The well-curated wall shelf

Make the most of open shelving with these clever styling tips and tricks that will help you turn cluttered collections into a smart and stylish display

Tips and tricks to make the most of open shelving

Edited choice

Create small groupings of your most treasured possessions and accessories. Displayed against a pure white backdrop, they’ll look like a mini art gallery.

Divide into groups

Worried that a long run of shelving will look untidy? Separate the shelf into sections by placing items in groups of three or five.

Clear clutter

Smaller items can look messy, so stash these in attractive storage boxes. For tall shelving units, place large boxes and baskets on lower shelves, and smaller ones up high.

Colour coding

Choose a palette of two or three colours and stick to it, displaying coordinated vases, picture frames, and even book spines for a fail-safe display.

Create contrast

Fill a two-tone unit with sculptural vases, books and pots. Place white on white and black on black for a dynamic monochrome display.

Mix up different objects, such as books, vases, picture frames and plant pots

Add texture with folded blankets and throws to soften shelving’s hard edges

Pick the colour palette from soft furnishings or wall coverings found in your existing decorating scheme

Keep favourite pieces at eye level, so they won’t be missed