The Easiest Way to Style Open Shelves Without Overthinking It
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Open shelves can make a space feel bright, airy, and thoughtfully styled, but they can also be intimidating. What goes where? How much is too much? How do you make it look curated without feeling cluttered?
Shelf styling should be approachable, not overwhelming. Here’s the easiest way to style open shelves using a simple formula that works every time.
1. Start With a Clean Slate
Clear everything off and give the shelves a quick wipe-down. Empty space helps you see potential, not just the leftover clutter.
Pro Tip: Take a quick photo of your blank shelves. It helps you visualize and plan spacing more intentionally.
2. Stick to a Simple Color Palette
Limit your color palette to 2–3 tones with plenty of natural textures. Think warm woods, creamy whites, matte black, and soft greens (Plants are your styling bestie).
This creates cohesion, even if the objects themselves vary in shape and size.
Easy combos to try:
White + Wood + Greenery
Black + Cream + Brass
Taupe + Glass + Terracotta
3. Bring in Life and Texture
No shelf is complete without a little greenery or texture. Add a small potted plant, a woven bowl, or a rattan box to soften the lines and make things feel lived-in.
Other options: Clay pots, vintage wood, linen-wrapped books, small framed art
4. Add Books, But Mix Them Up
Books are the easiest way to ground a shelf. Stack some horizontally, stand others vertically, and vary the height of each group.
Style Tip: Turn a few books backward (pages facing out) to soften visual clutter and keep your palette neutral. This is controversial for some, but your home isn’t a library. You don’t actually need to see the spines to know what you have.
5. Leave Some Breathing Room
Negative space is a design element, too. Every shelf doesn’t need to be full. In fact, leaving space between groupings makes your styling feel more intentional and curated.
Aim for:
1–2 styled groupings per shelf, with space between them.
6. Use These Easy Styling Formula
Here are the simplest formulas for shelf styling that feels layered, but never fussy:
Leaning Art + Object: Casually lean a piece of art and layer a low bowl, box, or decorative object in front.
One Large Piece: A large piece like a vase, pitcher, or plant that fills the space.
Vertical Books + Object: Place the object against the books. This can be a bookend, or any object acting as one.
Stacked Books + Object: Stack 2-3 books and place a decorative object or bowl on top.
Collections: Cluster a collection together. This can be candle holders, vases, anything of varying heights.
Leaning Art + Leaning Art: Layer two pieces of art. Vary the composition, and size.
Example:
These are my favorite formulas in action. You can repeat them over and over, or mix them up!
7. Step Back and Edit
Once your shelves are styled, take a step back (or snap a photo) and look at the full picture. Adjust anything that feels too heavy or too symmetrical.
You’re not aiming for perfection, you’re creating a space that feels cozy, personal, and effortless.
Last Thoughts
Open shelf styling doesn’t have to be complicated. With a neutral palette, a go-to formula, and a little breathing room, you can style shelves that feel pulled together—without second-guessing every object.
Love these tips? Save this post and browse our mood boards or styling guides for even more simple, elevated home ideas.
