7 Tips to Decorate Your Bedroom or Living Room Shelves Like a Pro
Styling your home is like putting together a beautiful outfit — you want to find the perfect pieces that show off your personal style and make you feel comfortable and confident. Whether you're working with a small bookshelf or a large wall unit, decorating shelves can be a fun and creative way to add personality to your home.
What are the benefits of decorating your shelves?
Decorating your bedroom shelves can be a blast and include all sorts of benefits: Here are just a few:
It's a chance to show off your style: Whether you're into vintage, modern, or bohemian, decorating your shelves allows you to express your personal taste and create a space that truly reflects who you are.
It's super satisfying: There's nothing quite like the feeling of accomplishment that comes with turning a cluttered shelf into a beautifully styled display. Plus, the result is always so darn pretty.
It can help you relax: A well-decorated bedroom can be a sanctuary, a place to escape from the stress of daily life and unwind. Adding some cozy, calming decor to your shelves can help create a relaxing atmosphere.
It's a great excuse to shop: Okay, maybe this isn't a benefit per se, but let's be real – shopping for cute home decor is always a good time.
It's a fun activity: Whether you're tackling your shelves solo or with a friend, decorating can be a fun and enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. So go ahead and get creative – your shelves (and your mood) will thank you.
Are you ready to transform your bedroom or living room?
Get cozy with a warm coffee (or tea!) and your favorite throw pillow. It's time to take a deep dive into the tips and tricks you need to know so that you can transform your shelves into Pinterest-worthy showstoppers!
1: Start with a theme
Choose a theme for your shelves, whether it's vintage, coastal, or modern. This will help guide your decor choices and give your shelves a cohesive look.
Think about your interests: What do you love? Are you into vintage finds, modern minimalism, or coastal chic? Pick a theme that reflects your passions and brings joy to your space.
Consider your style: What's your personal style? Do you prefer a cohesive and polished look, or do you like to mix and match styles? Decide on a theme that aligns with your style.
Play around with themes: You can create a Pinterest board with sections for different themes you want to try. This will enable you to select the ideal theme that suits your vibe.
Have fun with it: Above all, have fun with the process. This is your chance to get creative and add your own personal touch to your space.
2: Mix and match
Don't be afraid to mix and match different styles and textures. Mixing vintage and modern items can add depth and interest to your shelves.
Choose a color palette: Pick a few colors you love and use them as a guide for your decor choices. This will help bring some cohesion to your shelves.
Use different textures: Use different materials, like wood, metal, and glass. This will add depth to your shelves.
Experiment with different sizes: Play around with different sizes of decorative items. A mix of large and small things can add balance.
Use odd numbers: When arranging your items, try grouping them in odd numbers for a more visually appealing look.
Incorporate different metals: Use metals in various ways, such as in lighting, hardware, or accents. Incorporate metal elements like metal baskets, frames, and hooks into your shelves to give them a cohesive look.
3: Add some greenery
A few real plants or succulents can add life and color to your shelves.
Choose the right plants: Consider your lighting conditions and choose plants that will thrive in your space. Succulents and herbs are practical options for shelves that hold knick-knacks, whereas air plants are better for shelves with books.
Use different plants: Use a variety of plants to create more depth and visual hierarchy. For example, you can mix green plants with purple or blue ones.
Use pots and planters: Choose pots and planters that fit your theme and personal style. This will help your plants blend in seamlessly with your decor.
Get creative with placement: Try placing your plants in unexpected places, like on top of books or hanging from the shelves.
Psst! Are you a plant killer like me? Faux plants are a great way to add color and texture to your home, knowing that they will stay alive forever.
4: Make it functional
Remember to include items that are actually useful, such as books, storage baskets, and clocks.
Consider your needs: What do you need your shelves to do? Do you want to store books, display photos, or both? Make a list of your needs and use it as a guide when organizing your shelves.
Use storage baskets: Storage baskets are a great way to keep smaller items organized and out of sight. Plus, they look cute and get rid of visual clutter.
Label your items: Labeling your shelves can help you keep track of what's where and make it easier to find things when you need them.
Feel free to mix in practical items: It's a great idea to mix in a few practical items, like clocks and books, with your decorative items. This will help your shelves serve a functional purpose while still looking stylish.
With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful and stylish shelves that bring joy to your home.
5: Wallpaper or paint
Sometimes wood or solid-colored shelves just aren't cutting it. It's time to add a pop of color to liven up your space. A great way to add a pop of color is to add wallpaper or paint to your shelves.
Choosing the right color and wallpaper for your shelves can be a fun part of the decorating process. Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect choice:
Consider the primary theme and mood: What's the overall vibe you're going for in your space? Do you want a calming, relaxing atmosphere or a bold, energetic one? Choose colors or wallpaper that complement your overall room theme and help bring your vision to life.
Psst…creating a color palette that fits your theme means less time looking through endless swatches and more time decorating.
Take your time: This is supposed to be fun, remember? No need to rush, you've got plenty of time to decide. You can always try out a few options before making a final choice.
Pro-tip: Not sold on permanent wallpaper or are you renting? You can now get phenomenal removable wallpaper! Check out one of our favorite vendors, Spoonflower.
6: Lights
Adding subtle lighting to your shelves can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Again, think about the theme and vibe you want to achieve. Do you want a cozy vibe with soft lights or an energizing vibe with bright LEDs? Choose lighting that vibes with you and your interior space design to set the tone.
Want a cozy wall sconce without the hardwiring? Try a plug-in wall sconce — they’re just as nice and less permanent, so you can try out different styles (or take it with you when you move).
If you don’t have any outlets in your shelving but want a hardwired lighting solution, don’t sweat it! Bring in a good electrician to help you add the lighting you need.
7: Decorative objects
We love this part! It's time to look for items that reflect your style and interests to populate your shelves. This could include books, figurines, vases, picture frames, and knick-knacks.
Decorating your shelves is all about personal style, so the most important thing when choosing decorative items is to go with what speaks to you and makes you the happiest. Here are a few tips to help you pick out the perfect pieces for your shelves:
Consider your theme: Remember that theme you made earlier? It's time to decide if you want your decorative items to meld into your theme seamlessly, or if you want to use a contrasting style to compliment your colors. Choose decorative items that fit your theme and help bring your vision to life.
Think about your interests: Are you a bookworm? A plant lover? An art aficionado? All of the above are perfect for styling! Choose items that reflect your passions and bring joy to your space.
Mix & match: Don't be afraid to mix and match different materials, textures, and sizes. A little variety can add depth and interest to your shelves.
Add pops of color: Bright, bold colors can add life and energy to your shelves, and neutral, soft colors can add balance and an organic feel.
Pro-tip: Some of our favorite places to shop for accessories are Salt and Citrus Home, Burke Decor, CB2, and West Elm. We also love thrift and consignment stores for more unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.
There you have it. Seven simple steps to make your shelves stand out.
Come show us how they turned out! We’re @asrdesignstudio on Instagram — we can’t wait to see! If you need a bit of styling help with your own shelves, don’t hesitate to reach out for a design therapy sesh.
