How to style and organise your shelf

If you want to know someone, look at their bookshelves; not simply for books, your shelving is a design feature upon which you can really stamp your personality. A gallery waiting to emerge, use them to make a big statement or focus on the finer details of your decor – such as your favourite home accessories. But how to get started? First choose the style of shelves or the type of unit that works with your space.

Restyling your shelves is a quick and easy way to refresh a room. The best way to create a cohesive, appealing look is to choose a defined colour palette. Think about hues that complement your space, and stick to them. If you opt for monochrome or soft neutrals, adding a pop of a bold or primary colour – through glassware, for example – can offer extra visual interest.

The rule of three is an important guideline in interior design. Why? Our brain finds groups of odd numbers more appealing and memorable. When arranging items to style your shelves, group them together in odd numbers – ideally experimenting with different heights and materials. A simple tip, but one that will help to achieve a pleasing aesthetic.

As well as being great indicators of your tastes and interests, books are ideal for adding some all-important height to your displays. Stack coffee table books on their side, or use bookends to display your collection more traditionally. If you have your own mini library, think about grouping by the spine colour for a scattered rainbow effect. 

Want to create a ‘wow’ moment with your shelves? Display statement objects that will immediately draw the eye: colourful glassware, interesting sculptures, framed photos or art prints. This area of your home is one of the easiest to experiment with, so be bold. 

Plants soften edges and make a room feel homely. Before you grow an indoor jungle, think about plants that won’t take over your shelves. Look for smaller varieties with visual appeal, such as succulents or trailing greenery. Try sticking to a colour palette when choosing pots, as this will ensure they will look cohesive if you place multiple plants in one space. For a fuss-free option choose artificial planting or pop fresh blooms into vases.

High shelving looks fantastic with lighting that illuminates your favourite (carefully styled) collections. No plug socket? No problem. Set the mood with a rechargeable cordless design; the iconic and best-selling mushroom lamp comes in an array of beautiful shades.