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How to style shelves??

10 years ago
I thought this would be easier but just cannot seem to get it right! I have bought and returned several items and what I put together seems to look over cluttered. I have looked all over but cannot find any inspiration. I would like to incorporate the radio pictured because my husband refinished it and it was his great grandfather's.

Any tips or suggestions on placement and items that would look good? This is a blank slate and I don't have any other items beside the radio and the sphere.

The shelves are 75 inches long and 17 inches apart.

Thank You!

Comments (5)

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    It really is hit and miss, trying different sizes, shapes and configurations..no easy answer. You could add books (these are easy) and lay some down and stand some up, with the sphere acting as a bookend. Continue with a natural feel of your items and could add a few black and white photos overlapping each other for a nice look, and clay or wooden bowls. Play around with height and volume and don't over accessorize - maybe 3 -4 items on each shelf.

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  • 10 years ago
    It is usually more difficult to style longer shelves as its felt shelves have to be filled, then it looks too cluttered. In your ideabook you have a Jane Lockheart room and notice how the items are centered in the middle of shelves. I would try that with fewer but larger items. Use books as Maureen suggested, and I could see the radio on some large books to give it more presence. b/w photos in silver or metal frames would look nice also.
    It sometimes takes a while too. I like to arrange items, live with it for a few days, and then start rearranging. The ideas seem to flow better for me when I have lived with the items for a while.
  • 10 years ago

    Thank you both! I think I am wanting it done yesterday adm rushing and that is part of the problem!

  • 10 years ago

    Check out some wall groupings on Houzz to get an idea of arranging. Don't put a lot of framed photos or books on each shelf. If you don't have any display items, don't just shop for anything. Take your time and get things that have an interest to you and family. If granddad liked to fish, get a gone fishing sign to stand by radio. Things that will spark memories. They do not have to mean anything to your guests, they will just notice that the shelves look good,.

  • 10 years ago

    Great advice so far.

    Large, hardbound books laid on their side is a great way to fill some space. You could go with two stacks--say one set on the left side of the lower shelf and another on the right side of the third shelf. A good place to find books is the thrift store. Look for books that are a bright color and nice lettering on the binding. Since you have that antique radio, you might go with a stack of old books next to it. I found an 1848 Bible at the thrift store for $3 several years ago that I put with my stack of other books from the late 1800s and early 1900s that are next to my antique clock. I have an oil lamp on the other side of the clock.

    Vases and other types of pottery, pitchers and the like are another thing you could have a little collection of. I found 4 silver plated teapots that I display on two shelves with fancy teacups. They were tarnished, but you can easily clean with with aluminum foil, baking soda, white vinegar and salt in water. You can get stuff like that at the thrift store for $5 to $10. Another thing I've always loved is tin cans that foodstuff comes in. I have some cans that are close to 100 years old. These are my favorite knick-knacks, and I have them spaced throughout my house. You can get tin cans for $1 or $2 at the thrift store.

    Since your shelves are right there by the window, it would be a perfect place for some small plants in an extra large tea cup. African violets would be perfect as they aren't going to get too big. You could nestle two or three of those on the various shelves when you need something to fill space. You could also grow some herbs like basil there that would be very pretty.

    In your comings and goings, analyze shelves you come across. Ask yourself 'what do I like about these shelves?' as well as 'what don't I like about them' if you don't like them. By doing this, you'll have an idea of what you find attractive, and what you don't like. This will help you as you decorate your shelves.

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