How To Style A Shelf with Top Shelf UK

At Top Shelf UK, we believe shelves aren’t just for storage – they are blank canvases providing an opportunity to showcase your unique style and personality. As well as being an integral part of a home by providing storage solutions, shelves can be used to create carefully curated displays that add visual interest and character to a room.

Whether you’re a décor enthusiast or just looking to revamp your living space, with these simple styling tips from Top Shelf UK, learn how to style a shelf and transform your shelving from functional to fabulous.

two solid shelves

Why Shelf Styling Matters

Shelf styling goes beyond just organisation; it’s an art that transforms your space into a curated masterpiece. When it comes to how to style a shelf, it’s about finding the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality, creating a visual story that reflects your taste and passions. With the right components and some editing with your eye, you can discover your own unique way of creating beautiful and unique displays.

Solid wood shelves installed by Topshelf UK to teach people how to style a shelf
Living room wall shelves installed and styled by Topshelf Uk in a boho theme as part of their how to style a shelf guide

Our Top Shelf Styling Tips

Shelf Styling with Top Shelf UK learn how to style a shelf guide and advice from experts

Define Your Style

Consider your personal style and the overall theme of your home. Whether you lean towards a contemporary, bohemian, or minimalist aesthetic, having a defined style will guide your decisions as you curate your shelf. A cohesive theme that resonates with the rest of your home will bring harmony to your space. At Top Shelf UK, we have a comprehensive range of products including ready-to paint shelves, creating a blank canvas for customisation.

Begin with a Blank Canvas

Prior to diving into styling, clear your shelf and begin with a clean slate. Before you look at how to style a shelf, it’s important to give yourself the opportunity to reassess your space and envision the look you want to achieve. Selecting the right shelf material and brackets lays the foundations for a well-thought-out and visually captivating display.

 

Mix Materials

Achieving balance is crucial when it comes to how to style a shelf. Mix and match items of varying heights and sizes to create visual points of interest. Balance heavier items with lighter ones to create symmetry throughout your styling.  From stacking books to create height to using decorative bowls to counter the vertical direction and anchor the arrangement, when it comes to shelf styling, the possibilities are endless.  Our bespoke bookshelves or modular shelving units provide unique ways to display, stack, and curate your books and trinkets to create something completely distinctive to your style.

Visual Balance

You can play with different textures and materials to add depth and dimension to your shelves. This could include pairing natural woods with glossy metals and introducing glass elements or ceramic features that can break up the visual monotony. At Top Shelf UK, we have a wide range of shelves created from various materials; from solid wood shelves to metal laminated wall shelves.

Adding greenery is another element that can really bring your display to life. Branches and foliage add warm and a natural feeling to your space, with the right vase or plant pot, these are a chic element to any shelf display.

White wall shelves created, installed and styled by TopShelf UK as part of their learn to style a shelf guide
Alcove Shelving from Topshelf UK as part of their learn how to style a shelf guide

Personal Touch

How to style a shelf is all about infusing your personality into the display.  Shelf styling is more than just arranging items; it’s a form of self-expression and an opportunity to infuse your living space with personality.  Family heirlooms, travel souvenirs, or handmade crafts add a personal touch that makes your shelves uniquely yours. Personal items on your shelves act as storytellers and spark conversations.

Edit With Your Eye

Learning how to style a shelf and creating a visually appealing and balanced shelf display is a dynamic process. Stepping back and assessing the arrangement allows you to identify the elements that disrupt the flow. Don’t be afraid to play around and experiment and rearrange with your shelf styling, style evolves and so should your shelf display. Regular editing allows you to adapt your shelves to changing preferences and trends. Our modular shelving solutions are the ideal fit for the shelf styler who likes to change it up regularly, providing the flexibility that allows you to customise and adapt your storage.

Explore our range of shelves and brackets.

Ready to Style Your Shelves?

Feel like you’re equipped with all the information on how to style a shelf? Explore our collection of the highest-quality shelving solutions and accessories at Top Shelf UK. From sleek modern designs, timeless shelving options, and bespoke solutions, we have the perfect pieces to lay the foundations that bring your shelf-styling vision to life.

Browse our huge range of products here. Looking for bespoke shelving? We offer a tailormade-shelving service that will transform your space. Get in touch with our team today!