Don’t let unintentional shelf decor contribute to an uninspired mind.
While often overlooked, shelf decor happens to be just as important as other surfaces when it comes to the ambiance of a home. Afterall, shelves are often where the eyes fall first as we enter a room; so, the goal is to style our shelves to create a space made for connection. Not sure how to begin? Keep reading to learn how to style your shelves in an intentional and sophisticated way.
Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means we may earn a commission (at no cost to you!) should you choose to make a purchase using our links. It’s okay – we love these products, and hope you will too
6 Easy Styling Tips for Intentional & Sophisticated Shelf Decor
#1: Incorporate different textures
Add visual interest to your shelf decor by considering a mixture of textures. From metal and wood, to rattan and glass, there’s an endless list of combinations to be made. By doing this, your shelving will look instantly elevated and thoughtful.
Above, Jenna uses clay, metal, glass, wood, and woven bamboo to marry various textures together. By adding the small piece of faux eucalyptus, she also offers a touch of organic feel to it, making her dining room shelves look and feel intentional yet unexpected and interesting.
#2: Blend warming hues with neutrals
We talk a lot about our love for neutrals, and we stand by that love. Neutrals are colors that are seasonless, allowing you to invest in quality pieces that last for years and years to come. However, we also appreciate the inviting elements of warm hues and encourage you to incorporate them into your shelf decor style.
We love warm colors such as matte brass or gold, to bring a little warmth to any space. Shannon incorporates warm hues in subtle ways, such as with this gold-framed mirror and Hand Forged Antique Brass Candelabra.
3.) Find balance diagonally
It’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting symmetry, but symmetry often doesn’t achieve the sophisticated, effortless stunning look you might desire. Instead, we recommend finding balance diagonally when styling perpendicular shelves.
Jenna chose to style her dining room shelves using this technique, balancing our her design by placing two unique wooden vases diagonal from each other. This draws your eyes to each side of the shelving, allowing for an unexpectedly balanced aesthetic.
Discover the Matki Wooden Round Vase
Inspired by tradition, our Matki Wooden Round Vase offers a unique and vintage aesthetic to your home. Crafted to honor the Matki pots of Indian culture, this piece boasts a natural wood finish that complements existing decor while elevating the overall look in a space. Use this stunning piece for dried and faux botanicals, or simply on its own to allow for its beauty to speak for itself.
Embrace our Large Wooden Vintage Vase
Our Large Wooden Vintage Vase offers a unique and antique aesthetic to your home. Thoughtfully carved, this heirloom-quality vase boasts a natural, dark wood finish that complements existing decor while elevating the overall look in a space. Pair this piece with our Matki Wooden Round Vase for a timeless and unique duo.
#4: Bring life to your shelf decor
Bring life to your shelf decor by weaving in greenery or artwork. The best part about this tip? It’s completely customizable to your personality and taste. Include a favorite bloom or a faux botanical spray in a beloved hue; choose artwork that you find inspiring or gives you a burst of positivity or a dose of calm. However you choose to bring life to your shelf decor, this is the time to show unique elements that speak to you!
#5: Cast a warm glow with candles
Nothing’s quite like a lit candle welcoming you into a space. Whether you’re interested in styling jar candles, taper candles, tea lights, or other options, you’re sure to add an inviting ambiance to your space when incorporated into your shelving decor.
#6: Less is more
You’ve heard this one before, we’re sure, but are you actually putting this advice into action? In the go-go-go of life, it’s easy to let clutter reign supreme around your home – and this extends to your shelves. Evaluate what you’ve placed on your shelves and ask yourself if it truly belongs there. Many times, we’ve found that we’ve outgrown a particular style or need to declutter (or both!), and are ready for a refresh.
Not to mention, when your space is cluttered, it’ll contribute to your mind feeling cluttered. Challenge yourself to take time to clear your shelves, dust thoroughly, and then intentionally restyle, leaving some items out. Even if you end up simply resituating pieces on your shelves, you’ll still feel less cluttered knowing your shelves are cleaned and refreshed.
The Takeaway When Styling Your Shelves
If anything’s been clear to us in the last several years, it’s that sometimes it’s best to press pause and start fresh. We like to apply this when styling our homes too.
The end result will be a refreshed, intentional home decor style the fits the season you’re in, which will continuously inspire and motivate you, day in and day out.
Hap-Bee Styling, friend!
Leave a Reply