How to Decorate Shelves in the Living Room

If you’ve ever looked at your living room shelves and thought, “Something just feels off,” you’re definitely not alone. Figuring out how to decorate a space without making it look cluttered or totally bare can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t need to be a pro stylist to make your shelves look like something out of a magazine. You just need a solid plan and a few go-to tricks. In this blog, we’ll break down how to decorate shelves in a way that feels natural, personalized, and easy to update whenever your mood or season changes.

How to Decorate Shelves in Your Living Room

The way you style your shelves can totally change the look and feel of your space. Whether you’ve got built-ins, floating shelves, or a freestanding unit, shelves give you a chance to add personality and polish without taking up floor space. A well-styled shelf makes a room feel more pulled together and intentional.

Start Fresh Before You Style

Step one? Clear everything off. Starting with a blank slate helps you see the potential of your shelves. Wipe them down and only keep what you actually want to see displayed. This is the time to say goodbye to random clutter.

Pick a Colour Palette That Flows

Choose two to four main colours that vibe with your space and stick to them. This helps create a cohesive look. For example, neutral tones with pops of black or gold can make your shelf decor feel both elevated and relaxed.

Use a Mix of Shapes and Sizes

One of the best shelf decor ideas is to mix tall and short items, as well as wide and narrow ones. Stack books, stand up vases, use round bowls or sculptures. A variety of shapes keeps the eye moving and makes things interesting.

Rule of Thirds and Layering

Try grouping objects in threes. It’s a classic designer trick. Start with the largest item at the back, add a medium-sized piece slightly in front, and finish with a small accent piece up front. Layering gives depth and dimension, especially when styling decorative shelves.

Add a Little Greenery

A touch of green makes everything feel more alive. Plants soften the look of shelves and add texture. You can use real or faux, but try to include a plant or two in your bookshelf decor for that fresh, natural vibe.

Start From the Top Shelf and Work Down

Begin styling from the top shelf and work your way down. On the top shelf, try spreading items from one end to the other, filling most of the space. Then, on the shelf below, create two smaller groupings with a gap in the center. Alternate this pattern as you go. It's a simple trick that works with any shelf design.

Don’t Forget to Leave Some Empty Space

Blank space is part of the design. Leaving room between items helps your eyes rest and prevents the shelves from looking overstuffed. This is key if you’re working with a living room that has bookshelves spanning an entire wall.

Include Personal Pieces

Shelves are the perfect place to show off your personality. Add framed photos, a handmade mug from your kid, or a little souvenir from a favourite trip. These items make your space feel like yours.

Use Books as Decorative Anchors

Books are more than just something to read; they’re great for styling. Try stacking a few horizontally and topping them with a candle or small object. In a living room with floating shelves, books can add warmth and structure to the space.

Go Vertical With Art or Frames

Hang small art prints or family photos. Mixing vertical pieces into your shelf styling adds height and helps break up the horizontal layout. It's also a great way to bring colour and personality to your living room shelf ideas.

Embrace Texture and Contrast

Mix different materials, such as glass, wood, ceramic, and metal. Contrast is what makes shelf styling truly stand out. A shiny candle holder next to a matte clay vase adds dimension. It's also one of the easiest ways to elevate your shelf decoration without purchasing new items.

Add Height With Risers and Stools

Not everything has to sit flat. Use small risers, trays, or mini stools to lift certain objects. This creates levels and depth on each shelf and can totally transform your floating shelf decor.

Rotate with the Seasons

Want your space to feel fresh all year round? Swap out shelf items seasonally. Use mini pumpkins in the fall, pinecones or fairy lights in the winter, seashells in summer. It's a fun, low-commitment way to change things up.

Match Your Shelves to Your Room’s Style

Your shelves should reflect your home’s overall vibe. If your room has a modern feel, opt for sleek vases and minimal colour. If it's a farmhouse, include vintage books, ceramic pitchers, and greenery. These little touches make all the difference in bookshelf ideas in living room spaces.

Bedroom Shelf Design Tips You Can Borrow

Although this post focuses on living room shelves, bedroom shelf design follows the same rules. Less is more, symmetry works wonders, and meaningful objects always win. These tips work just as well next to your bed as they do near your couch.

