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How to style open shelving in any room

Easy style tips that work in any space. - by Laura Barry
  • 06 Aug 2019
How to style open shelving in any room

The benefits of open shelving are endless. They can increase your storage space, are easy to clean, they put all your items on display and within reach, and it’s inexpensive to install. The only downside is it can be a little tricky to make your open shelving look stylish. Luckily, there are a few decorating tips that can be used in every room to make any surface look styled.

Stick to a theme

When it comes to making shelving look neat and tidy, the key is grouping things according to theme. For the kitchen, that might be grouping glasses together, or all the white dinnerware together. In the living room, it might be grouping books together, items of the same colour together, or even just grouping travel trinkets together.

Don’t overfill your shelves

If you want your shelves to look good, it’s important to allow breathing room between objects or groups of objects. For example, if arranging a bedroom shelf, group perfume bottle together, leave an inch or more of space between that and a framed photo. In the bathroom, that might be leaving a large space either side of candle or grouped toiletries.

Stick to odd numbers

Items grouped together in odd numbers looks pretty yet effortless. In the living room, this could be sitting one large candle on top of three stacked books. In a bedroom, it could grouping a jewellery box with a decorative object and a vase.

Use trays

Trays are the perfect solution for anyone who doesn’t want to think too hard about styling. Put all your makeup together on a tray, all your glasses together on a tray, or all your condiments together on a tray. Et voila! Instantly chic and organised.

Add a small plant

No matter where the shelving is located, bathroom, kitchen or bedroom, a small indoor plant will make the space feel more purposefully decorated. Try Devil’s Ivy, succulent, a small croton or an orchid.

You might also like:

How to decorate your bedroom, according to a stylist

5 style tips for an Instagram-worthy bedside table 

Decorating tips for dressing up your hallway

Looking for some decorating tips for indoor plants? Watch the video below.

  • Decorating
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Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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