Ever stood in front of your empty shelves, feeling a tad lost? Bare shelves can be both exciting and daunting, because the possibilities are endless, and sometimes you just don’t know where to begin?

Links on interiorsbygiuliana.com are affiliate links and I may/will make a commission if you purchase through these links at not additional cost to you.

We’ve all faced that overwhelming moment, wondering how to turn it into a showcase of your personality and style. We’re here to guide you and give you 5 easy tips from the pros to shelf styling.

Photo Credit: Becki Owens

Firstly, take stock of what you already have, and start grouping your objects by size. This will help give you a quick visual, and will help you see if there is a common thread in your pieces (ie. colour, size, shapes). This process makes it easier once you start styling your shelves, and allows you to think about what pieces you may want to add to your collection.

TIP #1: Make a Focal Point

It’s best to start placing your standout items or largest pieces first, this allows you to see what space is left to work with. Don’t layer them all below one other, or next to each other. Instead, stagger them diagonally because this makes the eye move from shelf to shelf. This is the number one mistake homeowners make when styling shelves.

TIP #2: Use Multiple Heights

Create groups with your medium and small objects, by placing taller items at the back, and shorter at the front, because this gives needed depth. That is the second biggest mistake often seen in styling shelves. Similarly, consider groupings of books, or pairing two similar elements together for depth, needed height and interest.

TIP #3: Mix Tone & Textures

When grouping your items, it’s better to blend tones of the same colours and use varying textures for interest and movement. The key to keeping a cohesive look, is by choosing a colour palette and sticking to it. For instance, you can use neutrals with pops of one or max two accent colours for styling shelves. Don’t forget to harness the power of 3s when stacking books, and pairing similar items.

TIP #4: Negative Space Is A Good Thing

Embrace the gaps! It’s not about filling every inch. Space between your items offers a sleek and sophisticated look. This is most important when an item is strong on it’s because pairing it with another object will diminish it’s effect.

TIP # 5: Put In A Personal Touch

Showcase memories! Add personal items like souvenirs or handmade crafts. Above all, it’s your story, and shelf styling should speak to who you are.

Photo Credit: Studio McGee

Styling your shelves is often scarier than it is. Using these easy steps will no doubt make shelf styling a breeze. In case you need some further inspiration, I’ve curated a few items from Amazon Canada to help.

Happy styling!