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How a Shop Owner Styles Her Shelves at Home
The best shelves are always layered and full of meaning. When I approach shelf styling, I’m not just thinking about where things go—I’m thinking about how to create something that feels visually compelling, well-organized, and personal. Styling a shelf is about choosing the books and objects that reflect your life and interests. The ultimate goal is not overly styled to the point of feeling staged, and not under-styled to where it looks like a jumble. Strike a balance. Here’s how I approach it.
Start with Books You Love
Books are often the foundation of a well-styled shelf. But before you start stacking, take time to edit. Only display books you love—art and design books, old magazines you still flip through, travel guides you return to, or novels you can’t stop recommending. Tuck away the less attractive ones elsewhere (bedroom, closet, wherever).
You can organize books vertically (library style), grouped by size or even tone for a visually calming effect. I also like stacking a few horizontally and topping them with a small object. And if a book has a particularly beautiful spread, try opening it to a favourite page—it feels like a little invitation to linger.
Bring a Little Life
If the light allows, a small plant can be the perfect addition to a shelf. It adds texture, color, and a sense of life to the space. Just be sure whatever you choose will thrive in that spot—nothing sadder than a struggling plant in an otherwise beautiful vignette.
Shape and Substance
Ceramic pieces—whether handmade or vintage—add great shape and dimension. I like using a mix of textures, finishes, and sizes. Some can stand alone, and others can be layered on top of books. Don’t worry about them matching; a mix of tones and styles often feels more collected and natural.
Nature Knows Best
Bringing in objects from nature helps ground the shelf and make it feel personal. A smooth rock, a bit of driftwood, pinecones, lichen, or coral—these small treasures from the outdoors can add beautiful texture and memory. If something in nature speaks to you, respectfully pocket it and bring it home.
Moments That Matter
Photographs are an easy way to add personality and warmth. I like a framed photo leaning against the wall, a photobooth strip, or even a Polaroid propped casually next to a book. It gives your shelf a sense of discovery, like a lived-in snapshot of your life.
A Little Art Goes a Long Way
I love including a small-scale piece of art on a shelf. Something framed and leaned against the wall, or layered in with books and ceramics. Bonus if the tones pull from other elements nearby—it can help tie the whole look together. Think of it as one more layer in your visual story.
Don’t Rush It
Some of my favorite shelves came together slowly. I believe the best styling happens when you let the idea of the shelf live in your mind as you move through life. That little ceramic piece your kid made, the snapshot from a great weekend, the pinecone you picked up on a hike—these are the things that bring soul to a space.
Visible shelves can be functional, but they can also tell a story. Yours.
By Katie Bowes, co-founder of The Post Supply
