Step-By-Step Styling Guide for Shelves

Shelf styling is one of our team’s favorite decorating techniques, but it’s also one of the trickiest. If you’re thinking about updating or styling your shelf for the first time, follow these steps: 

Step 1: No matter what kind of shelves we’re styling, we always empty our shelves first. That way, we can start fresh and see the space we’re working with as a blank canvas. 

Step 2: Once you have cleared everything from your shelves, look at what you already have, and start grouping your objects by size. This process makes it easier once you start styling, and it helps you see what you may want to add to your collection. 

Step 3: Start by using your biggest items first to create focal points to style around. Vases, baskets, bowls, art, or other large decor items are perfect for adding visual weight to a built-in. We typically like to stagger these items so that they don’t stack on top of each other and are not right next to each other, which helps create balance. It helps to place all of your similar objects at the same time. For example, style all of your vases, then your baskets, etc. 

Step 4: Start to create groupings with your smaller items. Stacking books, adding in boxes, and pairing two similar elements together are some of our favorite go-to’s. Add personal touches like family photos or collected objects. 

Step 5: Once you’re happy with the general idea of what you have created, step back, and evaluate. Don’t be afraid to add, subtract, or start entirely from scratch if the final result isn’t speaking to you. 

Refine & Design is an interior styling and home staging company dedicated to making your space functional and beautiful. Refine & Design provides affordable, practical, and creative solutions personalized to fit your taste and lifestyle. You can call or email them at 614-296-9800 info@refineanddesignhome.com

If you need any other design tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to reach us at info@thomasriddle.com. We work with trusted professionals to give you the best quality for the best prices!