Tips for How to Style Open Shelves
There’s something undeniably charming about open shelving. Whether it’s a set of floating shelves in the kitchen, a wall of styled bookshelves in the living room, or a few well-placed ledges in the bathroom, open shelves give you a unique opportunity to blend storage with personality. They’re functional, flexible, and—when styled intentionally—they can become one of the most beautiful focal points in your home.
But let’s be honest: open shelves also come with a bit of a challenge. How do you make them look collected and stylish without feeling cluttered or chaotic? How do you strike that delicate balance between too bare and too busy?
If you’ve ever stared at an empty shelf and felt overwhelmed—or if your shelves are full but just not feeling right—this post is for you.
After styling shelves in my own home (and restyling them many times over!), I’ve found a rhythm that works. It’s all about combining beauty with intention, layering pieces that matter, and giving everything a little room to breathe.
Let’s walk through five of my go-to tips for styling open shelves, plus some real-life examples and a few bonus ideas to help you feel confident in your space.
1. Start with a Blank Slate
This might sound simple, but it’s the most important first step: clear everything off your shelves. Every single thing. Wipe down the surface. Take a step back. And take a moment to see the space again.
This fresh start helps remove visual noise and allows you to rethink the purpose and feel of the shelves. Ask yourself:
What do I want this space to say?
Should it feel cozy, clean, collected, or creative?
Do I want this to be mostly decorative, mostly practical, or somewhere in between?
When I styled the shelves in our living room, I knew I wanted them to feel warm, personal, and a little bit rustic. I envisioned a mix of books, handmade pieces, greenery, and family touches—a space that looked like it had grown over time, full of texture and heart.
So before I even put anything back on, I thought through the mood I wanted to create. That vision gave me clarity and helped me make styling decisions with more intention.
2. Use a Balanced Mix of Items
The key to open shelving that feels full but not chaotic is variety with purpose. I always try to include a balanced blend of the following elements:
Books: Upright or stacked. They anchor the space and offer height and structure.
Greenery: Real or faux, plants breathe life into the shelves.
Art: Framed prints or small leaning canvases give visual interest and can tie in colors from the room.
Functional items: Bowls, jars, baskets, mugs—especially in the kitchen or entryway—add beauty and utility.
Personal touches: Vintage treasures, heirlooms, small sculptures, or travel finds make the shelves feel lived-in and real.
For example, on my main shelving wall, I used a mix of:
A trailing pothos plant in a clay pot
Neutral ceramic jugs in varied sizes
Stacks of books—some upright, some lying flat
A textured gold bowl that catches the light
A pair of soft fabric bins for hidden storage
Landscape photos in vintage-style frames
Each piece adds texture or tone, and when viewed together, they create a calming, cohesive look. The shelves feel curated but not staged—like the story of our home told in little vignettes.
3. Create Visual Triangles
If there’s one trick that instantly elevates shelf styling, it’s this: group items in odd numbers and arrange them in triangle shapes.
This might sound overly design-y, but it’s surprisingly simple. Visual triangles guide the eye naturally around the space. They help everything feel balanced—without being perfectly symmetrical.
Try this:
Place a stack of books in the center
Add a small object or bowl to the right
Place a plant or vase to the left
Without even trying, you’ve created a triangle. And your eye will naturally move across that group in a pleasing, intentional way.
On my shelves, I did this with everything from artwork to pottery. For example, one shelf has:
A tall vase with greenery on the left
A short ceramic pot in the middle
A framed photo leaning on the right
The shapes and heights vary, but the triangle brings them together as a set. Once you get the hang of this, shelf styling becomes more about feel than formulas.
4. Leave Breathing Room
This one is harder than it seems: don’t fill every inch. Negative space—those blank spots between objects—is what makes everything else shine.
I used to feel the urge to fill the shelves completely, but I’ve learned that what you leave out matters just as much as what you include.
The top shelf of my wall, for example, has just a few large pottery pieces paired with a leaning print. But what makes it beautiful is the space around them. That openness keeps the shelf from feeling crowded and allows the pieces to stand on their own.
Here’s a tip: after placing a few items, take a step back and ask, “Is my eye resting anywhere?” If it’s darting all over the place, you may need to pull a few things off. Let your items breathe.
5. Add Something Unexpected
This is where your shelves go from styled to special. Slip in something that doesn’t follow the “rules.” A sculptural object. A quirky thrifted bowl. A handmade candleholder. A little moment of surprise.
One of my favorite unexpected elements is a green pothos that cascades down the side of the shelves. It adds softness, movement, and a touch of wildness that keeps the shelf from feeling too polished.
I also tucked in a small framed sketch from a flea market and a ceramic bird I picked up on a trip. These little pieces of joy make me smile every time I pass by—and that’s what great design is all about.
Bonus Tip: Switch It Up Seasonally
One of the best things about open shelving is how easy it is to refresh. In spring, add a vase of tulips or pastel books. In fall, tuck in a little pumpkin or swap your greenery for dried florals. In winter, bring in cozy textures and twinkling lights.
You don’t need to redo everything—just swap one or two items. It keeps your shelves feeling fresh and in tune with the season, without the need for a total overhaul.
Final Thoughts: Let Your Shelves Tell Your Story
Open shelves offer more than just a spot for decor—they’re a canvas for your personality. A place where function meets beauty. A space to layer your favorite reads, everyday items, beloved keepsakes, and little sparks of creativity.
The most beautiful shelves aren’t the ones that follow every design rule—they’re the ones that reflect the people who live there.
So clear the clutter. Think through your vision. Layer in your favorites. Let some space breathe. And don’t be afraid to add a little whimsy.
Try these tips on your next shelving project and enjoy the fresh, grounded feeling that beautifully styled open shelves bring to your home.
By Leah Ann Grace
