How To Decorate Open Shelves In The Living Room

Decorating Open Shelves: A Guide to Styling Living Room Spaces

Open shelves are a versatile and stylish way to display your favorite items in the living room. They can be used to create a focal point, add personality, and even provide functional storage. With a little thought and creativity, you can easily decorate your open shelves to reflect your personal style and complement your living room décor.

1. Choose a Theme or Color Scheme:

Before you start decorating your open shelves, it's helpful to have a theme or color scheme in mind. This will help you create a cohesive and visually appealing display. Consider the overall style of your living room and choose a color palette that complements the existing colors and décor. You can also use a specific theme, such as travel, nature, or vintage, to guide your decorating choices.

2. Mix and Match Different Items:

Open shelves are a great place to mix and match different items to create a unique and personal display. Books, framed photos, plants, decorative objects, and even small pieces of furniture can all be used to create a visually interesting arrangement. Try to vary the heights, textures, and colors of your items to create a dynamic display.

3. Use Books as a Foundation:

Books are a classic way to decorate open shelves. They add height, color, and interest to your display. Choose books with covers that complement your color scheme and theme. If you're short on books, you can also use decorative bookends or stacks of magazines to create a similar effect.

4. Add Personal Touches:

Open shelves are a great place to showcase your personality and interests. Display framed photos of family and friends, souvenirs from your travels, or collections of objects that you love. These personal touches will make your living room feel more inviting and cozy.

5. Incorporate Plants and Greenery:

Plants and greenery can add a touch of life and color to your open shelves. Choose plants that are easy to care for and that will thrive in the conditions of your living room. Small succulents, ferns, and air plants are all good options for open shelves.

6. Create Vignettes:

A vignette is a small, arranged group of objects that creates a focal point on your open shelves. Vignettes can be created using a variety of items, such as books, plants, decorative objects, and even small pieces of furniture. Try to group items together that have a common theme or color scheme to create a cohesive vignette.

7. Consider Lighting:

Proper lighting can make a big difference in the overall look of your open shelves. If your shelves are in a dark corner of the room, consider adding a spotlight or wall-mounted lamp to illuminate your display. You can also use LED strip lights to create a subtle and ambient glow.

8. Keep it Simple:

When decorating your open shelves, it's important to keep it simple. Avoid overcrowding your shelves with too many items, as this can make them look cluttered and messy. Instead, focus on creating a few well-curated vignettes that showcase your favorite items.

9. Experiment and Have Fun:

The best way to decorate your open shelves is to experiment and have fun. Try different arrangements and combinations of items until you find a look that you love. Don't be afraid to change things up seasonally or whenever you feel like a fresh look.