How To Style Open Shelves So They Look Good And Stay Organized (Part 19)
**Unleash Your Creativity: Styling Open Shelves with Ease**
As a home decorator, you’re constantly seeking ways to create visually appealing spaces that reflect your unique style and personality. One popular trend that’s taking the interior design world by storm is open shelving – a space-saving way to display your favorite books, decorative pieces, and treasured possessions. But before you start decorating, you might be wondering how to style these shelves effectively.
The key to pulling off an open shelf look lies in selecting the right products and materials that complement each other in terms of color, texture, and size. Here are some expert tips to help you create a beautiful and functional open shelving system:
**Choose Your Containers Wisely**
* **Glass Vases**: These add a touch of elegance to your shelves while showcasing a variety of flowers or branches. Try a delicate mercury glass vase in shades of rose gold (think “Rose Gold” by Farrow & Ball) for a sophisticated look.
* **Wooden Crates**: Rustic and charming, wooden crates are perfect for displaying decorative items like vintage collectibles, candles, or books. Opt for reclaimed wood in warm tones like honey oak (look for the “Honey Oak” finish at Benjamin Moore).
* **Metallic Containers**: Add a touch of glamour with metallic containers featuring gold, silver, or copper accents. Consider a modern glass lantern (like the “Lantern 2” by Crate & Barrel) in a rich, deep metal finish.
**Select Your Display Items**
* **Textiles and Fabrics**: Use woven baskets, fabric-covered crates, or chunky knitted blankets to add texture and visual interest to your shelves.
* **Framed Artwork**: Showcase your favorite pieces of art or prints on the wall above your open shelving area. Choose a frame with a matte finish in a neutral color like beige (think “Sand Dune” by Valspar).
* **Decorative Objects**: Fill empty spaces with decorative objects that reflect your personal style, such as vintage apothecary jars, seashells, or colorful glassware.
**Organize Your Space**
* **Cable Management**: Keep your shelves tidy by using cable organizers or tension rods to manage cables and wires.
* **Shelf Dividers**: Add a pop of color with shelf dividers in a contrasting material like reclaimed wood or natural fiber. You can also use fabric strips or ribbons to create a more eclectic look
