1. Introduction: The Appeal of Open Shelves
Open shelving is one of the most popular design trends in modern homes, offering an opportunity to display everything from kitchenware to decorative pieces. While open shelves can be a beautiful addition to any space, styling them can be a bit tricky. Unlike closed cabinetry, open shelves require more attention to detail because they are constantly visible. When styled well, open shelves not only serve as functional storage but also add personality and charm to your home.
In this post, we’ll break down the best practices for styling open shelves in any room of the house. Whether you’re organizing kitchen essentials, displaying books, or arranging decorative items, we’ve got you covered with professional tips to elevate your open shelving game.
2. Why Open Shelves? The Benefits and Considerations
Before diving into styling, it’s important to understand why open shelves are such a popular choice and what to consider when adding them to your space.
1. Aesthetic Appeal
Open shelves are a great way to showcase your personal style. Whether you love minimalist, rustic, or eclectic looks, open shelves offer the chance to show off your favorite items, whether they’re functional or purely decorative.
2. Accessibility
Open shelves make items easy to access. In kitchens or bathrooms, they allow for convenient storage of everyday items that you use frequently. This is especially handy in smaller spaces where storage is limited.
3. Creates an Airy, Open Feel
In small or cramped rooms, open shelves can make a space feel larger and less boxed in. The openness and lack of doors allow light to flow freely, giving a sense of airiness and openness to the room.
4. Considerations
While open shelving is functional and beautiful, it can be challenging to maintain. The key is in keeping things organized and curated. Over-cluttering open shelves with too many items can make the space feel chaotic and untidy. Regular upkeep is essential to ensure your shelves remain visually appealing.
3. How to Choose the Right Shelves
The foundation of styling open shelves is choosing the right type of shelves for your space. Here’s how to pick the right ones:
1. Consider the Material
Open shelves come in a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, glass, and even stone. Wood shelves, particularly reclaimed or natural wood, bring warmth and rustic charm to a room. Metal shelves, on the other hand, provide an industrial feel, while glass shelves create a lighter, more minimalistic look.
2. Size and Proportion
Make sure the size of your shelves suits the space they’re in. Shelves that are too large can overwhelm a small room, while shelves that are too small can look out of place in a larger space. Proportion is key. Keep the number of shelves balanced with the height of the room and avoid overcrowding them with too many items.
3. Adjustability
If you want flexibility, opt for adjustable shelves. This way, you can alter the shelf heights based on the items you want to display. Adjustable shelves are especially useful in kitchens and bathrooms where you may have items of varying sizes.
4. Styling Open Shelves: The Essentials
Once you have your shelves in place, it’s time to style them. Here are some professional tips for making your shelves both functional and visually stunning:
1. Start with a Base Layer
The first step is to create a clean, visually appealing base. Place a few large or neutral items first, such as large books, baskets, or trays. This creates structure and balances the shelf before adding smaller pieces. Large, heavy items help anchor the display and create visual weight.
2. Mix Function with Decor
One of the benefits of open shelving is that it combines functionality with decoration. Balance practical items—such as plates, bowls, or toiletries—with decorative objects like candles, plants, or artwork. Try to mix the two in a way that doesn’t feel forced, so that your shelves look intentional but also lived-in.
3. Create Layers
Instead of placing items all at the same level, create depth by layering your pieces. Stack books, position plants at different heights, or add decorative boxes or trays that hold smaller items. Layering adds texture and visual interest to the shelves.
4. Use Color and Texture
Play with different colors and textures to create a dynamic display. Mixing neutral-colored items with pops of color helps keep things interesting without overwhelming the eye. Texture also plays a big role—use items with different textures (ceramics, glass, wood, metal) to add dimension to your shelves.
