Whether you want to organize clutter or add interest to a sparse wall, the power of shelving to enhance a space should not be underestimated.
Styling a shelf can often be a daunting task. When faced with an empty space, sometimes it can be hard to know exactly where to start. But living room walls are rife with decorating opportunities.
‘Living room shelving should be a feature in their own right and a place where you can express your personality,’ says interior designer Simone Gordon, co-founder of Owl Design, ‘from showcasing a few choice ceramics to using fun shapes and colors, with a clever mix of display and hidden storage.’
That was the design ethos behind '90s singer LeAnn Rimes' living room shelving display.
Shelves are an integral part of any home, from providing practical storage to creating an area to display your most treasured objects and accessories that express your identity and individualism. Get the styling right and your living room shelving ideas will become your favorite feature.
When decorating a shelf, think carefully about the types of objects you want to display and what they mean to you, as well as how well they will go with any surrounding colors, materials, and styles. You'll want to ensure your shelf function as more than just storage – to replicate Rimes' display, you'll want it to add visual interest and character to a room, too.
Styling a shelf with objects that mimic the textures, color palette and materials already present in your scheme can create a cohesive, united look in your space.
In LeAnn Rimes's relaxed living space, the room embraces a soft, neutral look, filled with comforting textures, natural materials and earthy colors. The large shelving is styled with beautiful decorative objects and books that coordinate with the room, elevating the design and relaxed look. Even her many music awards sit tonally within the space.
If you look closely, you'll notice that although full, the shelves are not cluttered. If you want to maintain order, it is wise to leave plenty of space between objects and books.
A designer trick is to group objects into smaller groups of three. The pyramidal arrangement leads the eye around the group of three – and it’s a shape that’s frequently used by designers exploiting the rule of three.
Why does this odd number have the winning edge over the classic, symmetrical pairing? While this can look fabulous, the power of a group of three is that it’s visually appealing – in other words, it’s an eye-catcher.
Finally, be original when it comes to the design. It is easy to feel tempted into going down the maximalist route, but quite often, the simplest designs, which focus on just a few key details, are the most profound and impactful.
Shop the look
Display artwork and favorite pictures without nails or glue on this statement metal easel. Delicately designed, this unobtrusive easel with fit in beautifully with just about any decorating style. It is also a best-seller at McGee & Co. for a good reason.
This highly-rated bust is not only a decorative piece of art, but it also doubles up as a planter. Greek-style decor ideas are very much on trend for 2025, and we predict that these bust pots will adorn shelves and mantels up and down the country.
If you adore greenery but don't have the time to maintain a real plant, this faux eucalyptus is a fantastic alternative. Designed to look life-like, this pretty planter will take pride of place on your shelving. This arrangement is only available online, so pick it up here now.
