How to Style Shelves Without Overthinking It
Open shelving, built-ins, and bookcases can be one of the best spots to bring in personality and warmth. But if you’ve ever found yourself staring at blank shelves thinking “I have no idea what I’m doing,” you’re not alone.
The truth is: shelf styling doesn’t have to be complicated. And no, you don’t need to run to HomeGoods or buy a dozen new things just to make it look ‘right.’ With a few tried-and-true tips, you can pull together shelves that feel cohesive, collected, and totally you.
Here’s my go-to approach…
1. Use Your Best Decorative Items
Let’s start here: your shelves are not the place for everything you’ve ever owned. Instead, think of them as a mini highlight reel. Pull out your favorite books, a piece of pottery you picked up on vacation, a framed photo you actually love, a pretty candle or bowl.
Mix textures, sizes, and shapes—but stick to a loose color palette. I usually go neutral with pops of warmth or soft color, so things feel pulled together without being matchy-matchy.
2. Edit Out the Clutter (Yes, Even the Sentimental Stuff)
Here’s the hard truth: not everything deserves a spot on your shelves.
Your husband’s golf trophies? Maybe not. The full “Live Laugh Love” sign trio from Hobby Lobby? It had its moment. But now’s the time to make space for the things that really matter—and let your home breathe a little.
Clutter makes shelves feel chaotic. And when there’s too much going on, your eye doesn’t know where to land. Be selective. Leave white space. Let the shelves tell a story… not yell over one another trying to be heard.
3. Think Balance Over Perfection
You don’t need to style every shelf the same way—in fact, it’s better if you don’t. Play with variety.
Here’s what I like to do:
One shelf centered
One shelf styled to the left
One shelf styled to the right
It adds movement without feeling rigid. And don’t forget to vary your items: stack books, lean frames, add something tall, something sculptural, something personal.
4. Work in Layers and Vary the Heights
One of the biggest mistakes I see? Everything ends up the same size. You want height, width, and depth variation.
Try this:
Stack 2-3 books horizontally, then place a small object on top
Lean a piece of art or a frame behind something shorter
Add a sculptural piece next to something softer—like a vase next to a basket or a bowl
And if something feels “off,” take a step back. Sometimes a quick photo helps you spot what’s throwing things off.
5. Give Yourself Room to Edit (and Re-edit)
You’re not going to get it perfect on the first try—and you don’t have to. Walk away. Come back later. Switch things around. I change my shelves with the seasons, or just whenever I need a fresh moment in a room.
Good styling isn’t about buying more—it’s about making what you already have work better.
Your shelves don’t need to be Pinterest-perfect. They just need to feel collected, not cluttered. Personal, not packed. And most of all—like home.