5 Quick Shelf Styling Tips
Does your bookshelf feel more like a dumping ground than a design feature? You’re not alone.
I used to pile mine with books and trinkets until it looked cluttered and chaotic. The truth is, styling shelves doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive—you just need a few simple tricks. Let me walk you through exactly how I style mine (and how you can too!).
With practice and the right elements it can be a lot of fun. You are the artist and your shelves are your canvas. Here are the easy elements and steps:
Step 1: Mix Up Your Books
I used to line up every single book like I was running the neighborhood library (guilty 🙋🏻♀️). Now? I scatter some horizontal stacks of three to five books in with the vertical rows. That little change instantly makes your shelves feel curated instead of crammed.
Books can be organized and look pretty too.
Step 2: Add Height with Layers
Add height – I usually do this using things like trays and platters to give some height and weight to your shelves. I love my White Farmhouse Platters.
Smaller objects can add interest and personality to your bookshelf. Things like souvenirs, nature and even practical items like candles real or faux. They make candles that a click on remote they are lit and easily turned off. These can tell a story about you and your space. Intersperse them throughout your bookcase, grouping them by larger to smaller
CLICK HERE TO VIEW
One of my tricks:
I use trays and even my white farmhouse platters to give certain objects a little lift. It creates dimension without having to overthink it. Honestly, once I discovered this, I started “borrowing” platters from my kitchen all the time!
Step 3: Add Smaller Accents That Tell Your Story
This is where you bring you into your shelves. For me, that might mean a a wedding momentum, or one of those remote-control candles I love (click—instant cozy!). For you, it could be a framed photo, a little treasure from your travels, or even a quirky thrift store find. These small touches make the shelf feel personal, not staged.
Step 4: Add In Your Larger Objects On The Shelf
This can be large baskets, vases, lanterns, bags. Stagger these throughout the shelves ensuring no objects with similar colors, heights or shapes are beside each other.
Step 5: Add Green (Faux or Real)
Nothing perks up a shelf like a little greenery. Sometimes it’s my real fern (on good days when I remember to water it 😅), and sometimes it’s faux succulents or moss balls. Both do the trick. Trust me, those pops of green make the whole shelf feel alive.
A few living (or faux) pops of green make all the difference in bringing your shelves to life. Succulents and ferns, or even moss balls, are perfect to bring in a big of nature.
Step 6: Edit, Edit, Edit
Here’s the part I used to skip (and regret). Once everything’s in place, take half of it out. Okay, maybe not half, but close. “Less but bigger” is my motto here. Too many little things just look messy. I’ve learned that giving each piece some breathing room makes a huge difference.
✨ Step Back and Enjoy
Now, step back and take a look. Do you see balance? Do you see a little bit of you shining through? If so, you’ve nailed it.
And if you’re thinking, “But Patricia, mine will never look like Pinterest…” let me stop you right there. That’s not the goal. The goal is to create shelves that make you smile every time you walk into the room.
As I always say (and I mean it sincerely): You’ve Got This! 💛
Before You Go
Enjoyed this post? Let’s stay connected!
📌 Follow me on Pinterest for daily home inspiration!
📷 Join me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes styling tips.
🛍 Shop my favorite home finds here.
📧 Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive styling tips & freebies!
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you when you make a purchase. Thank you for supporting The City Cottage!
You Might Also Like
Before You Go . .
Enjoyed this post? Let’s stay connected!
📌 Follow me on Pinterest for daily home inspiration!
📷 Join me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes styling tips.
🛍 Shop my favorite home finds here.
📧 Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive styling tips & freebies!
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you when you make a purchase. Thank you for supporting The City Cottage!
