To make your wall shelves look better, focus on creating a visually appealing composition by styling them with a variety of items. Styled shelves can add balance and symmetry to a room's design, but they should not be too sparse.
Enhance Shelf Appeal Through Variety
The key to transforming plain wall shelves into stylish focal points is to introduce variety in the items you display. Consider placing items of varying heights, textures, and colors on the shelves to create a visually appealing composition. Just a little bit of variety can make an enormous difference.
Here's how to apply this principle:
Varying Heights
- Combine tall items like vases, framed art, or stacked books with shorter objects such as candles, small bowls, or horizontal books.
- Use bookends to prop up collections, creating visual breaks and different heights.
- Layer smaller items in front of taller ones.
Incorporating Different Textures
Adding texture brings depth and interest. Mix:
- Smooth items like ceramics or glass.
- Rough textures from woven baskets or natural wood pieces.
- Soft elements like small textiles or plants.
- Shiny surfaces such as metal objects or mirrored items.
Playing with Colors
Use color to either harmonize with your room's palette or provide pops of contrast.
- Group items by color for a cohesive look on a single shelf.
- Distribute colors across multiple shelves to lead the eye up and down the unit.
- Use neutral items (like white vases or wood pieces) as a base and sprinkle in accent colors.
Composition Tips
- Avoid Clutter: While not too sparse, shelves shouldn't be overly crowded. Allow some breathing room between items.
- Create Vignettes: Arrange small groups of items (usually three) together that relate in some way (color, theme, height).
- Layer: Place items in front of others to add depth.
- Balance: Distribute the visual weight evenly across the shelves. For asymmetrical shelves, balance heavier items with several lighter ones on the opposite side.
By thoughtfully selecting and arranging items with different attributes, you can easily elevate the look of your wall shelves, making them both functional storage and attractive decor elements.
