#Shelfie is all the Instagram rage these days! Learn our top tips and tricks to professionally style shelves that are Instagram worthy!
Sooooo…. what exactly is a shelfie?
A play on the word “selfie,” a shelfie is a picture of a shelf, especially a bookshelf that shows off someone’s books, movies, art, collectibles, special belongings, etc.
Dictionary.com
Have you ever tried to style your shelves yourself? Tough right!?
Want to know a secret? It takes some serious skills to get it just right (some designers don’t even do their own styling for this reason!)
Here’s some tips and tricks to get professionally styled shelves! After each step, stop and step back. Evaluate what you did before proceeding with the next step. This will allow you to catch any mistakes before you’re too far down the rabbit hole.
1. Start with a clean slate
Empty your shelves completely and start over. Gather items you’d like to incorporate. For example:
- Plants / Flowers
- Empty Vases, bowls, pottery
- Books of all sizes
- Figurines, cultures, trinkets
- Trays
- Picture Frames (pictures, art, quotes, etc.)
- Items with texture (glass, metal, 3D,
- Bookends
Be sure to select a variety of heights, textures, and colors (that fit your color palette).
2. Layer large items first
Grab some of your larger items and spread them equally amongst the shelves. Now, this is not to mean that every shelf should have a tall item on the right and left of each shelf. Place a tall item here and there creating balance. We want balance, not symmetry.
3. Stack books
Grab some books (this is what a bookcase is for!) and begin placing your books here and there. Use both vertical and horizontal arrangements and remember to use odd numbers!
4. Add natural elements
Natural elements such as flowers, plants, driftwood, etc help bring a ‘natural’ element into the space making it feel instantly more inviting.
5. Use a mix of shapes
Make sure you use different shapes with continuity throughout. Square objects like pictures frames along with circular or oval objects adds visual interest and softens the harsh edges of square objects.
6. Use the KISS Method
Keep It Super Simple! Don’t go overboard here. Overstuff shelves can feel overwhelming and give someone sensory overload. In fact, the best styled shelves have breathing room!
PRO TIP: Each shelf should be filled at 2/3 capacity.
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Hi, I’m Kimberly, the owner of KH Home Design serving Connecticut. With my streamlined process, exceptional customer service, and impeccable design sense, I’m here to transform your home into a stunning reflection of your personal style and needs. As a multi-award-winning Interior Designer with a passion for design and a deep understanding of psychology, I create spaces that not only look amazing but also feel amazing to be in. Book a Complimentary Call today to get started on creating the home of your dreams.
