I am a big fan of this shelving unit in Billy’s living room (if you missed it, the reveal is here!) It’s great quality and goes so well with the modern décor in this room. But styling a shelf can be tricky work. To get it looking right is not just a case of throwing everything up there and hoping for the best. There are many ways to style a shelf and everyone’s is going to look unique, but it can be difficult to know where to start. I’ve found a way a help! I’ve narrowed the essentials down to 5 things you always need to style a shelf that will help it looking it’s best! If you have all these, chances are your shelf is looking great!
The links to absolutely everything are here on the living room reveal page!
1. Storage
Think baskets, boxes, jars – anything that will hide things away that you need easy access to. This a functional one that can also look pretty. Here the baskets are used to store blankets, but of course you could hide anything! In the wooden box on out shelf at home I hide the matches and lighters used to lit candles and the fire. It’s in easy reach, but also the clutter is also hidden. Win-win!
2. A Plant
Ok, this one is a non-negotiable! It doesn’t even have to be real, faux plants can work too. But greenery brings so much life, colour and texture to shelves. I wouldn’t even stop at one plant, add a few! And making them different heights and varieties is an added bonus!
3. Artwork
For me, this is another non-negotiable. Artwork is a must everywhere, shelves included. Your style and personality can be easily be shown through art. It doesn’t have to be expensive either – did you see on my instagram stories how I cut up a funky paper shopping bag and popped it into a frame? Instant art!
4. Something Personal
While this one isn’t essential, I do think that you get more enjoyment out of your own shelves if you can see something personal that brings back memories. Maybe it’s a photo, or a memento from holidays. Maybe it’s a favourite book or ornament. It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it’s important to you!
5. Adding Height
When you’ve finished styling your shelves, take a look and make sure that there is one or two items (or more, depending on how big your shelves are!) that are taller than the rest décor. You want to have a mix of heights going on to keep things interesting.
Is there anything else you ABSOLUTELY HAVE to have on a shelf???