Well-styled shelves can completely change the feel of a room. They bring warmth, character, and a sense of calm when done thoughtfully and today, we’re sharing our step-by-step approach to creating shelves that feel collected rather than cluttered.
We recently filmed a how to style your shelves video, using pieces from our Home collection alongside some of our faux greenery. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing what you already have, these simple steps will help you style shelves with confidence and ease.
Start with a blank canvas
Before styling, clear everything off your shelves.
Starting with an empty space allows you to see the proportions properly and helps prevent styling around pieces that no longer feel right. It’s a small but important step that sets the tone for a calm, considered finish.
Curate before you style
Rather than placing items straight onto the shelves, gather everything together first and edit your collection.
Look for:
- A mix of textures and materials
- A soft, cohesive colour palette
- Pieces that feel harmonious when placed side by side
This is the stage where accessories such as the Kersey Cup or the Ruffled Edge Footed Bowl can really shine their subtle detailing and timeless shapes help anchor your overall look.
Place your anchor pieces
Begin with your largest items. These act as visual anchors and give the eye somewhere to rest.
Think:
- Vases
- Planters
- Pots
- Baskets
- Bowls
Ceramic pieces like the Ruffled Edge Footed Bowl work beautifully as grounding elements, while decorative accents such as the Aldringham Bells add gentle character and a sense of heritage. Space these pieces evenly and avoid lining them up too rigidly each item should feel like it has its own moment.
Layer in artwork
Artwork adds depth and softness to shelving displays.
Rather than hanging art, try:
- Leaning pieces against the back of the shelf
- Allowing space around each frame
- Layering a smaller piece in front of a larger one
Positioning artwork behind sculptural pieces like the Kersey Cup creates a layered, relaxed look that feels curated rather than styled.
Bring in books
Books add warmth, age, and personality especially antique or vintage editions with interesting spines and time-worn colours.
Style books:
- Vertically
- Horizontally
- As risers for smaller objects
Using stacked books as a base for pieces such as the Aldringham Bells or a Kersey Cup helps vary height and adds visual interest, while reinforcing a calm, collected feel.
Add greenery
Greenery breathes life into shelf styling and softens harder materials like wood and ceramics.
We love incorporating faux foliage such as the Faux Green Eucalyptus Bush, the Potted Spanish Moss Planter, and the Potted Eucalyptus Bush. These pieces introduce texture and movement and are perfect for shelves that are hard to reach, offering long-lasting beauty without any maintenance.
Create gentle groupings
Once your main pieces are in place, introduce smaller accessories.
- Style items in groups of two or three
- Keep proportions balanced
- Avoid overcrowding
This is a lovely moment to introduce metallic accents like the Henley Candlesticks or Burstall Candlesticks, which add warmth and subtle contrast against ceramics and wood. Grouping them with softer elements keeps the overall look balanced and inviting.
Step back and let it evolve
The final step is to step back and look at your shelves as a whole.
Move pieces you placed earlier, swap things around, and allow the display to evolve over time. Shelf styling isn’t about perfection it’s about enjoyment and creating a space that feels personal and lived-in.