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Shelfie Time! Mastering the Art of Styled Shelves (Even When You're a Little Cluttered)


Vintage camera, potted plant, and books on a white shelf. Books have colourful spines with various titles.

Hey there, design lovers! Let's talk shelves. And mantels. Those magical spaces where we can display all our favourite things, from travel souvenirs to that cute little ceramic llama you impulse-bought (no judgment!). But let's be real, sometimes our shelves can look less "curated masterpiece" and more "explosion of stuff." Sound familiar? Don't worry, you're not alone! Styling shelves and mantels is an art, and it takes practice. But trust me, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can totally transform those cluttered spaces into Instagram-worthy displays.


First things first: Embrace the Clutter (But Make it Chic). We all have our collections, our knick-knacks, our little treasures. And that's okay! The key is to edit and organize them in a way that looks intentional, not chaotic. Think of it as a curated clutter – a story of you, told through your stuff.





Shelves with vintage cameras, photo film, and mugs. Background includes framed photos and art. Triangles and pyramids overlayed on the items shows how to organize clutter and objects to look more curated.

1. The Power of the Pyramid (or Triangle, or whatever Shape You Like): Visual balance is key. Try arranging your items in a triangular or pyramid shape, with taller items in the back and smaller items in the front. This creates a sense of depth and prevents everything from looking like a straight line.



Colourful shelves with a vintage clock, candles, bottles, a wooden mannequin, and stacked books. Decorative plates add charm.

2. Group Therapy (for Your Decor): Don't scatter your items randomly. Group similar items together to create little vignettes. For example, put all your books together, or create a little display with your favourite candles and a cute tray.



Wooden table with grey tray, yellow-patterned bowl, red vase with flower, wooden object, and stone frame against a white wall.

3. The Rule of Three (or Five, or Seven...): Odd numbers are your friend! Try styling your shelves with groups of three, five, or seven items. It just looks more visually appealing. And there's a good reason for this! Odd numbers create more visual interest. They avoid perfect symmetry, which can sometimes feel static or even a bit boring. Think about it: two items can feel balanced, but three items introduce a dynamic element. Your eye moves between them, creating a sense of flow and energy. Plus, odd numbers offer more flexibility for creating a focal point with supporting elements on either side. So, trust your instincts (and the wisdom of designers!) and stick with odd groupings for a more pleasing and dynamic display.



Kitchen shelf with jars of oats and flour, white bowls, green flowers in a vase, and wine glasses. Woven mat and white tile backdrop.

4. Vary the Heights and Textures: Mix it up! Combine tall and short items, books stacked horizontally and vertically, and different textures like wood, metal, glass, and ceramics. This adds visual interest and keeps things from looking too flat.



Arched wooden shelf with vases, framed art, books, and decor items. Warm tones create a cozy atmosphere.

5. Breathing Room is Key: Don't overcrowd your shelves! Leave some empty space between your items. This allows each piece to shine and prevents the whole thing from looking cluttered. Negative space is your friend!



Shelves with decor: pottery, a wood clock, seashells, a plant, art of ducks, a bird sculpture, and teapots. Button tree art on green canvas.

6. Tell a Story: Think of your shelves as a way to tell your story. Display items that are meaningful to you, whether it's a photo from your last trip, a handmade vase from your grandma, or that aforementioned ceramic llama (hey, maybe it is meaningful!).



Person placing books on a tall white bookshelf. Shelves are filled with various books, some titled "Encyclopedia International." Bright setting.

7. Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: There's no right or wrong way to style your shelves. Play around with different arrangements until you find something you love. And if you're not happy with it, just rearrange it! It's all about having fun and expressing your personal style.



Potted plants on a wooden fireplace mantel, against a white wall with large framed pictures. Green leaves and purple flowers add a fresh, natural vibe.

8. Mantel Magic: Mantels are like mini-shelves, so a lot of the same principles apply. Create a focal point in the centre with a larger item, like a piece of art or a mirror, and then balance it out with smaller items on either side. Don't forget to add some greenery or candles for a touch of warmth.



A warm-lit lamp and glass jar on a shelf. A plant is in the background, with blurred colors creating a cozy, serene mood.

9. Let There Be Light!  Lighting can totally transform your shelves and mantel. Consider adding:

  • Sconces: Flanking a mantel with sconces adds a touch of elegance and provides focused light.

  • Lamps: A small table lamp tucked amongst your books and décor can create a cozy reading nook vibe.

  • String Lights:  Draping delicate string lights around your shelves or mantel adds a touch of whimsy and highlights your favourite pieces.

  • Battery-operated LED candles: These are a safe and stylish way to add a warm glow without the worry of real flames.



Wall art with "ooh la la" print, geometric shelves holding vases, framed art, books, plant, and dark sculptures on a white wall.

10. Step Back and Assess: Once you've styled your shelves, take a step back and look at the overall composition. Does anything look out of place? Do you need to add or remove anything? Sometimes a fresh perspective can make all the difference.



Pinterest page displaying stylish home decor ideas, including colourful shelves, cozy chairs, plants, and organized spaces with art and books.

11. Pinterest is Your BFF: Seriously, spend some time browsing Pinterest for shelf styling inspiration. You'll find tons of great ideas and get a better sense of what you like.

P.S. My Pinterest page is full of home decor inspiration and is being constantly updated with new ideas, check it out here and give me a follow: https://ca.pinterest.com/dobradecor/





So, there you have it! A few simple tips to help you style your shelves like a pro. Now go forth and conquer those cluttered spaces! And don't forget to snap a shelfie when you're done – I can't wait to see what you create! Don't forget to tag @dobradecor in your Instagram and Pinterest posts so I can see your designs!


What are your favourite shelf styling tips? Share them in the comments below! Let's inspire each other!


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