The Art of Shelf Styling: Transforming Spaces with Thoughtful Design
As interior designers, we believe that every detail contributes to the story of a space—and shelves are no exception. Recently, we had the pleasure of styling a set of shelves for a client looking to bring more personality and cohesion into their home. In this blog, we’ll walk you through our approach to shelf styling, share insights from our recent project, and offer tips on how to elevate your own shelving with intention and creativity.
Start With A Blank Canvas
Before you begin styling, clear everything off your shelves. Starting with a bare shelf allows you to see the space with fresh eyes and consider balance, scale, and symmetry without distractions. Take a moment to clean the surfaces and assess the surrounding area—this is your foundation.
Tools Of The Trade
Before you start arranging, make sure you have the essentials: a sturdy ladder for higher shelves and some soft cloths for dusting. Good lighting also helps you see how objects interact in the space.
Gather What You Love
Shelf styling is all about showcasing meaningful pieces. Choose items that reflect your personality or tell a story—books, artwork, ceramics, travel mementos, or greenery. Lay everything out nearby so you can easily swap things in and out as you experiment. Don’t be afraid to mix textures, materials, and colours.
Styling The First Shelf
Start from the top down. Anchor the space with a larger piece like framed art, then add layers with accessories like vases or decorative objects. Use odd-numbered groupings for a more organic look, and play with height and depth for interest.
Creating Balance
Move to the next shelf down and aim to create visual balance. If the shelf above is busy, go lighter here. Try horizontal stacks of books to contrast vertical ones, and introduce negative space to let items breathe. Think of each shelf as part of a whole, not a standalone display.
Pictured from the Moffatt Grace Home Collection: our Dez Vintage Dish and Bud Vase Trio.
The Finished Look
Step back and take in the full picture. Adjust for harmony—does your eye move naturally across the shelves? Is there a good mix of open space and filled areas? Final touches like faux plants, candle holders, or small bowls can tie it all together. The goal is effortless cohesion, where each shelf tells part of a curated, personal story.
Pictured from the Moffatt Grace Home Collection: Veronica Porcelain Vase with Baby’s Breath.
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