Styling tips for beautiful shelves

Thoughtfully styled shelves can transform a space, adding depth, personality, and character to your space. Whether you're showcasing treasured objects or creating visual balance, Gina's styling tips will help you turn any shelf into a beautifully curated display.

STYLING TIP #1: BOOK STACKING
Stacking books of matching sizes and cohesive spines provides a polished base that elevates objects or sculptures, adding height, balance, and a curated sense of refinement to shelf styling.

STYLING TIP# 2: USE OF BOOKENDS 
Using statement bookends to hold books is an excellent way to add vertical structure to your shelves, while also making them more accessible and visually appealing.

STYLING TIP #3: MIXING MATERIALS & TEXTURES
Mixing materials like timber, stone, glass, metals, and antique textures when styling shelves adds richness and dimension, creating a layered, sophisticated look that blends natural elements into the home.

STYLING TIP #4: CLUSTERING OBJECTS
Clustering objects on shelves creates structured vignettes that add depth and visual interest, transforming the shelf into a cohesive display with intentional balance and flow. I often like to cluster objects in uneven numbers such as 3 or 5. You may want to try clustering a small collection of items with matching materials such as glass or ceramics.

STYLING TIP #5: USE OF GLASS DOMES 
Using glass domes to encase objects on a shelving unit adds a layer of intrigue and elegance, elevating simple items into curated focal points while enhancing the overall aesthetic.

STYLING TIP #6: BASKETS/STORAGE CRATES AT BASE
Incorporating baskets at the base of a shelving unit not only adds practical storage but also introduces texture and warmth, helping to ground the space while keeping it organized and stylish.

STYLING TIP #7: SILHOUETTE & SHAPES
Seek an interplay of shapes to create visual harmony or contrast, such as pairing a spherical form with a square one, or placing a delicate, feminine ceramic silhouette beside a bold, masculine marble sculpture. When thoughtfully selected with an open, eclectic mindset, objects that both complement and oppose each other bring depth, character, and personality to any space.

STYLING TIP #8: BALANCE & COMPOSITION
When styling a shelving unit, be sure to consider the balance of shapes, books, and sculptural pieces. Take a few steps back to assess the overall tone/colour and weight distribution, ensuring that heavy items are spaced thoughtfully, that colours are balanced or even repeated and that similar shapes aren’t stacked directly above one another.

Explore Gina's handpicked styling pieces, thoughtfully curated to bring harmony and character to your favourite spaces:

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