Have you ever looked at a perfectly styled shelf and thought, okay that doesn’t look too hard, only to find halfway through trying to recreate the look in your own home, you’ve found it impossible to create the balance, interest and je ne said quoi that the inspiration had? We have been there with the shelf styling game!
In this volume of Reveries, we embark on a journey to transform ordinary shelves into stunning focal points that reflect your personality and style. Shelf styling is an art that goes beyond mere functionality, allowing you to showcase your favourite items and create visually appealing displays. In this guide, we'll explore the principles of shelf styling and provide practical tips to help you curate a beautiful and balanced look for your shelves.
Start with a Blank Canvas: Before diving into the world of shelf styling, clear your shelves and start with a clean slate. This gives you the opportunity to assess the space and envision the overall look you want to achieve.
Define Your Style: Consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Whether it's minimalist, eclectic, rustic, or modern, having a defined style will guide your decisions when selecting items for your shelves. Don't be afraid to mix and match though - remember this is an opportunity to showcase YOUR style!
Balance and Symmetry: Achieving balance is key to creating an aesthetically pleasing display. Experiment with symmetry by placing similar items diagonally across from one another. We like to call this the zigzag strategy. If you can draw imaginary diagonal lines between similarly sized or similarly shaped items, you're on the right track.
Layering and Depth: Add visual interest by incorporating layers and depth. Place larger items at the back of the shelf and smaller items in front to create a sense of dimension. Group smaller objects in sets of 2's and 3's and utilise books, risers and pedestals as a foundation to vary the heights of objects.
Mix Textures and Materials: Introduce a variety of textures and materials to keep the display dynamic. Combine wood, metal, glass, and ceramics to add visual richness and tactile appeal.
Personalise with Collectibles: Infuse your personality into the design by showcasing artwork, vintage pieces, or sentimental items. These personal touches make your shelves uniquely yours.
Colour Coordination: Establish a cohesive palette to tie the entire display together. Consider the colours of the items themselves, as well as the backdrop of the shelves. Selecting a piece of artwork from which to develop the palette can be a great strategy to achieve this.
Utilise Negative Space: Don't overcrowd your shelves; leave some empty spaces to allow the eye to rest. This helps prevent a cluttered appearance and emphasises the items you've carefully chosen.
Greenery and Natural Elements: Bring life to your shelves by incorporating plants or flowers. Greenery adds a refreshing touch and brings texture and a pop of colour to lift the overall presentation.
Rotate and Refresh: Periodically refresh your shelf displays to keep things interesting. Swap out items, rearrange the layout, or introduce seasonal decor to reflect the time of year. If you can close your eyes and remember the shelf in clear detail, it's time to take it all down and give it a fresh start!
That's it! You are now officially a Shelfie guru. Remember, the key is to have fun and let your creativity shine. Whether you're working with a bookshelf, floating shelves, or built-ins, these principles can be adapted to suit any space and when something isn't working, clean the slate and give it another go! Happy styling!
