Episode 15: How to Style Shelves in 5 Steps

In today’s episode, we’re sharing how we go about styling shelves, all while combining beauty AND function. We have a new segment: DIY We’re Dying to Try. We’ll also be answering some of our listener questions, and end with pillow talk. 

Highs and Lows

Kimmy: high - New Ottoman; low (Not really a low but more just looking for a solution) need more color in the great room.

Bre: high- new dresser in the guest room, low - plant pot breaking 

Emily: high - painted the trim and closet wall and doors, low - ikea cabinet sold out 

5 Steps to Style Shelves

1. Clear the shelves, put everything together in one spot so you can see what you have

2. Place big items first, balancing the placement, then fill in with smaller items

3. Choosing objects: 

   • Color scheme

   • Sit elements with varying heights together

   • Rule of 3s: something horizontal, something vertical, something sculptural

   • Mix vintage/rustic with new/modern

   • Use different textural elements. Some shiny/dull, “wet”/dry, glossy/matte i.e., stoneware, glassware, metal, canvas, wood, ceramic, rattan, organic florals/plants

4. Add depth! Lean things against the back of the shelf and bring some things forward to the front - frames and baskets

   • Don’t use too many small objects, unless you have a collection of something. Group the collection together to make it seem more cohesive, maybe on a book or tray

5. Don’t be afraid to move things around, trial and error is part of the process! 

Objects you can use for shelf styling:

• pots and vases

• Books - horizontal, standing, facing forward, facing backward, spine in or out

• Boxes

• Plants/florals

• Picture frames and art

• Baskets 

• Candles 

• Bowls

• Sculptural/decorative objects

• Garlands (ie wooden beads) tossed in bowls or on books 

Kitchen Open Shelving Styling Object Ideas:

• Dishes you use and don’t use

• Serverware like bowls and pitchers 

• All sorts of drinkware

• Recipe holder

• Cookbooks

• Cake stands 

• Mini lamps

• Cutting boards and cheeseboards

• Baskets

• Plants

• Picture frames and paintings

• Mortar and pestle

• Salt cellar and pepper mill

• Plant mister 

• Pots and vases with or without florals/foliage

• Canisters or jars for decanting

• Watering can

Styling Objects for Bathrooms:

• Scenty things

• Apothocary jars

• Cotton balls, q-tips in pretty containers

• Towels and washcloths

• Plants

• Art

• Baskets

• Reading material

Kimmy’s Open Shelving

Emily’s Open Shelving

Breanna’s Open Shelving

DIY We’re Dying to Try

Emily:

• pole wrap fluted wood peninsula

• fluted wood coffee table

• built-in buffet in the dining room

Here’s the blog post Emily found from the other Emily - Emily Henderson, with lots of pole wrap inspiration!

Pillow Talk:

Emily’s mini rug mousepad

Thank you for hanging out with us today! We want to know what you thought of this episode - and what you want us to talk about next! Find us on Instagram at Dwelling Place Pod.

Please leave us a rating and review on Apple podcasts or wherever you listen! Every single review is so appreciated and helps more people find us. 

Visit the show notes for the pictures and links to all the things we talked about today. 

We’ll see you in two weeks, right here at the dwelling place.