The Art of Shelf Styling

amberleskauskas
May 29
3 min read

Updated: Jun 2

A layered, balanced approach to shelf styling that brings character and calm to your space.

One of the biggest requests we have from clients, is how to take the beauty and sometime chaos of open shelving or bookcases and turn it into a wonderful feature in their room. Beautifully styled shelves do more than display objects, they shape the atmosphere of a space. They offer rhythm, warmth, and a glimpse into the lives of the people who live there.

Whether you’re working with built-ins, alcoves, or open kitchen shelves, here’s our guide to creating shelves that feel effortless and deeply personal.

Start With Breathing Room

Good shelf styling always begins with editing. It's tempting to fill every gap, but restraint creates space for the eye to rest. Leave negative space. Let some items stand alone. It's in this contrast - full and empty, tall and low, matte and glossy - that visual rhythm is born.

Curate With Purpose

Shelves are an opportunity to tell your story, so we encourage clients to mix meaningful pieces with textural layers. Think:

Books, both upright and stacked, with spines in a cohesive palette
Ceramics and sculptural objects for form
Art - leaning against the back or layered in front of books
Natural elements: a small bowl of pebbles, a wooden vessel, a sprig of something foraged

We love shelves that evolve - objects gathered over time, rather than bought all at once. It creates a collected feel, not a showroom one.

Tips to Refine Your Styling

While our approach is intuitive, a few guiding principles can help bring that effortless balance to life:

Work in Trios (But Break the Rule Sometimes) - Group objects in odd numbers, especially threes. It feels informal and organic - but don't be afraid to break this when needed. A single striking object can be just as powerful.
Vary Heights to Draw the Eye Up and Down - Use tall vases or frames beside lower bowls or horizontal book stacks. This keeps the eye moving and avoids a flat, linear look.
Stack, Lean, Layer - Don't just line things up. Use stacked books to lift smaller pieces, lean artwork against the wall or shelf back, and layer objects in front of each other to create visual depth.
Echo Colours and Materials Across Shelves - Cohesion comes from subtle repetition. A brass candleholder on one shelf can be balanced by a golden-toned picture frame or book spine on another.
Add At Least One Organic Element - Introduce softness and imperfection with a small plant, dried flower, or hand-thrown ceramic. Natural textures make shelves feel more alive and less staged.
Anchor with Books - But Be Selective - Books provide grounding and structure. Choose covers and spines in tones that align with your palette, or turn them around for a more tonal, minimal look.
Mix Finishes: Matte, Gloss, Textured - Shelves come to life when you contrast finishes - like rough wood with smooth glass, matte pottery with glazed ceramics, or linen boxes with metal accents.
Leave Space - Not every shelf needs to be filled. A single empty section provides visual breathing room - and lets the objects around it shine.

Styling With Depth

We often style in foreground, midground, and background - much like a painter.

Layer art or platters behind books or vases
Let smaller items gently overlap larger ones
Use the full depth of the shelf - not just the front

This gives shelves visual structure without feeling overworked.

Let It Reflect You!

Shelves offer a quiet moment to tell your story. Whether it's a beautiful candle from a holiday, a favourite novel, or a ceramic you made by hand - the personal touches give shelves their soul. And remember your displays are not set in stone! They can shift with the seasons, with your mood, with life. We see them as living arrangements, not fixed compositions.

And if you are still struggling here is some inspiration to start you on your styling journey...