5. Incorporate Greenery
Plants are an excellent way to bring life to your shelves. Choose plants that work well in the environment. For a kitchen, herbs in small pots or succulents can be a great addition. In living rooms or offices, consider trailing plants, ferns, or even faux greenery if you want a low-maintenance option.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Styling Open Shelves
Even professionals make mistakes when it comes to styling open shelves. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
1. Overloading the Shelves
It’s easy to fill every inch of shelf space, but overcrowding can make your shelves feel chaotic. Instead, aim for a balance of items with negative space. This will help maintain an airy, curated feel.
2. Too Much Matching
While symmetry can look appealing, a shelf full of matching items can feel too rigid. Mix items of different shapes, sizes, and textures for a more relaxed, organic look.
3. Ignoring Functionality
Don’t forget the functional side of open shelving. If you need to store frequently used items like cups, plates, or cooking utensils, make sure they’re easily accessible without feeling cluttered. Organize your shelves based on function, with decor layered on top.
4. Lack of Balance
When styling, be mindful of visual balance. If you place a large object on one side of the shelf, balance it with something of similar weight on the other side. You can also balance using color, with a darker item on one side and lighter items on the other.
6. Maintaining and Refreshing Your Open Shelves
Open shelves require regular maintenance to stay organized and visually appealing. Here are some tips to keep them looking fresh:
1. Regular Dusting and Cleaning
Because open shelves are exposed, they tend to gather dust and dirt more easily. Make a habit of dusting them once a week. If you have open kitchen shelves, wipe down any grease or crumbs that may collect over time.
2. Refresh Seasonally
Every season, update your shelves to reflect new decor, colors, or themes. For example, swap out fall decor for holiday items, or change the colors of your accessories to reflect the changing seasons. This keeps your shelves fresh and interesting year-round.
3. Keep It Organized
Don’t let your shelves get disorganized or cluttered. Regularly reassess what you’ve placed on the shelves. Donate or move items that no longer serve a purpose, and avoid adding too many unnecessary objects.
FAQs: Open Shelving and Styling Questions Answered
1. How do I avoid a cluttered look on open shelves?
Stick to a few well-chosen items and leave space between them. Start with a few larger pieces and layer in smaller items to avoid overcrowding. Regularly rotate decor to keep things fresh.
2. What are the best items to put on open kitchen shelves?
Stacked plates, bowls, and mugs are essential. Add storage jars for dry goods, fresh herbs in pots, and a few decorative items like a cutting board or a plant. Keep it functional yet aesthetically pleasing.
3. How can I make open shelves in a small room feel less crowded?
Use neutral or light-colored items to help open the space visually. Incorporate glass or transparent objects to create an airy feel, and avoid using too many heavy items that take up visual space.
4. How do I create balance when styling open shelves?
Distribute items evenly in terms of size and weight. If you place a large object on one side, balance it with something of similar size or weight on the other side. Use texture and color for balance as well.
5. Can I style open shelves in a modern or industrial space?
Yes! In industrial or modern spaces, combine metal, concrete, and reclaimed wood shelves with minimalistic, functional decor. Use sleek, geometric items to complement the style while maintaining balance and interest.
6. How often should I refresh the decor on my open shelves?
Refresh your shelves at least seasonally to keep them feeling fresh and relevant. Swap out decor items that reflect the current season or holiday, and update accessories as needed.
7. Can I mix open shelving with closed storage?
Absolutely! Mixing both styles works great, especially if you have a mix of functional items that need to be hidden and decorative pieces that deserve to be on display. Closed storage can help keep things organized, while open shelves keep the space looking inviting.
8. What are some inexpensive ways to style open shelves?
Shop thrift stores, use recycled containers for storage, and DIY decor items like jars, vases, or framed artwork. You can also repurpose items you already own to add personality and texture without spending extra money.
9. How do I style open shelves in the bathroom?
Use open shelving for towels, decorative soap dishes, small plants, and elegant containers for toiletries. Keep it simple, and try using baskets or glass jars to keep smaller items tidy and organized.
10. Can I use open shelves in a bedroom?
Definitely! In a bedroom, open shelves can hold books, decorative items, or jewelry boxes. Keep the shelves functional by placing essentials like a lamp, alarm clock, or framed photos alongside decor items.