Shelf Styling 101: Rules to Follow (And to Break)

Last year, I completed my home office makeover. And while the part of that project that took the longest was probably the one you’d expect (building the cabinets), styling the shelves came in at a close second. 😅 I love the storage space the cabinets added, but something about all the empty shelves was overwhelming. After reminding myself that it didn’t have to be perfect, and with the help of the tips below, I made them into the shelves of my dreams. (Because when you’re a DIYer, you really do dream of shelves and built-in cabinetry 😂.) Today, I’m sharing the shelf styling tricks that helped make that happen in my office and throughout the rest of my home!

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Shelf Styling Tip #1: Add An Anchor Piece

Home office with dark green built in cabinets, a light wood modern desk, and checkered rug

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If you’re staring at a shelf and don’t know where to begin, start here. Choose one larger element first – a piece of art, a portrait, a sculpture, something with a little presence – and build everything else around it in odd numbers. Speaking of…

Shelf Styling Tip #2: Group in Odd Numbers

This rule is tried and true because it works! When grouping items, try to do so in ones, threes, or fives. When it’s intentional, asymmetry can be an asset in design. And the best part: You can rearrange what you already own and see a difference right away.

Shelf Styling Tip #3: Vary Heights

Shelf styling example: Use varying heights of items, including plants, books, bowls, art, and other decorative objects

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Mix tall and short, lean things against each other, and stack a few books horizontally to create a riser. Play with the levels until it feels less “arranged” and more collected.

Shelf Styling Tip #4: Mix Textures and Vibes

Shelf styling example: Use different textures, including greenery, wood, ceramics, and fabric-covered books

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Here’s a design secret: sometimes texture is even more important than color. When everything is made of the same material, a shelf can read as sterile instead of personal. Combine wood with ceramics, matte items with shiny, vintage with new – you get the idea! I also love incorporating greenery here because plants naturally have a ton of textural variation and give things an organic feel.

Shelf Styling Tip #5: Leave Some Breathing Room

The impulse is to fill every inch of the shelf. Resist it! Don’t be afraid of open space. It makes the things that are there look more intentional. And something is calming about seeing open space in your home.

The Rule Worth Breaking: Perfectionism

The most beautiful shelves tend to be the ones filled with meaningful things, even if they don’t follow a single rule on this list. If something isn’t bringing you joy, pull it. If something makes you happy every time you look at it, keep it! Your home (and the items in it) should bring you joy – not stress you out to look at.

If you’re looking to add a few new pieces, I’ve linked some of my favorites below. And I’ll always recommend a good HomeGoods or thrift store hunt for the things that make a shelf feel truly yours. You never know what you’ll find!

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