New month. New Home for our Haven Crew Topic! This month we are excited to dive right into styling. For sure a topic that is near and dear to all of us. If you’re new here or maybe finding these link ups for the first time we are a group of some super rad husband and wife friends that includes Lindsey and Chris from Building Bluebird, Sarah and Nick from Nestrs, Morgan and Jamie from Construction 2 Style and Katelynn and Uriah from The Inspiring Investment.

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Styling Shelves are hard, and can easily become overwhelming. I 100% get that. While each shelf, shelving unit looks different and not one outcome is the same, I’m providing you with my top 10 go to tips for styling shelves.

Start With Books + Art

I start almost every shelf I build with books and art. Kitchen shelves are the only ones I layer differently, which we’ll chat about that in my next tip. Books and art are the best way to add height, color and placement holders for all shelves. They also add a ton of character.

Use Big Pieces

Next up I add in any big items I have. I want to ensure these are spread out to have height on both sides of shelves. Providing places for your eyes to go. The best way to look at this is you want large items spread out while keeping heights different. With kitchen shelves I typically start by stacking large plates and bowls.

Height Matters

Every shelf needs a variety of heights. This not only allows your eyes to see each individual item but it ensures nothing gets lost in the same height category. Books can help you create height when you have two items the same height or if you are looking for an item to be a little higher than it actually is.

Groups of 3

Creating sets or vignettes of 3 is a perfect guideline when layering in items on your shelves. By using sets of three you are accomplishing a curated look. You want each item to have different heights.

Stagger Your Placement

What you want to keep in mind on each of your shelves is you want to make sure the item above does not perfectly align with the item below. Again you are looking for ways to have places for your eyes to see all the beautiful items you have curated for your shelves.

Negative Space Is A Good Thing

The last thing you want is an overstuffed shelf! It is ok to have blank spaces throughout your shelves. These negative spaces yet again provide you with a place for your eyes to rest…seeing a trend with this yet?!?

Use Things You Love

When styling your shelves start by shopping your own home. Make a collection of all the things you love and start there. These items are what is going to make you happy every single time you see them and the best place to start.

Layer

This is a great way to create depth on any shelf. You can layer in items by height with art or images behind them, and through greens or glass. Layers are what give your shelves added personality. Use your books to layer both vertically and horizontally.

Take A Picture

My best tip hands down is take a picture and walk away. Yes, you read that right. When you hit a point you just aren’t sure or maybe even think you’re done that means it’s time to take a picture of your shelf and walk into another room. This will help you actually see how your shelf looks. Trust me I know that sounds really weird but it works!

Come Back

It is ok to come back to your shelves. These things take time. I also like to stand back and look at my shelves and change things around as I work my way through them.

10 TIPS FOR STYLING SHELVES