Small Decorative Items For Shelves
Shelves are a fun way to show off your style and personality in your home. When decorating shelves, it’s important to think about how the items will work together.
Generally, odd numbers of items work better on shelves as they look less cluttered say interior designers. A few key items to add are books, plants, picture frames, boxes and vases.
Plants
If you’re decorating a shelf or ledge, consider adding a plant. Greenery is great for shelves and ledges because it brings life to the space and is perfect for pairing with any color scheme or decor theme. Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor plant, it will look beautiful on your shelving.
Another way to add depth and interest to your shelves is by adding flat decor items. This includes vases, bowls, plates, and even small sculptures. While it’s best to use these flat decor items sparingly (or you risk your shelves looking cluttered), they can be very effective when used properly.
One of the most common mistakes people make when styling shelves is not using enough texture. Shelving often falls flat because it lacks a variety of textures, which makes a big difference in the overall look of your shelves. To avoid this, try incorporating a mix of woods, glass, metals, and fabrics into your shelf decor. This will bring your shelves to a whole new level of style. Also, try using different sized items to create contrast.
Books
Books are a staple in many shelf displays, adding a layer of depth and visual interest. Art, cookbooks and other decorative books are an excellent choice to complement any color scheme or style theme. Books with colorful covers or patterned spines make an especially stylish statement, and stacking them in horizontal or vertical piles adds an extra pop of color to the vignette.
Baskets are another great option for shelving, ranging in size from small to large. They’re ideal for storing kitchen items like bowls and serving platters, or can be used to display heirloom plates and other decorative items. Using multiple vases as shelf decor is also a good idea, providing plenty of visual interest with different shapes and sizes. Small vases work well with flower stems, while larger ones look best when displayed solo or paired with other decorative objects, such as ginger jars.
To achieve a balanced and uniform appearance, remember to use the rule of threes. For example, a round tray or shallow basket can be balanced on both sides by a taller object of similar volume (like a vase or candle). For a summery beach-themed shelf decor, blue mason jars and sea glass bottles are a cute and creative choice.
Frames
Whether they’re floating shelves, wall ledges or built-in cabinets, well-styled shelving is a chance to showcase cherished mementos and decorative objects that help tell your home’s design story. Whether you prefer the look of a curated vignette or a more casual mix-and-match arrangement, try mixing up the shape, color and texture of shelf decor items to add depth and visual interest to your display.
Frames are a great way to elevate the style of your shelf decor. Aim for a mix of styles, including modern art, vintage family portraits and rustic farmhouse frames to create a layered aesthetic. You can also use a variety of frame sizes to make your shelves feel more interesting.
Plants are another great option for decorating shelves. Cascading plants like pothos can add a romantic, feminine touch or you can opt for small succulents that have a more contemporary, clean style. If caring for live plants isn’t your thing, consider a faux greenery that works well with almost any decorating style or color scheme.
Sculptural shelf brackets are another easy way to jazz up the appearance of your shelving. Find a range of options from sleek and modern to classic or farmhouse-inspired, then layer them with a collection of books and other accessories.
Vases
Decorative items such as vases are an easy way to add style and personality to your shelves. They can be used as a single object or in groups of two or three, depending on their size and how much visual impact you want. Vases can be filled with flowers (faux or real) or they can serve as a stylish storage solution. They can also be a beautiful backdrop for framed family photographs or coastal decor like starfish, shells, rope and blue mason jars.
The beauty of vases is that they can be used with almost any color or theme. They work well with neutrals and can easily be mixed with different sized plants, framed pictures or other decor items. They are also an ideal way to add texture and contrast. Consider using a vase made from wood, something glass or ceramic, or even a woven basket.
Shelf decorating often falls flat if there isn’t enough variation in materials and textures. This rule applies to vases as well as books, plant containers and picture frames.
Accessories
Accessory items like vases, clocks and candle holders add color and texture to shelves. They can also be used to bridge a collection of pieces that are grouped together but don’t match. For example, a set of blue mason jars can be used to decorate the top shelf while matching vases are placed in smaller groups around the room. This creates a visual link without looking too contrived.
Decorative shelves are a great way to tell your story and express your personality through the items you choose to display on them. They work well in just about any space from the bathroom to a dining room buffet or wall curio.
Use a mix of plants to bring life and a pop of greenery to shelves. Add framed artwork to add dimension and create a focal point. Use a variety of sizes and frames for a more interesting composition. Stack books both horizontally and vertically for a dynamic look, and don’t forget to leave plenty of open space for larger items and accessories. In this contemporary shelving from deVOL Kitchens, the homeowner displays still life vegetable paintings in simple gilded frames that complement the warm metallic finishes on the rest of the room.
