Shelves and ledges are more than a place to store items. Functionality can meet style and that’s the happy medium we all need in our homes. Shelf decor ideas are practically endless, and based on the formulas and tips below, you can create your own composition!
To start, choose a color palette that works for the surrounding space. Of course, depending on the room, you can also set a style or a specific theme.
Shelves can be decorated with a large variety of items: books, vases, plates, plants, family photos, trinkets, heirlooms, art, and we’re just getting started.
Below, you’ll find some brilliant shelf decor ideas which include both DIYs and expert tips on creating a unified look all your guests will admire.
Easy Shelf Decor Ideas & Tips
I absolutely love playing with decorations in my home and once you read these excellent shelf decorating ideas, I am sure you will too!
Don’t be intimidated when you see some gorgeously styled shelves. There are some simple rules you need to follow that’ll yield perfect results every time!
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1. How To Style Open Shelves: 3 Tips For An Uncluttered Look
Using big and small items, repeating some decorative accents, and grouping items will add depth and perspective to your shelf decor.
Playing with colors and textures makes your shelves even more interesting and eye-catching.
Credit: housebyhoff.com
2. How To Style Shelves And Ledges
Books, baskets, and plants are wonderful items to fill your shelves and ledges with.
Greenery works for any decorating style or color theme, warming up any space. Faux plants are a great option if you struggle with watering your plants regularly.
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3. Styling Shelves 101: 3 Basic Shelf Styling Tips
A neutral color scheme can look amazing if you balance each shelf. Having a set of assorted plant pots, books, or other items will help you create a repeating motif.
A large clock, or wall art, will serve as the perfect backdrop for all the other decorations.
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4. The Easiest Way To Display Art Or Photos – DIY Art Shelf
Using an assortment of artwork is another gorgeous way to style your shelves. Aim for various sizes and shapes for your frames to make a visually interesting composition.
Displaying wall art on a shelf without hanging it is also a renter-friendly way of decorating.
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5. 3 Steps To Styling Out Your Shelves
You can create a stunning look for your shelves if you keep your color palette consistent.
Once you gather the items you want to use, remove the ones that are not at least one of these things: functional, sentimental, or beautiful.
Credit: stylebyemilyhenderson.com
6. Cozy Kitchen Shelf Styling
Open shelves in the kitchen open an entire array of decorating options.
Plates, bowls, kitchen tools, pots, utensil holders, and other types of kitchen equipment can be used for shelf styling. Add some art and plants and you’re all set!
Credit: lizmarieblog.com
7. Apartment Refresh: Bookshelf Styling
There’s no need to fill every bit of space available on your shelves. Using a lot of negative space will make your decor more noticeable.
As you can see, creating groups of items adds visual impact so it really works!
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8. Affordable Open Shelving With A Few Shelf Styling Tips
The rule of threes works really well for shelf styling and that includes the colors .
It applies even to colors: stick to 3-4 dominant colors to avoid a cluttered look.
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9. Coastal Styled Bookshelves
It’s easy to add a summery vibe to your shelves with sea glass bottles, and beachy items like a starfish, seashells, and rope.
The blue mason jars are just the pop of color coastal decor needs to be complete!
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10. 11 Tips For Bookshelf Styling Like A Pro
When styling bookshelves, you can keep most of the books on the lower shelves and add your decor to the top ones.
This way, your bookshelf will still keep its primary purpose: that of storing books. It will also be gorgeously decorated. Who said you can’t have both?
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11. Modern Farmhouse Style Spring Shelf Decor
These shelf decor tips are pure gold if you’re a fan of farmhouse decor!
Follow this simple formula and you’ll nail any seasonal or non-seasonal decor.
As for the items you should use, there’s plenty to choose from: chalkboard painted containers, rustic candle holders, baskets, and the list goes on.
Credit: graceinmyspace.com
12. Spring Styled Bookshelves & Living Room Refresh
The chinoiserie used for this shelf decor is just amazing!
Combined with gold and wood accents, as well as greenery, it results in an elegant look.
