If you have some open shelves in your home that could use a new design, these shelf decor ideas will give you lots of options and inspiration!
When we were designing our new kitchen, I knew that I wanted to include some open shelves. Nearly all of my inspo kitchens had them, and I find them a key ingredient to any modern coastal farmhouse style vibe. Open shelves are often the focal point of the room, and ours are front and center in the kitchen.
Our floating shelves are the White Oak from Ultra Shelf, and we were lucky to have my father-in-law carve them out so that our under-cabinet lightening could connect to them! You can see all the pics of our finished kitchen here.
Shelves can easily become a catch-all for clutter or, on the flip side, a showcase of our most cherished items. But striking the right balance between functionality and style can sometimes feel like a daunting task. How do you create a display that is both visually appealing and practical?
I am no interior designer, but I did have help from my professional organizer Aunt Layton on both the kitchen shelves and the living room shelves. When styling shelves, my goal was to find the balance between things looking too cluttered and/or mismatched and having a polished look with some breathing room. I wanted them to look thoughtfully designed.
I’ve rounded up some of my favorite shelf decor ideas that combine both aesthetics and utility. Whether you’re a minimalist looking to create a clean, cohesive look or a maximalist eager to showcase your eclectic collection, these tips will help you transform your shelves into a stunning focal point of your room.
10 Shelf Decor Ideas
1. Natural Baskets
I love using small baskets and boxes in my shelf decor! We have a vintage box made a few generations ago in my family that I use for items I want to hide, like the gas fireplace remote. You can incorporate woven baskets or decorative boxes for a touch of texture and practicality. Use them to hide small items or to vary the textures in the shelves.
2. Statement Plants
Incorporate a mix of tall and trailing plants in stylish pots. Consider using a cascading vine like pothos or a succulent in a minimalist pot for a clean look. I love petite potted plants, and we have several in our kitchen. Thomas (our resident gardener) sometimes moves the plant for intermittent sun. But generally our kitchen is pretty bright, so they work on the open shelves.
3. Stacked Books
Stack books horizontally and vertically to create visual interest. You can top a stack with a decorative object like a small sculpture or a candleholder to add a touch of personality. In our kitchen, we have several of my favorite home and cookbooks stacked. The color scheme of the books I chose is intentional to pull in the color from the other objects. Luckily, my favorite books are aqua blue!
4. Beautiful Trays
One of my fears when styling shelves is that grouped items will look like a messy cluster of knick knacks. I love to use decorative trays to corral smaller items like candles, coasters, or mini pitchers. This helps to organize and give a polished look to your shelf arrangement.
5. Unique / Personal Objects
Include a few quirky or unique items such as vintage finds, travel souvenirs, or artisanal crafts. These pieces can serve as conversation starters and reflect your personal style. I have these golden mirrors and silhouette of me as a child displayed on the top shelf of my closet.
6. Framed Photos
Most people mix in framed family photos with the other decor on their shelves. I find the way to make them look polished is to match the style of the frames. Most of the frames in our house are black and white which helps my brain recognize it’s a photograph. Then, the various colors of the portraits don’t stand out so much. Of course if your style is more quirky, you might love a gallery of contrasting frames in a rainbow of colors and designs.
7. Pretty Vases
Display a collection of vases in various shapes and sizes. Opt for both empty and filled vases; a single flower or some dried branches can add a sophisticated touch that is low maintenance. I like to anchor a larger item like a big vase on the end of a floating shelf and have smaller items, like glassware or mini vases, grouped together.
8. Candles
Arrange a variety of candles, from sleek modern designs to ornate vintage styles. They add ambiance and can be swapped out with the seasons. I love battery operated candles on timers for shelves for a little glow in the corner. Or simply display your extra candles that you swap in and out in the other areas of your home.
9. Sculptural Objects
Decorating shelves with sculptural or geometric objects can create visual intrigue and break up the shapes and materials you’re using. Think along the lines of abstract sculptures or modern art pieces. I know this is a stretch, but I love our toilet paper’s paper to add some design to otherwise boring bathroom shelves!
10. Vary Your Heights
Create visual interest by varying the height of objects. Especially on floating shelves, combine tall items like vases or plant stands with shorter items like books or small frames to create a dynamic and balanced display.
How To Decorate A Shelf
1. Choose a Color Palette
Start by selecting a color scheme that complements your room’s overall palette. Stick to two or three main colors and textures to avoid overwhelming the space. Ours tends to be aqua with black and white and pops of gold across multiple rooms. Use this color scheme for books, vases, and decorative objects to tie everything together.
2. Cut Out the Clutter
Before you start decorating, declutter your shelves. Remove any items that don’t contribute to your vision or that simply don’t fit. Only keep items that serve a purpose or add aesthetic value. If you’re unsure, place items on the floor or a table and rearrange until you find the perfect balance. This will help you avoid a crowded look and ensure that each piece has its place. I always say if you’re hesitant to exclude something, try moving it to another room instead.
3. Keep Shelves Airy
I always say a house needs breathing room. Aim for an open and airy feel by balancing filled and empty spaces. Avoid cramming your shelves with too many items. Instead, leave some areas open to give your shelves room to breathe. Consider using taller objects like plants or vases to draw the eye upward and maintain a sense of spaciousness.
4. Incorporate Baskets and Boxes
Baskets and decorative boxes are fantastic for adding both style and function. Use them to organize smaller items, such as remote controls or candle lighters, while keeping the shelves looking tidy. Opt for textures that contrast with your other decor, such as woven baskets or sleek metal boxes. They can also act as a base for other decorative items like books or plants.
5. Mix Materials and Add Metallic Accents
Introduce a variety of materials to create depth and texture. Combine items like wood, metal, glass, and ceramics to keep the look dynamic. For a touch of glamour, incorporate metallic accents such as gold or silver vases, frames, or decorative objects. Mixing materials not only adds visual interest but also ensures that your shelves feel balanced and intentional.
I hope these shelf decor ideas will help you turn your open shelves into a stylish, functional display that’s uniquely yours!