Top Five Tips for Styling Shelves

(In No Particular Order — Because Rules Should Be Helpful, Not Rigid)

Styled shelves can send your room to the next level… or make it feel cluttered fast. The difference is intention. When shelves are styled well, they feel collected, personal, and effortless. That being said, there’s always a little strategy involved.

Here are five tips we rely on when styling shelves, whether it’s in a full kitchen design or a quick refresh.

1. Use the Rule of Three

Odd numbers really do work. Grouping objects in threes (or other odd numbers) creates visual interest and keeps arrangements from feeling too stiff or symmetrical.

The key is variation: mix heights, shapes, and visual weight while keeping the items related. Simple groupings almost always read better than overcrowded shelves.

2. Balance the Visual Weight

Think of shelf styling like a composition. Heavier, larger groupings should be balanced across the shelves rather than stacked all in one place.

We like to alternate weight in a gentle cascade from shelf to shelf. We use it to keeps the eye moving and prevents everything from feeling top-heavy or accidental.

3. Show Your Personality

This is where shelves should stop looking “styled” and start looking like you.

If you collect porcelain dogs, vintage horse trophies, or blue-and-white ceramics, for Pete’s sake lean in! Repetition is your friend. Shelves should showcase the things you genuinely love, not just what you think should be there.

4. Style Seasonally

Shelves don’t have to be permanent. In fact, they shouldn’t be.

Don’t be afraid to clear everything off and lean fully into the season. Christmas, summer, or (in Jenny’s case) Halloween are the perfect times to play. When you bring your pieces back out, you’ll naturally edit and rearrange, giving the shelves a fresh feel without buying anything new.

5. When in Doubt, Hire a Designer

If you’re staring at a pile of “things” and wondering why it isn’t working, this is where we come in.

We’re very good at taking collections, objects, and everyday pieces and making them feel intentional, balanced, and right at home. Sometimes all shelves need is a trained eye, and a little permission to edit.

Well-styled shelves should feel personal, relaxed, and thoughtfully layered. At the same time not look precious or overdone. When they work, you’ll notice. And when they don’t… you’ll definitely notice.