items asymmetrically, with some groups closer together and others further apart, to avoid an overly structured look.
6. Layer Items for Depth
Flat displays can make open shelving look dull. To add dimension, layer items in front of each other. This technique creates depth and keeps the shelves visually engaging.
How to Layer:
- Place a large framed print or cutting board at the back, and layer smaller objects like jars, vases, or books in front.
- Position a trailing plant or stack of books in front of larger decor pieces to create a sense of depth.
Tip: Make sure not to overcrowd the shelves while layering. Leave some open space for the arrangement to breathe.
7. Add Personal Touches
Open shelving provides a great opportunity to showcase your personality and style. Incorporating personal items, such as family heirlooms, travel souvenirs, or cherished photos, can make the space feel unique and inviting.
Ideas for Personal Touches:
- Display your favorite books or vintage finds.
- Incorporate framed family photos or artwork.
- Use handmade ceramics or items that have sentimental value.
Tip: Limit personal items to a few key pieces to avoid overwhelming the shelves, keeping the overall look stylish and curated.
8. Play with Symmetry and Asymmetry
Symmetry and asymmetry both have their place when it comes to styling open shelving. A symmetrical arrangement tends to feel more orderly, while asymmetrical styling adds a touch of playfulness.
Symmetry:
- Place matching items (like two vases or candlesticks) on opposite ends of a shelf.
- Use the same size baskets or containers to balance the space evenly.
Asymmetry:
- Arrange items of different shapes and sizes across the shelf, balancing them by placing heavier pieces on one side and lighter ones on the other.
- Use asymmetry for a more relaxed, eclectic look.
Tip: Try mixing symmetrical elements with a few asymmetrical touches to keep the display feeling fresh and interesting.
9. Keep it Organized
Even though open shelving is all about display, it’s still important to maintain some level of organization. When the shelves are well-organized, they’re not only more visually pleasing but also functional. Use storage baskets, bins, or boxes to keep smaller items contained and avoid clutter.
Kitchen Organization:
- Use matching jars or containers for pantry staples like flour, sugar, or pasta. Label them for easy identification.
- Store small kitchen utensils, spices, or linens in baskets to keep the shelves tidy.
Living Room Organization:
- Use decorative boxes or woven baskets to store remotes, magazines, or small gadgets.
- Group books by size or color for a neat, curated appearance.
10. Edit and Refresh Regularly
Open shelving displays aren’t meant to be static. Over time, items can accumulate, and the styling may start to feel stale. Regularly editing and refreshing your shelves keeps the look fresh and allows you to incorporate new items as your style evolves.
Editing Tips:
- Remove anything that feels cluttered or no longer fits with the overall aesthetic.
- Rotate decorative pieces seasonally for a fresh look.
- Reassess the balance of function and decor to ensure the shelves remain both beautiful and practical.
Conclusion
Styling open shelving is an art form that requires a blend of organization, creativity, and a bit of trial and error. By keeping these tips in mind—like varying heights, choosing a color palette, and balancing functionality with decor—you can create an eye-catching display that reflects your style. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make your shelves a dynamic part of your space, whether it’s in the kitchen, living room, or any room of your home. With thoughtful curation and a few personal touches, you’ll be styling open shelves like a pro in no time!