How to style a shelf like a pro
Shelf styling might look effortless in magazines, but it actually involves a lot of trial and error, involving a heap of experimentation. In fact, most of the pretty rooms you see published have their own team of stylists behind them, apart from the designer. These people work carefully with the photographer the day of the shoot, tweaking and perfecting every detail each time the camera moves to a new angle.
How can you get the look a team of stylists create at home?
I’m here to share my tips for shelf styling! You can do this!
Tip #1: Pull from the pool - Stylists usually come to a shoot with a hoard of decor, and only end up using a small percentage of it. So my advice is to use the same principle at home and fully utilize what ya got! Bring any items that spark joy or interest for you and lay them out on a table. This will be the “pool” you pull from to style your shelf. You want at least twice the amount that you really need. Grab an assortment of of textures and finishes to balance your look. You will try almost all of them out, step back to take a look, and then swap it out if it’s not feeling good to you.
Tip #2: Include the unusual, interesting and unexpected - We’ve all seen a shelf with candles and flowers. Sure, these items are tried and true, but don’t forget pieces that will spark conversation and offer intrigue. A good handful of what I use to style my clients shelves are items they already have around the house. Everyday household items can be great as well; A spool of twine to add texture, a pitcher filled with old rolling pins, a collection of glassware…
Leaving this vintage pin art in my clients airbnb is sure to bring some fun to an otherwise utilitarian shelf, and is a way each guest can participate in creating art for the room.
Tip #3: Add plants - plants are a great way to add height variance to a shelf. They can also be used to draw the eye between smaller vignettes (groupings) or shelves. Try a vine on a top shelf that trails down to the shelf under it. Sunlight can be limited under shelves so I recommend low-light plants that don’t require a lot of attention. You can even use (cough) fake plants. Yep, I said it. Fake plants above eye level always look real. You didn’t think all those plants you saw in fancy design magazines were real did you? ;)
Tip #4 Create depth Hanging something on the wall between shelves is unexpected, and also creates depth to your vignette. Even if it’s not attached to the wall, you can always prop a frame or mirror for a similar effect. Include a mix of items that you display on the front of the shelf, middle, and all the way to the back. This will create a yummy layered effect that will draw the eye in every time.
These mounted antlers add some quirk under these shelves, but also serve as a place for guests to hang their keys.
Tip #5 Go Vintage For every new item you use, try to add one vintage piece. This will make your shelf unique like no other!
Better yet, go all the way vintage like I did here. Using a lot of plants brought new life and contrast to all these vintage brass pieces
Tip #6: Pick a color Find several objects of the same color to create a cohesive, intentional look. It could be a color you pull from artwork, or simply a color you just love!
Tip #7 Don’t neglect those bottom shelves. Yes, your guests can still see those. Leaving them bear is a bit like walking around with no pants on. Please don’t do that.
Styling is very much by feel, so you have to be ready to play and take your time with it. Start with just one small shelf - You will be styling like a pro in no time!