Shelf Styling: What’s The Secret Formula?
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11 hours ago
We get the rundown from an interior designer
The key to an enviable, Pinterest-worthy home? Perfectly styled shelves. Whether you favour minimalism or tend towards the curated clutter look, here’s exactly how to style your shelves, according to interior designer Laura Hammett.
How To Style Your Shelves: A Guide
Pick Pieces Carefully
Whether you go in armed with reference pictures from your favourite designers or you just want to improvise and have a bit of a reshuffle, make sure to be methodical – and try not to make your shelves too crowded.
‘My approach to crafting visually interesting, well-balanced shelf displays is to treat them like a gallery space,’ says Laura Hammett, founder of Laura Hammett Living. ‘A skilful use of negative space is just as important as what you’re putting on display; the trick to perfectly harmonious bookshelves is to not overcrowd them.’
Create Structure
‘Look at the shelving area you’re working with like a pyramid,’ advises Laura. ‘Start with one large statement piece in the top-centre position to draw the eye up, before moving down to create width with smaller items like photo frames and candles at eye level.’
If you’re styling tall media units or ladder shelves, decorate ‘the whole width of the bottom levels using bold, anchoring items like books, storage boxes or sculptural pieces,’ Laura continues. ‘This layered method creates visual harmony and prevents the display from feeling top-heavy or cluttered.’
Laura Hammett Living
Group Your Objects
The key to shelf styling is an effortless look – meaning symmetry isn’t essential.
‘A composition doesn’t need to be perfectly symmetrical,’ Laura confirms. ‘Creating similar proportions and height levels on both sides achieves a balanced, but not over-styled look.’
Grouping objects in pairs is a particularly great way to create a harmonious and yet varied display. ‘I love pairing glass vases and photo frames in two sizes side by side,’ notes Laura. ‘Glass is a wonderful reflector of light, capturing a sense of fluidity. If your shelves are back-lit, glass vases will also take on a beautiful warm glow, adding an element of visual intrigue.’
Meanwhile, frames provide a ‘layered look and a sense of depth when staggered. Photographs naturally bring a personal touch to your styling and make the display uniquely yours.’
Mix & Match
‘Variety is key when it comes to styling your shelves, so make sure to mix different materials and textures to add depth and interest to your display,’ says Laura.
Another crucial element? Shape. ‘Combine different forms and shapes for a striking contrast; I love placing an organic-shaped vase alongside a bronze trimmed media box,’ says Laura. ‘Meanwhile sculptural items like bookends work well either to envelop a line of books or as ornamental pieces placed on top of a book stack.’
Finish With Florals
‘Bring life to your display with a carefully chosen faux floral arrangement, conveniently requiring little upkeep,’ Laura states. ‘Incorporating some greenery infuses the display with a touch of colour and vitality, creating a balance between the organic and the curated.’
A top tip? ‘Don’t place detailed and intricate items like florals too high or low on shelves, or else they won’t be appreciated to their full effect,’ Laura continues. ‘Aim for around eye level.’
