How to Style Open Shelving Like a Pro
Open shelving can be a beautiful design feature, adding character, depth, and function to a space. It’s the kind of detail that always seems to look effortless in designer homes but the truth is, there’s a real art to getting it right. When styled incorrectly, open shelving can quickly become a cluttered mess rather than a cohesive display.
Done well, though, it creates an opportunity to show off your personality while keeping everyday items within easy reach. In kitchens, open shelving is ideal for displaying beautiful dishware, ceramics, and cookbooks. In living rooms, it’s perfect for layering books and decorative objects. Bathrooms can feel spa-like with neatly folded towels and candles, and even home offices benefit from open shelving to keep supplies functional and stylish.
So how do you make open shelving look effortlessly styled while keeping it practical? Let’s break it down. From selecting the right shelves to arranging items in a way that feels balanced, intentional, and lived-in (without it feeling overdone).
Choosing the Right Shelves
Before you start styling, the shelves themselves matter. Here’s what to consider:
Material matters: The material you choose can dramatically influence the overall look and feel. Timber shelves bring warmth and suit both modern and traditional interiors. Metal shelves introduce an industrial or contemporary edge, while glass shelves are ideal for bathrooms or display cases where a light, airy aesthetic is desired.
Size & placement: Shelves that are 20–30cm deep tend to work best. They offer enough space for display without items getting lost or pushed too far back. Spacing between shelves also matters: leaving around 30–40cm helps prevent the look from feeling cramped. Bracketed shelves offer a more classic or traditional aesthetic, while floating shelves feel clean, minimal, and modern.
The Art of Arranging: How to Avoid a Cluttered Look
The most common mistake people make with open shelving? Trying to cram in too much. To get it right, start with a blank slate. Remove everything so you can approach the styling process with fresh eyes and intention.
A helpful principle is the rule of thirds—grouping items in sets of three or five rather than even pairs. Odd numbers feel more balanced and are more visually interesting. Layering different heights and textures also helps. Mix tall objects like vases or framed art with stacks of books or smaller decorative boxes. Rounded forms like sculptural bowls can soften the look and break up too many straight lines.
Don’t forget negative space. You don’t need to fill every inch of shelf. Leaving space around objects allows the eye to rest and makes the styling feel more curated. Lastly, keep to a consistent colour palette—two to three main tones is often enough. Whether you prefer soft neutrals or bolder accent colours, sticking to a palette ensures everything feels cohesive.
What to Put on Open Shelving (And What to Avoid)
What you put on your shelves matters just as much as how you arrange it. Books are a great starting point, stacked both horizontally and vertically to add structure and rhythm. Artwork also works beautifully, especially small framed pieces that can lean casually against the wall or sit behind other objects to create a layered effect. Ceramics and sculptural objects like vases and bowls add form and texture, while greenery, such as a trailing plant or potted herb, brings life and softness to the arrangement. Trays and boxes are particularly helpful for containing smaller items and preventing the overall look from becoming too busy.
There are a few things best left off your open shelves. Too many small trinkets can quickly lead to visual clutter. Similarly, overstuffed shelves can overwhelm the eye and detract from the design intention. And while balance is important, overly symmetrical styling can make shelves feel rigid or staged. A touch of asymmetry often looks more natural and relaxed.
Make It Functional
It’s easy to get carried away with the aesthetics of open shelving, but don’t forget, it needs to work for your everyday life too. Make sure the items you use most often are placed within easy reach. In kitchens, for example, keep frequently used dishes and glasses in accessible spots. Blending decorative and functional pieces, like pairing beautiful ceramics with coffee cups or spice jars, helps the shelf feel cohesive while still serving a purpose. And for those less attractive but necessary items, baskets and small containers are great for tucking things away while keeping the overall look tidy and intentional.
When styled well, open shelving can be both beautiful and practical. The key is intentional curation, balancing texture, layering heights, and embracing negative space. Whether you’re styling shelves in your kitchen, bathroom, living room, or home office, these tips will help you create a look that feels polished yet lived-in.
Need help styling your shelves? Let’s create a beautifully curated space together, get in touch for a design consultation.