It’s perfect for Spring but not too seasonal so you can keep it during warmer days as well.
Credit: thehomeicreate.com
13. Shelf Styling 101
Who said you can’t go crazy with plants when decorating shelves?
It’s a good idea to use various types of plants, and planters too.
If there are any hanging plants, be aware of their positioning since they can cover other items.
Credit: loveandrenovations.com
14. Geometric Shelf Styling
If you have any geometric shelves in your home, you absolutely have to style them!
For smaller shelves, you can create a group of items for each. Be sure to add a pop of color here and there!
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15. 5 Quick Shelf Styling Tips
The start is often the most intimidating part of decorating shelves.
It’s a good idea to add the larger items first. Things like large plants, vases, clocks and lamps are great!
Continue by adding texture with various smaller items. When in doubt, take a photo of your shelves. This way, it can be easier to see if there’s anything that looks off.
Credit: lizmarieblog.com
16. Modern & Organic Entry Styled Shelves
If you like the modern minimal look, using a larger amount of negative space is a must.
Items can still be grouped, as usual, but don’t go overboard by using too many colors.
Adding some black accents will work for almost any style.
Credit: stylebyemilyhenderson.com
17. Easy 3-Step Formula For Shelf And Bookcase Decor
Even with plenty of items on hand to style your shelves, the start can be challenging.
You’ll find plenty of amazing tips in this post, including decor ideas for your kitchen, living room, and the office!
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18. Easy DIY Fall Shelf Decor & Shelf Styling Tips
Seasonal decorating can also be frugal if you’re willing to DIY some of it.
Once you learn how to make your own framed art and how to arrange items on your shelves with gorgeous results, styling shelves will become easy regardless of the season or theme.
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19. No Fuss Shelf Styling Tips for Living Room Shelves
Farmhouse styled shelves have a unique charm that will warm up any living room!
Even more, these easy shelf styling tips work for any decorating style.
If there’s one place in the house you shouldn’t skip shelf decor, it’s definitely the living room!
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20. Fall Open Shelf Decor Ideas
You can get really creative with open shelves in the kitchen: it’s time to display all your gorgeous plates, bowls, kitchen utensils, and we’re just getting started.
Plan to have numerous evergreen items. It will make it much easier to update your seasonal decor.
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21. New Open Shelving And Shelf Decorating Ideas
Combine style with functionality for your shelf decor. Cute boxes, baskets, and bowls offer valuable storage, keeping your shelves clutter-free.
Adding a plant on each shelf as it will make your decor more organic regardless what style you’re shooting for.
Credit: loveandrenovations.com
22. 5 Steps To Styling A Beautiful Bookshelf
Styling bookshelves is a breeze if you plan everything ahead.
Make sure you have some repeating items and don’t be afraid to use a mix of objects to create an interesting composition.
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23. DIY Laundry Room Shelf & Decor
More often than not, the laundry room is not the place anyone thinks of decorating.
It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t though! Doing laundry chores will be more pleasant if you’re surrounded by gorgeous decor.
Credit: craftedbythehunts.com
DIY Shelf Decor Ideas
It’s ok to use items you already have for your shelf decor. When you feel like something is missing, you can have some fun crafting and make it yourself.
Check out these gorgeous DIY decor ideas perfect for decorating shelves, bookshelves, ledges, console tables and any other space in your home that looks empty.
24. Paper Mache Pressed Flower Art
This paper mache pressed flower art has a lovely vintage vibe, and it’s such a satisfying craft.
Even the kids might want to help!
Credit: lovegrowswild.com
25. DIY Wood Bead Garland
When styling your shelves, it’s a good idea to add some unique textures. This wood bead garland is such a versatile item for decorating!
You can use it on top of a vase, planter, on a stack of books……the possibilities are endless.
Credit: littlehouseoffour.com
26. DIY Upcycled Decorative Storage Box
Cute storage is a must-have for shelf decor! This way, you can keep similar items organized but away from sight.
If you have some empty tissue boxes or other boxes of similar size, you can quickly turn them into lovely storage boxes.
