An easy way to surround yourself with many of the things you hold dear is to gather the reminders that are close to your heart and display them on open shelving. A wall with tastefully decorated open shelving is comforting. It helps you tell your story while it adds an additional layer of beauty to your home. Displaying your favorite pieces on shelves – especially on open shelving – adds personality and style to your home. You’ll create visual interest by arranging your shelves with just the right amount of space between each object. And even if you don’t have have tons of accessories, consider rearranging your collections with the changing seasons just to keep your décor looking fresh and up to date.
Magazines and books pile up on the floor, but their clutter and chaos can be easily controlled on shelves. Display a large book collection vertically in tight groups, anchor them with bookends, and create a color story with your books’ binders that’s cued to your room’s colors. Or go minimal and present two or three of your favorite covers vertically as if they were works of art.
Try letting your favorite paintings and photos lean against the wall. Artfully space your photos on shelving until they look effortlessly arranged. Resting artwork against a wall on open shelving is practical for small spaces, plus it’s very stylish.
Add something that draws your eye upward. For larger visual impact mix objects of different heights. Mixing and matching bigger and smaller pieces creates a multi-layered, balanced look.
Boxes, baskets, large bowls, and big pictures are great to use either as the backbone of a group or to simply fill in space. Start with a few large items, and then accessorizing with smaller, more intricate objects. On long shelves small photos give you the opportunity to group pieces together, letting multiple displays become miniature art shows. Experiment until you get your perfect look.
Wall shelves are generally available in basic blacks, whites, and wood tones, but don’t be afraid to go bold. Painted shelves can accentuate a room’s rich color scheme and even add an unexpected pop to an otherwise neutral colored room. A colored shelf can bring attention to the treasures you’ll display, but if space is limited, paint your shelves white or the same color as your walls.
If you have a lot of colorful objects to display or if you’re painting shelves in a room with a bright color, be sure to include some neutrals to tone down your palette. This creates balance, and ensures your shelves won’t look too overbearing or mismatched.
Arrange your shelves with the things you love most – treasures brought back from travels, your best accomplishments, and of course cherished family mementos. Add a few plants, fresh cut flowers, or even an shapely succulent to introduce some natural texture and vitality to your shelves. Remember to add a few personal touches of things you just plain love and let the finished look tell your story.
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