Featured Products:
Rustic Timber Risers
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Rustic and textured, our Rustic Timber Risers bring dimension to your space with ease. Whether it’s elevating your favourite potted plant or creating a platform for your cooking essentials, they are as beautiful as they are versatile! Each piece is handmade and… read more
Riding Days
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Riding Days is a print of a beautiful vintage oil painting. This is a fine art giclee print, printed on cotton rag paper which means it has both the look and feel of a real painting. Framed in a dark stained frame with… read more
Vintage Mini Milking Stool
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Our Vintage Mini Milking Stool is a versatile way to add a bit of texture to your decor. We love it styled with your favourite candle or vase. Made from reclaimed elmwood you can't go wrong with the bit of rustic charm it adds to… read more
Veta Vera Tulip Basket
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Handwoven with Veta Vera Grass in the northern Bolga region of Ghana, our Veta Vera Tulip Basket has a beautiful scallop detail that offers a relaxed, coastal look. Use it to store everyday objects or as a chic bin for… read more
Create
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Following on from the success of Ali's first book Curate, CREATE is a visual feast divided into three engaging and informative chapters. Establishing Your Style encourages you to trust your own creativity and gives advice on how to get started. Developing Your Eye explores topics that include… read more
Vintage Chinese Trays
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Our Vintage Chinese Trays are a favourite for styling a small vase, candle, or our brass mills! At over 100 years old, each one is completely unique with its own nuanced imperfections. Note each one of our Found pieces is unique and… read more
Levi Cushion
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Characterised by beautiful handwoven and naturally dyed cotton, our Dylan Cushion is denim blue with a lovely alternating white stripe pattern. It also has our favourite hand-stitched detail down the center. Handwoven on a loom, it has incredible texture and interest for the eye. Includes… read more
Indigo Karen Cushion
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Crafted in-house from one-of-a-kind textiles, our pillows add a charming vintage accent to any space. We source unique textiles from all over the world, including India, Thailand and Indonesia for a range of designs that effortlessly blend with any decor… read more
Vintage English Storage Jar VII
$40.00
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Our Vintage English Storage Jars are a lovely example of the traditional salt-glazed pottery of this time. Circa late 1800s - early 1900s they have beautiful patina with caramel and creme colouring. This size is perfect for storing utensils or for a… read more
Vintage Portuguese Wine Vessel
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Our beautiful Vintage Portuguese Wine Vessel is a truly unique decorative piece. It has a matte brown glaze and a beautiful silhouette. It is in pristine condition with no cracks or chips. Note each one of our Found pieces is… read more
Green Speckled Bud Vase
$20.00
$35.00
Our Green Speckled Bud Vase has a unique and striking glaze. Shade of olive are dotted with brown speckles giving it the earthy vibes we love to mix in with a neutral palette. Note each one of our Found pieces is… read more
Harriet Lumbar Cushion
$165.00
Characterised by beautiful handwoven cotton and naturally dyed in a rich chestnut brown hue, our Harriet Lumbar Cushion is a striking addition to any pillow ensemble. Handwoven on a loom, it has incredible texture and interest for the eye. Includes feather insert. Please note… read more
Vintage Plaid - Cocoa
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Crafted in-house from handcrafted and one-of-a-kind textiles, our cushions will add depth and authenticity to any space. Our Cocoa Vintage Plaid cushion is no exception. This one-of-a-kind piece made from a vintage textile, adds rustic charm and is an ideal accent to mix, match, and layer. Includes… read more
Vintage Bendigo Crock
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Our Vintage Bendigo Crock is a sweet little pot filled with character. Circa 1970s, it has a lovely beaded detail and two handles. It no longer has its lid but fear not, it's just as adorable filled with an arrangement. … read more
Mini Olive Pot
$40.00
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Our Mini Olive Pot is a quant little lidded vessel with a unique olive green glaze. . It's that hard-to-find size that can adequately fit in any space be it a shelf, console, nightstand, etc. and looks fabulous when paired… read more
Pearsons of Chesterfield Mini Crock
$25.00
$35.00
Our Pearsons of Chesterfield Mini Crock is as cute as they come. With its cinnamon brown glaze, this stoneware pot has a lid and wee little side handles. Hails from the mid century and is stamped with "Pearsons of Chesterfield".It's in very… read more
French Mini Confit Pot
$40.00
Our French Mini Confit Pot is as cute as they come. We love the ribbed top and wee little handles. It's in perfect condition with 3/0 stamped on the top and 'Made in France' stamped on the bottom. Note each one… read more
Vintage Caramel Glaze Crock (M)
$60.00
Our medium Vintage Caramel Glaze Crock is a lovely little vessel and a true example of function meeting form. Its glossy caramel colouring is a striking addition to a shelf or benchtop. We love it equally as much as a… read more
Vintage Caramel Glaze Crock (S)
$65.00
Our small Vintage Caramel Glaze Crock is a lovely little vessel and a true example of function meeting form. Its rich caramel colouring is a striking addition to a shelf or benchtop. We love it equally as much as a vessel… read more
