How to Style Shelving Units

When it comes it large furniture pieces like shelves, it's easy to throw anything on them, just to fill the space. But doing so often leaves the whole room feeling disjointed, and the issue usually isn’t the shelf itself, but what’s sitting on it. 

So, if you’ve ever Googled how to style your shelves and still ended up unsure what goes where, this guide is for you.

Modern Shelf Décor Ideas 

Sure, there are the usual shelf staples: an overly scented candle, a stack of unread books, and a generic paperweight your friend also owns from a chain store. 

These are mere space fillers and not only will they not add energy or stories to your space, they make the shelves feel like they don't belong. 

Instead, think of pieces that mean something to you, talk to your experiences and memories, or simply, bring you joy to be around. 

A few go-to styling wares we always reach for are:

• Art Décor 
  Whether locally or internationally, we love to bring home hand crafted pieces. Consider a piece of art you have purchased and using this by either laying it against the wall behind the shelves, or, in a frame 
• Home Décor & Wares
  You might have some unique figurines or statues that you picked up from artisans using natural materials, which will help to bring in texture. It could be an animal figurine, a vase of candle holder you adore. Anything that takes you back to that time and place  
• Books & Magazines
  Magazines or books that actually relate to you, and your life or aspirations. Stack and play with these vertically, horizontally, or a mix between the two. Don't be afraid to have multiple stacks
• Functional Décor
  Not everything has to be pretty to look at. It can be functional as well, like a hand-woven basket to place natural throws to easy pull from, or simply to use as a more aesthetic shoe storage. If you shelves are near an entertaining room, perhaps a wooden serving tray with stacked linen napkins, ready for use, or a unique or antique mantle clock for added uniqueness as well as functionality
• Vases & Pots 
  These are obvious but it's more than just throwing that vase onto a shelf. It should be textured or a unique design and help to bring something more to the design of the shelves
• Memories & Quotes
  Photos are so easily locked and lost inside our digital devices these days that you rarely see them placed around people's homes. Print out your favourites, pop them into frame(s) and use throughout the shelves. You could also frame a quote that resonates with you, a poem, or even a recipe from a loved one
• Scents
  Scents don't just have to come from candles. If you prefer incense or oils, then these can become decorating pieces as well. Just make sure the pieces that hold these add to the overall aesthetic. You could put incense into a large shell, or a unique holder. Perhaps your oils are in a wabi-sabi style burner, or you have converted a brass bowl into a candle with candle sand

Mixing Texture & Shape for Depth

Consider Heights & Shapes 

A set of shelves needs to feel organic and have movement throughout it. 

To achieve this, you want to play with the heights and shapes not only on the same shelf, but how that connects and feels with the other shelves. 

Think of placing your figurine or unique candle holder on top of your books, or, you might want to use two of these to become bookends. 

Play around with the placement of everything but remember; you don't want the same height and shape mirrored from shelf to shelf. You want it to almost feel like you threw everything onto the shelves at once and they all just landed there, randomly.  

Don't Forget About Textured Homewares

Texture is what helps add depth to your shelves, and break up each of your pieces. Imagine every one had the same material, finish and colour. Not particular exciting.

Texture is achieved by mixing materials like textured clays, brass and other metal pieces, wood of multiple types, colour and finishings, glossy book covers with natures green from a plant. 

We love to mix and combine everything when it comes to materials and textures. Some might not feel like they fit, so just play around with it. Perhaps one type of wood and colouring works better on another shelf, or is destined to be placed somewhere else in your home.  

Shelf Styling with Light and Natural Materials

Light can be brought in through a few different ways.

Depending on your space and the location of the shelves, it could be via natural light. If this is your case, you will want to focus on raw materials that emphasise the natural world - like a plant, clay vases, and earthy textures. 

You can also achieve added light by using a lampshade (or two!). Don't be afraid to have multiple lamps that offer different heights, textures or levels of light. Play with what you want them to light up or spotlight. 

Lastly, you can use light strips and install lighting within the shelves. We especially love this option when the shelves are a built-in unit and a spotlight overhead can be introduced as well. In the evenings, this can really set the moody tone. 

FAQ's

What are the best things to put on a shelf?
A mix of personal and practical pieces works best , think artwork, travel finds, meaningful books, sculptural homewares, and a touch of greenery. Shelves should tell your story, not just hold objects. Look for items with texture, shape, or emotional value to bring your space to life.

How do I style a shelf without cluttering it?
Start with fewer items than you think you need. Vary the heights and materials, and leave space between groupings to let each piece breathe. Styling in odd numbers (like groups of 3) can create natural balance. Edit as you go, a shelf can feel full of meaning without being packed.

What makes a shelf look modern and intentional?
Intentional shelf styling is all about contrast and cohesion. Combine raw materials like wood and clay with polished elements like glass or brass. Mix vertical and horizontal lines. Most of all, curate what you display, choose items that reflect your lifestyle, not just what’s trending.