Credit: sustainmycrafthabit.com
27. Chalkboard Painted Spice Jars
With a bit of patience and some chalkboard paint, you can make the most adorable spice jars to decorate your kitchen shelves!
It’s a really simple process, and using painter’s tape you can create whatever pattern you want.
Credit: makeandtell.com
28. DIY Stacked Books Decor For Under $3
Isn’t it amazing how you can make a beautiful set of matching stacked books with just a few Dollar Store supplies?
A stack of books is just perfect for decorating open shelves, bookshelves, and mantels.
Credit: musthavemom.com
29. DIY Flower Head Vase
Add a focal point to your styled shelves with a quirky head vase you can easily update with seasonal flowers.
This project uses paper mache to hide the texture of the plain styrofoam head used for the vase. You can also skip the paper mache and use spray paint instead.
Credit: thehousethatlarsbuilt.com
30. Easy DIY Picture Shelves & Decor
You can make your own shelves if you want more storage in your kitchen without breaking the bank.
Decorating them is just as satisfying. You can keep things simple and use some wall art, your favorite plates, and other kitchen items.
Credit: littlehouseonthecorner.com
31. DIY Light Bulb Vase
Creative vases are a wonderful addition to any shelf decor. It’s always a good idea to add some flowers or greenery to your shelves.
This will warm up the surrounding space and make your decor feel more organic.
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32. How To Make A Caned Candle Holder
Cane furniture is seeing an increase in popularity, and so is matching decor.
Making your own caned candle holders couldn’t be easier! Use your favorite caning and a hot glue gun for perfect results.
Credit: abeautifulmess.com
33. DIY Photo Clothesline Display
Displaying family photos on your shelves is a wonderful idea.
You can even create a framed photo clothesline display as a unique decor item for your shelves.
I absolutely love the antique frame, although you can use another kind that better matched your existing decor.
Credit: adirondackgirlatheart.com
34. DIY Truck Terrarium Decor
Terrarium created with vintage item look fabulous on shelves!
If you don’t have a green thumb or you’re not a fan of watering plants, you can use faux succulents for your terarium.
Other vintage items like books and shoes make excellent containers for terrariums.
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35. Painted Decorative Book Covers
Here’s another way to create a stack of decorative book covers in a colorful, geometric style.
To create this effect, watercolor paper and acrylic paint was used. You can opt for paper that already has colors or patterns or use a different kind of paint.
The result will still be amazing!
Credit: lydioutloud.com
36. How To Make Unique Shibori Indigo Planters
It’s nice to have a pop of color on shelves here and there. The Shibori dyeing technique is so versatile!
You can create an endless variety of patterns and the resulting fabric is what you’ll be using to make these cute planters.
Even better, this is an upcycled craft, since the planters are made from old tin cans.
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37. Distressed Canvas Covered Books
Making your own canvas covered books with a distressed look can save you a lot of money.
It’s such an easy project, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it and the results are fabulous!
Credit: lovegrowswild.com
38. DIY Paint Dipped Mugs
Cute mugs are wonderful to use for kitchen shelf decor.
Whether you want to use them as a pop of color, or you’re opting for a neutral palette, this craft lets you easily customize such details.
Credit: themerrythought.com
39. DIY Pressed Plants Photo Frame
I love having some family photos on my shelves and if they’re in a gorgeous frame, even better!
You can experiment with various types of plants to make some unique and creative photo frames for your shelf decor!
Credit: abeautifulmess.com
40. Dollar Tree Distressed Candle Pillars
These candle pillars are so versatile for decorating. They are excellent for so much more than shelf styling.
Coffee table vignettes, mantel decor, tablescapes,…..there are endless possibilities!
Credit: littlehouseoffour.com
So many ideas – which one did you love??
As always, let me know if you have any questions. 🙂
Excellent post
Love this shelf decor ideas! Thanks for sharing this list!
Very nice tips
Hi Rachel, you are looking great! Hope the home schooling is going well. Take care & keep up the wonderful enthusiasm! We need some good news, and happiness these days!!!