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A beautifully styled shelf can really bring your home décor to life, yet it may seem to be a difficult task to accomplish. You may be left wondering how to bring a variety of objects together to create a perfect shelf-scape. The truth is, there’s no magic formula! Styling a shelf is a personal experience and there are no rules to which you must adhere. However, there are several tricks that you should keep in mind to ensure your shelf-scape stands out. In this journal, we’ll share our secrets to styling the perfect shelf to help you create a unique and personalised space.
Choose Unique Items that Speak to You
The first rule of styling a perfect shelf is to surround yourself with items that speak to you in a personal way. These may be your favourite books, family heirlooms, or keepsakes from your travels. Allow your personality to shine through and let your shelf tell a story. Choosing items that bring you joy will also ensure that your shelf reflects your unique personality.
Mix Textures and Materials
The use of different textures and materials will add interest and depth to your shelf-scape. This could include wood, glass, and ceramics. To create a cohesive look, try to find common elements amongst the items such as colour, shape, and size. Additionally, mixing in elements such as greenery and books on your shelf will make it feel more organic and lively.
Group Items in Odd Numbers
The human eye is naturally drawn to odd numbers. Use this principle when grouping items on your shelf. This doesn't necessarily mean you only have to use odd numbers, but odd groupings can help create balanced visual stimulation. The key is to avoid symmetry and equal spacing for a more natural and dynamic look.
Play with Height
Use items of different heights to draw the eye upwards and create visual interest. Try stepping back and taking a look at the overall composition to ensure the arrangement is balanced and pleasing to the eye. Stacked design books, Tamegroute Candle Holders, and Turkish Vessels can all be used to create height as well!
Use Books as Pedestals
If there's a unique piece that you want to showcase on your shelf, consider using books to pedestal it. This technique brings attention to the object and also helps it stand out amongst the other items on the shelf. Global handcraft pieces such as our Lyki Chinese Brush often work well with this technique.
Styling a perfect shelf may not come easy to everyone, but it doesn’t have to be difficult either. The secret lies in choosing items that resonate with you and using them in creative ways to create a personalised shelf. Don't be afraid to try out different combinations of shapes, sizes, and materials to achieve the perfect shelf-scape. Use your unique personality to guide you and your shelf will tell the story of who you are and add some extra interest to your living space.
Explore Barefoot Gypsy’s range of Shelving here.
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