When you style a shelf you are essentially re-vitalizing the space, transforming it even. I know this goes against most of our natural instincts but sometimes less really is more! Whether you are styling an entire built-in bookcase (similar to mine) or a free-standing bookshelf, there are some tricks to achieving an effortless and cohesive look.

9.8″ Ribbed Glass Vase | 7.8″ Ribbed Glass Vase | Pillar Candles | PNW Home Vase | Dried German Statice | Similar Glass Hurricane Candleholder | Ceramic Vase | Metal Candelabra | Similar Hydrangea Stems | Similar Basket | Two-Piece Set tts, S

When you style a shelf you are essentially re-vitalizing the space, transforming it even. I know this goes against most of our natural instincts but sometimes less really is more! Whether you are styling an entire built-in bookcase (similar to mine) or a free-standing bookshelf, there are some tricks to achieving an effortless and cohesive look. There are several fundamental pieces when styling a shelf: plants, candles, art, books, baskets, vases, and other pottery. Let’s talk about the in’s and out’s of shelf styling and what works best for your space!

neutral styling must-haves

9.8″ Ribbed Glass Vase | 7.8″ Ribbed Glass Vase | Pillar Candles | PNW Home Vase | Dried German Statice | Similar Glass Hurricane Candleholder | Ceramic Vase | Similar Hydrangea Stems | Similar Basket

A cluttered shelf does not make for any aesthetic one, it can appear too busy and all of your pieces become lost in the mix. Start styling your shelf with your favorite pieces and you can add on (or subtract) from there! The bottom shelf is typically reserved for larger and/or heavier items to create a more grounded and balanced feel. Don’t be afraid to use only one item per shelf, there is nothing wrong with giving it room to breathe! Candles are also an amazing item to use to style your shelves – they easily add warmth and light to the space. If you want to enjoy the ambiance all day, flameless flickering candles are an amazing alternative!

creating a cohesive look

9.8″ Ribbed Glass Vase | 7.8″ Ribbed Glass Vase | Pillar Candles | PNW Home Vase | Dried German Statice | Black Photo Frame

Turn your favorite photograph into your new home decor! Works of art, including photography, are an amazing way to style a shelf. Continuing with the ideal that less is more, large framed photographs and works of art can easily stand on their own. Greenery and florals make a great addition to any shelf styling. Whether you opt for artificial greenery or the real thing, it adds a touch of life to any space! Styling a shelf isn’t about filling each one to the brim with items but being strategic about it! When selecting your items and choosing where you want to place them, you want to be sure you are creating a cohesive, balanced, and well-curated look.

utilize your favorite items

Decorative Boxes | White Faux Florals | Similar White Bowl | Metal Wavy Bowl | ‘Modern Decor’ | ‘Still’ | Similar Textured Vase | Similar Artificial Stems | Black Photo Frame | Similar Basket

Using different styles and sizes of textured vases is an amazing way to add dimension to your shelves. I opted for these gold finish decorative boxes and metal wavy bowl to complement one another. Don’t worry, there are actually books living on these shelves! There are actually several different ways to style books on your shelves. You can line up them up the traditional way and place a white bowl filled with faux florals at the end. You could also re-create what I have done here and lay them horizontally, title facing outwards and a small decor item on top! The possibilities are endless.

shop my shelf styling finds

PNW Home Vase | “Modern Decor” | “Still” | 9.8″ Ribbed Glass Vase | 7.8″ Ribbed Glass Vase | Metal Candelbra | Decorative Boxes | Wavy Metal Bowl | Dried German Statice | Pillar Candles

For more styling tips and tricks, click HERE.

Decorating your home isn’t only for the holidays! Style your home however you like, whether it is with neutrals similar to mine or with bright colors. As long as you are surrounded by items you love, that is all that matters!

XO, J

** This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. **