Take a Step Back and Adjust

After you’ve styled your shelves, take a photo or walk away for a bit. Come back with fresh eyes. You'll often notice something needs to be added, removed, or shifted. Living room shelf decor isn’t always perfect on the first try.

Living Room Bookshelves That Feel Curated

Think of your living room bookshelves as a gallery wall. You’re curating pieces that tell a story, not just stacking items at random. Pay attention to colour flow, object scale, and spacing to make the whole setup feel intentional.

Add Lighting to Elevate the Look

Bookshelf lighting can significantly alter the ambiance of your shelves. Use LED strip lights, battery-powered puck lights, or even clip-on lamps to add a warm glow. It highlights your decor and provides living room shelf ideas that designers consider, especially in the evening.

Repurpose and Refresh What You Already Own

You don’t need to buy new decor to make your shelves look amazing. Shop your own home first. Pull pieces from other rooms and try them out. This approach works especially well when styling bookcase ideas on a budget, and often leads to a more personalized setup.

Add a Statement Object or Two

A statement object, such as a bold sculpture or oversized vase, can provide your shelves with an anchor. Choose one piece that stands out and build around it with smaller, neutral items. This helps ground the space and adds a designer feel to your shelf decor.

Use Decorative Trays for Grouping

Trays are underrated when it comes to shelf styling. They help group smaller items and create a sense of order. Use them to corral candles, matches, coasters, or other little items you don’t want floating around solo on a shelf.

Blend Function with Style

Decorative shelves don’t have to be all style and no function. Use lidded boxes or bins to store items such as remotes, charging cables, or pet supplies. The key is choosing stylish storage so it looks intentional and still fits your overall aesthetic.

Add a Pop of Colour with Artwork or Books

If your room is mostly neutral, your shelves are a great spot to add a touch of colour. Bright spines on books, a colourful print, or a vibrant vase can add interest without overwhelming the space. It’s a simple way to play with your palette.

Use Mirrors to Open Up the Space

Mirrors aren’t just for walls; they can work on shelves too. A small mirror leaned against the back of a shelf can bounce light around and make your whole setup feel bigger and brighter. It’s a subtle detail that adds considerable depth.

Final Words on How to Decorate Shelves

Now that you’ve got the basics down, you know exactly how to decorate without second-guessing every move. Keep it simple, personalize it, and don’t be afraid to switch things up occasionally. Whether you’re working with floating shelves, built-ins, or bookcases, you’ve got the tools to make them shine. And if you ever want a second opinion, you can always reach out to a trusted Edmonton interior designer at Tailored Interior to help bring your vision to life.

FAQs About Shelf Decor

What should I put on my shelves to make them look good?

Use a mix of books, plants, framed photos, vases, candles, and textured pieces, such as baskets or beads. Stick to a colour palette to maintain cohesion.

How do I decorate shelves without making them look cluttered?

Focus on balance and leave some blank space. Use the rule of thirds, mix up heights and shapes, and avoid using too many tiny items.

What’s the best way to style a living room with floating shelves?

Alternate full-width arrangements with grouped displays. Add greenery, books, and personal items for warmth and personality.

How often should I change my shelf decor?

Seasonally is a great place to start, but anytime you want a refresh is the right time. Even swapping out a few items can make a big difference.

Can I use these tips for shelf design in small spaces?

Absolutely. These ideas work for both small and large shelves. The key is balance, variety, and a bit of editing.

FAQs About Tailored Interior

What types of interior design services do you offer?

We specialize in residential and commercial interior design, including renovations, custom furniture, and layout planning.

Do you work with small spaces or condos?

Yes! Whether it’s a downtown condo or a suburban family home, we design for spaces of all sizes and styles.

Can I book an online consultation with Tailored Interior?

Definitely, we offer virtual design consultations for clients in Edmonton and beyond.

Do you help with floating shelf decor and built-in styling?

Absolutely. We love helping clients make their shelves functional and beautiful.

How do I get started with Tailored Interior?

Simply reach out to us through our website, send an email, or give us a call to schedule your consultation and discuss your project.