Shelf styling can be a little challenging sometimes – lots of standing back, tweaking, moving this or that, more tweaking, more head tilting, and then finally it all seems to come together. When I completed our DIY built-ins, the decor styling just felt “okay” to me. It was fine but I always thought they needed something. That something ended up being texture and my friends at Bloomist helped me with that! (post contains affiliate links, see disclosure)
Texture and a few natural elements are a great way to take your #shelfie to the next level. The Bloomist mission is “make nature home” so it only made sense that they would have the perfect decor pieces for my shelves. This small charcoal wood chain is a great black accent. I’m a firm believer that every vignette or room needs a little bit of black!
Driftwood from a family trip to Hawaii, one in a simple glass cylinder, and the other paired with a recycled glass bud vase. The driftwood has so much texture, but it is also meaningful. The beach stone vase also has great texture and goes perfectly with the beachy natural theme. It’s subtle but beautiful.
The books and other decor items, I had around the house but it was so much fun restyling these built-ins. I have a few tips that I always remember any time I am styling a shelf, vignette, or even a room. And again, sometimes you just have to stand back and keep tweaking until it looks just right.
COLOR & SIZE
Arrange items by color and size. Items of similar color or size should complement each other, not compete. The “rule of three” works best for items similar in size & books with the same color spine can be grouped together. (tip: turn colorful book spines inward for a neutral & cohesive look)
TEXTURE
Items can also be arranged by texture. Mixing wood, glass, or metal creates visual interest if items are all of a similar color. Ideally, it’s great to have two or more of each texture.
DIAGONAL
The best tip to get that perfectly styled look is to keep the eye moving! Place the items of similar color, size & textures in a diagonal or zigzag pattern. In the photo above, almost every decor piece whether it is the same color or texture, are opposite of each other.
LEVELS
Add even more visual interest by creating multiple levels. Use items of varying heights to add dimension. If an item is too short, books are a great way to add height where needed.
SPACE
Don’t forget to let items or groupings breathe. Keep the eye moving, without getting overwhelmed. If it seems like too much, edit and remove some items.
I’m so glad I was able to take our shelves to the next level. Now they feel so sophisticated and top-notch. I have to admit I think I need a set of the pale wood link chains, too! So many great textural and handmade pieces to add style to your home.
