Open shelving is a popular design trend that can make a space feel open, airy, and visually interesting. However, when not styled thoughtfully, it can quickly turn into a cluttered, chaotic display. At Scale & Structure, we believe that with the right approach, open shelving can become a beautiful, functional feature in any room.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to style open shelving without clutter, offering tips and techniques that will help you create a clean, organized, and aesthetically pleasing display.
1. Start with a Clear Purpose
Define Function Before Aesthetics
Before you begin styling your open shelving, it’s important to define its purpose. Is it purely decorative, or will it serve as a functional space for everyday items? Knowing what you intend to store will help guide your design decisions.
- Functional Shelving: If your open shelving is meant for frequently used items (like dishes in the kitchen or books in the living room), organize the shelves based on convenience and practicality. Keep everyday items within easy reach.
- Decorative Shelving: If the shelves are more about aesthetics, you can use them to showcase decor items like vases, sculptures, or plants. Keep in mind that even decorative items should have a sense of purpose and should be grouped in a way that makes the space feel cohesive.
Tip: Think About the Flow of the Space
Your open shelving should complement the room’s overall design and contribute to its flow. In a kitchen, for example, opt for open shelving that holds neatly organized dishes and glassware. In a living room, consider displaying a mix of decorative objects, books, and plants that tie into the room’s color scheme and style.
2. Declutter and Keep Only What You Need
Less Is More
The key to styling open shelving without creating clutter is to limit the items on the shelves. It’s easy to be tempted to fill every inch of space, but a minimalist approach often yields the best results.
- Edit Frequently: Periodically assess your shelves and remove items that don’t serve a purpose or that feel out of place. If something doesn’t contribute to the overall aesthetic or functionality of the room, it’s time to let it go.
- Group Like Items: Organize similar items together, such as stacking books by size, grouping matching dishes, or arranging plants by height. This creates a sense of order and balance.
Tip: Consider the “Three-Item Rule”
When styling a shelf, aim for no more than three items in each section. This rule helps maintain a sense of balance and prevents the space from feeling overcrowded.
3. Use Baskets and Containers for Organization
Storage Solutions that Add Style
While open shelving is all about showcasing items, not everything needs to be out in the open. Baskets, trays, and decorative containers can provide an effective way to store smaller items or things you don’t want visible while still maintaining an organized, clutter-free look.
- Baskets: Woven baskets are both functional and stylish, perfect for corralling small kitchen tools, remote controls, or miscellaneous objects. Choose baskets that complement the color scheme and texture of the room for a cohesive look.
- Trays: Trays can help you corral small items such as candles, perfume bottles, or decorative objects. Use them to group related items together for a cleaner and more organized appearance.
- Boxes and Lidded Containers: For more discreet storage, consider using lidded containers or boxes. These can be used to store things like office supplies, craft materials, or toys without cluttering up the shelves.
Tip: Label Storage Bins
Labeling storage bins or baskets with their contents can help you easily find what you need and ensure everything stays organized in the long run.
4. Create Visual Balance with Symmetry and Asymmetry
Balance the Shelves for a Clean Look
Visual balance is essential for open shelving that looks polished and purposeful. Whether you prefer symmetry or asymmetry, the goal is to create a well-curated arrangement where every item feels thoughtfully placed.
- Symmetry: If you prefer a more traditional and orderly look, arrange items symmetrically across the shelves. For example, place identical objects (like two matching vases) on opposite sides of the shelf, or balance books on one side with decor on the other.
- Asymmetry: If you like a more dynamic, free-flowing aesthetic, try placing items in an asymmetrical manner. This can create interest and prevent the shelves from looking too rigid. Mix larger and smaller items, layering them at different heights for a relaxed, curated feel.
Tip: Vary Heights and Textures
Mixing items of varying heights and textures can add depth and interest to your shelves. For example, stack books horizontally and vertically, place a tall vase beside a shorter bowl, or pair a glossy object with a matte one.
5. Incorporate Natural Elements
Add Texture and Life to Your Shelves
Natural elements, such as plants, flowers, or wooden decor pieces, can help soften the look of open shelving and introduce a sense of life to the space. When styled thoughtfully, plants and natural textures can elevate the aesthetic of your shelves while keeping the look uncluttered.
- Plants: Add greenery to your shelves with low-maintenance plants like succulents, ferns, or trailing ivy. Use different-sized planters to create variety and interest, and place plants at varying heights to create a sense of movement.
- Natural Materials: Incorporate materials like wood, stone, or woven materials into your shelving for added texture and warmth. A wooden bowl, stone sculpture, or rattan basket can add an earthy, organic touch.
Tip: Go for a Cohesive Color Palette
When choosing plants or natural elements, consider their color. Sticking to a cohesive color palette, such as greens and neutral tones, will keep the shelves looking coordinated and polished.
6. Keep the Color Palette Simple
Stick to a Cohesive Color Scheme
One of the easiest ways to prevent open shelving from feeling cluttered is to keep the color palette minimal. Choose a few complementary colors and stick to them, allowing your items to blend harmoniously.
- Neutral Tones: Using a neutral color palette (think whites, grays, blacks, and natural tones) helps keep the shelves looking sophisticated and organized. Neutrals can be mixed and matched with various textures and materials, ensuring that your shelves look polished without overwhelming the space.
- Accent Colors: If you prefer pops of color, choose a limited color palette for your accents. For example, you might opt for a few colorful vases, books, or dishes that complement the room’s decor but don’t overwhelm it.
Tip: Use Monochromatic Pieces
For a sleek, modern look, try using mostly monochromatic pieces. This keeps the shelves visually cohesive and allows the textures and shapes of your items to stand out.
7. Regularly Edit and Refresh
Keep It Fresh and Functional
The beauty of open shelving is that it’s not set in stone—you can refresh it as often as you like. Take the time to periodically reassess your shelves and edit the items based on the season, your needs, or your evolving style.
- Seasonal Updates: Swap out decor or items based on the season. For instance, display autumn-inspired decor, such as pumpkins or dried leaves, in the fall, or swap in fresh flowers and light-colored pieces for spring and summer.
- Update Items: Replace items that are no longer needed, and switch things up to keep the space feeling fresh and uncluttered.
Tip: Remove Items That Feel Out of Place
If an item no longer fits with the rest of your decor, remove it. A shelf should feel curated and cohesive, so don’t be afraid to make changes when necessary.
