How To Style Open Shelves So They Look Good And Stay Organized
Bringing Balance and Elegance to Your Open Shelving: A Stylish Guide
As a homeowner, one of the most exciting aspects of home decor is giving your space a fresh new look. But with open shelving, this can be a challenge. The lack of walls means that every item is visible from all angles, making it difficult to create balance and harmony in your design.
Fear not, dear decorators! Styling an open shelf requires some careful planning, but with the right products and techniques, you can turn this cluttered area into a beautiful and functional piece of art. In this article, we’ll explore the essentials for styling an open shelving system that looks amazing and stays organized.
Choose Your Color Palette
When it comes to selecting a color scheme for your open shelf, the key is to create contrast and visual interest. Here are some popular colors that will add depth and elegance to your space:
* Warm neutrals: Think taupe, beige, or soft gray (e.g., Farrow & Ball’s “Elephant’s Breath” or Valspar’s “Warm Sand”).
* Rich jewel tones: Add a pop of color with emerald green (e.g., Restoration Hardware’s “Emerald City”) or sapphire blue (e.g., West Elm’s “Sapphire”) on an accent wall.
* Soft pastels: Introduce a touch of softness with pale pink, baby blue, or mint green (e.g., Pottery Barn Kids’ “Lavender Dream” or Crate & Barrel’s “Pale Lavender”).
Select Your Furniture and Decor
For an open shelving system to look its best, you’ll want to choose furniture and decor that complement each other in terms of style, texture, and scale. Here are some must-haves:
* Adjustable shelves: Opt for adjustable shelves (e.g., IKEA’s SKUBB Shelving System) or custom-made ones with built-in dividers (e.g., Crate & Barrel’s “Floating Shelves”).
* Decorative baskets: Add a touch of whimsy with decorative baskets (e.g., West Elm’s “Woven Basket”) or woven wall hangings (e.g., Anthropologie’s “Tassel Garland”).
* Hardware and lighting: Use stylish hardware (e.g., Schönauer’s “Copper Accents”) or pendant lights (e.g., CB2’s “Sputnik Chandelier”) to add a pop of color and drama.
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