Decorative shelves have become essential in every home as most interior designers and homeowners prefer functional yet aesthetically-pleasing storage solutions. According to recent research, the decorative shelves market is expected to grow by 8 percent within the next seven years as the global demand for floating shelves, curio cabinets, bookcases, and wall-mounted shelves, among others, is projected to increase at a rapid rate. We can also expect to see more shelf styling trends in the coming months as filling shelves with a collection of thoughtfully curated objects is a simple yet effective way to infuse some personality into a room.
It can be tricky to style a shelf since it needs the right mix of items to make it look charming without being cluttered. Thankfully, there are a few techniques that you can use to create a beautifully-decorated shelf in every room. Here are some shelf decor ideas for an organized and stylish home.
Themed Bookshelf Display
An empty shelf or bookcase opens up a world of possibilities, and while you'd probably want to fill it with all of your favorite things, consider assessing your collection first to see if they'll go well together on your display unit. For a cohesive look, think about having a theme for your bookshelf decor. A travel-themed shelf, for instance, is quite easy to make, especially if you have a collection of interesting souvenirs from your trips. Choose ones in colors that complement your home for an elegant look– you don't want to have a neon green sculpture on your shelf if your room is decorated in mostly taupes, white, and charcoal. Display photos or prints in customized frames, then place them on the shelves, along with stacks of travel books, mini sculptures or statues, and other decorative items.
For a clean and uncluttered look, choose items that are fairly large, ones that are no smaller than a typical paperback book. Decorating with tiny objects means that you'll need to have more of them to fill up your shelf, and doing that can make your display unit look chaotic. Group similar items and display them on one shelf, and be sure to leave some space in between objects.
Neutral Shelf
Don't want a colorful display in your Scandinavian or Japandi-style living room? Consider filling a bookcase or floating shelves with only neutral-colored items. Objects made from natural materials will work well for this type of decor, so something like a wooden tray or boat filled with three to five rattan balls, clay pottery, and raffia picture frames will look good when displayed together.
If you want to add books, turn them around so that the pages face outward. This will help your bookshelf decor stick to a neutral color shceme. As a finishing touch, add one potted plant with cascading leaves, such as a pothos or a heartleaf philodendron. Place it on the middle or top part of the shelf so it trails beautifully down the edge of your furniture.
Make the Most of Small Floating Shelves
Even a small floating shelf in your bathroom or kitchen can look chic if you add the right decorative items. If you have a glass floating shelf in your shower space, make it pretty by displaying a small framed print, a ceramic vase filled with silk flowers, and a wooden or ceramic diffuser. Meanwhile, if your kitchen has a small floating shelf right above the counter, dress it up with a vintage-style clock and an old cookbook. For a slightly wider shelf, place a wooden cutting board at the back of the shelf, right at the center. Next, place a small stack of cookbooks on the right side of the shelf, then three colored tumblers on the left side. Fill the rest of the space with a small rosemary plant, a stack of saucers, two to three cups, and a framed print.
Decorating bookcases and shelves is an easy way to add personality and character to any room. Try these styling ideas to add interest to your display units, and see how they make your living spaces look and feel more special.
