shelving - HOMESYNCING.CO.UK

You’ve picked out the perfect shelves, but now comes the fun (and sometimes tricky) part—styling them! Shelves are more than just functional storage; they’re an opportunity to showcase your personality and elevate your home décor.

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Why Styled Shelves Matter

Styled shelves are like mini galleries right in your living space. When done right, they can do wonders for making your home feel stylish, cohesive and welcoming. The secret lies in balancing beauty and practicality—ensuring that your shelves don’t just look Instagram-worthy but also remain functional for your daily life.

Step-by-Step Shelf Styling Tips

1. Start with a Blank Canvas

Clear off your shelves, so you’re starting fresh. This will help you see the potential of your space without being held back by what’s already there.

2. Pick a Colour Palette

Choose a colour scheme that complements the surrounding room. Sticking to a specific palette (e.g., neutral tones with pops of green, or black and white with metallic accents) will make your shelves look more cohesive.

If you’re unsure, you can start with neutral pieces—like white ceramics or wood accents—and add colour with books or small plants.

3. Add Books (Yes, Even If You’re Styling!)

Books aren’t just for reading—they’re brilliant décor pieces that add personality and height variations. Lay some horizontally to serve as risers for smaller objects and stand up others vertically to create contrast.

4. Layer with Texture and Shape

Interest in your shelves comes from mixing and matching different textures and shapes. Combine hard items (ceramics, metals) with softer materials (fabric-wrapped boxes, woven baskets). Play with round, rectangular and asymmetrical objects to avoid a flat, monotonous feel.

Some easy textures to include:

A woven basket for hidden storage
A ceramic vase
A glass jar filled with corks or fairy lights

5. Bring Nature Indoors

Add a vase of fresh flowers, a small potted plant or even faux greenery to introduce life and colour to your shelves. Don’t overcrowd—one plant per shelf is usually more than enough.

Popular choices include succulents, eucalyptus stems or a trailing pothos plant for that stylish “overgrown” effect.

6. Choose Statement Décor Pieces

Each shelf should have one or two standout pieces that draw the eye. Think of objects with unique shapes, bold patterns, or sentimental value. This could be a stunning vase, a framed photo or artwork that tells a story.

Creative shelving idea: Incorporate something unexpected like vintage cameras, sculptural objects or travel souvenirs.

7. Play with Negative Space

We know it’s tempting to fill every inch, but leaving some empty space is critical for balance. Bare areas give the eyes a place to rest and make each item feel intentional, not forced.

Remember, less is often more when it comes to chic shelf styling.

8. Experiment with Heights and Layers

Varying the height and layering objects creates depth and ensures your shelves don’t look flat. Stack a few books, then place a candle or a mini plant on top. Taller items like vases or candlesticks should ideally go to the back, with shorter objects layered in front.

Tip: If needed, use risers or staggered trays to create extra height for smaller items.

9. Add Personality with Art and Photos

To make your shelves truly feel like you, sprinkle in personal touches, like framed photographs, artwork, or even quirky items that make you smile.

Alternatively, lean a small piece of framed art against the back of your shelf for a more casual, laid-back vibe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best shelving ideas can go off track if you’re not careful. Here are a few pitfalls to steer clear of:

Overcrowding: Too much can make shelves feel cluttered rather than curated.
Ignoring Functionality: Style is great, but don’t forget ease of access if the shelves need to store everyday items.
Forgetting Scale: Ensure the objects fit the scale of your shelves—tiny items can feel lost, while oversized ones might overwhelm.

Get Started on Styling Your Shelves

Your shelves should be a reflection of your taste and the things that make you happy. By following these simple steps, you’ll create a display that’s not only pretty to look at but also functional and personal to you.

Love shelf styling but feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Follow us for more homestyling or to share your ideas with us on Instagram!

Now grab your coffee, put on your favourite playlist, and start styling those shelves like a pro!

Further Reading: Clever Storage Solutions for Every Nook and Cranny

A good bookshelf can elevate your living space and turn your home into a cosy haven. Bookshelves not only help to organise your books but also add a touch of style to your interiors. However, choosing the right bookshelf can be overwhelming with so many options available in the market. That’s why, in this guide, we will take you through some critical considerations when choosing bookshelves to help you make the right choice for your home.

Marlow Chestnut Finish Handmade Bookcase

Size and Space: The very first consideration when choosing bookshelves is size and space. You need to determine the size of the bookshelf that you need and the amount of space you have in your room. Ensure that the bookshelf’s size corresponds to the number of books that you have in your collection. If you have a vast collection, you may need a large bookshelf, while a small collection requires a compact bookshelf. It is also essential to consider the placement of the bookshelf to ensure it fits perfectly in the allocated space.

Design and Style: Bookshelves come in various designs and styles, which add to their aesthetic appeal. You need to choose a design that complements your home decor and style. For instance, if you have a modern or minimalist home decor, a sleek and simple bookshelf would be a good choice. Similarly, a bookshelf made from wooden material adds warmth and charm to your traditional interiors. We have a great range of bookshelves available in different designs and styles to choose from.

Material: Bookshelves come in a wide variety of materials ranging from wood, metal, glass, and plastic. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, and considerations need to be made depending on your needs. Wooden shelves are timeless and durable and come in various finishes. On the other hand, metal shelves are sleek and modern, while plastic shelves are affordable and lightweight. Consider the material that best suits your needs and preferences.

Storage Capacity: The storage capacity of a bookshelf is another crucial consideration when choosing bookshelves. You need to determine the number of books that you have and the additional items that you would like to store. If you have a large collection, you may need a deep or multi-tiered bookshelf to accommodate them all. You should also consider bookshelves with additional storage options such as drawers, cabinets, or baskets.

Price: Finally, the price of a bookshelf is a consideration to make. You want to get a quality bookshelf at an affordable price. The cost of a bookshelf depends on the material used, the brand, and the size.

Choosing the right bookshelf may seem like a daunting task, but following these considerations will help make the process easier. Remember to always take the size and space, design and style, storage capacity, and price into account. Selecting the perfect bookshelf will not only bring organisation to your books but also add to your home’s aesthetic appeal.

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How to Style your Shelves like a Pro