I am someone who really appreciates beauty, whether that comes in the form of a stunning sea view, a small child’s beaming smile, or a perfectly arranged shelf, I’m easy. Yes, you read that right – I will happily sit back and admire a beautiful shelf from the comfort of my armchair; why not?
Many of you will already know that I’m not blessed with green fingers (I generally forget to water plants), in fact my home has more fake plants in it than I care to admit! But, I am always up for a challenge, so when Wayfair (one of the world’s largest online retailers of home furnishings and décor) asked me if I would like to try my hand at bringing the outdoors in, I was more than happy to oblige.
After years of experimenting (aka obsessively rearranging my shelves until they are aesthetically at their best), I’ve learnt a few tricks, which I thought I would share with you today.
1. Think odd numbers
The human eye tends to wander to the centre of a group so displaying things in odd numbers simply creates a more pleasing display and a sense of balance.
2. Stack books horizontally
Why stick with what you’ve always done? Books often have really imaginative and pretty covers these days, so pick out the best ones and make a display of them.
3. Create height first
If you’re not sure where to start, add the taller items to your display first. Lots of smaller items can make a shelf look cluttered and untidy.
4. Add a pop of colour
For maximum impact, pick out a colour already in your room and add an accessory like a vase, in that vibrant colour. We have a bright pink chair that regularly features on Instagram, hence the reason for this cerise pink candle.
5. Modernise a shelf by including metallic accessories
I usually try to stick to one metal in a room and as this shelving unit has silver joints, silver it is! Silver works really well if you want to create a modern look.
6. Work with negative space
Don’t be afraid of negative space; space is good! It allows shelves to ‘breathe’ and the things you want to show off, will stand out.
7. Create balance with photo frames of a similar shape on opposing ends
Balance makes things pleasing to the eye and although the frames don’t need to match (in fact I personally think they look better if they don’t), similar shapes are a good idea.
8. Add eye-catching hanging plants to create interest
We talked about height earlier and a hanging ivy is ideal for adding interest to an otherwise fairly linear shelf.
9. Give a plant purpose
Greenery is a great way to bring a shelf to life. If you want your plant to have a purpose, small potted plants make brilliant book ends.
10. Personalise your shelves
If you like it, include it! Make your shelves say something about you. I have always wanted a terrarium and having been given the chance to experiment a little, I created one. Why wouldn’t I give it pride of place on my shelves? Just try to avoid placing it near a radiator and look for plants that don’t need a lot of sunlight to survive.
I’m sure you’ll agree that the addition of greenery gives the shelf a certain je ne sais quoi? Wayfair has a huge selection of plant pots in every shape, colour, style and texture to suit your room/shelf. If you’re interested, the ones I picked out are the Vintage Heart Plant Pot Set, the Reales Geometric Plant Pot in white and the Yuan Terrarium.
Let’s see how long I can keep these babies alive!
** This post is sponsored by Wayfair but all photographs, words and opinions are my own **
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20 COMMENTS
Emma MacDonald
6 years agoYour shelves look lovely. I don’t think I actually have any shelves in my house (except the ones that house cuddly toys in the kids room)! We are planning to add a few when our extension is built and I’ve already told my husband that I want us to try to keep some plants alive as they oxygenate a room. He thinks I’m mad but I think they look pretty. xx
Suzanne W
6 years ago AUTHORI remember my mum saying that plants starve you of oxygen so I wasn’t allowed one in my bedroom lol! I just think they bring a room/shelf to life 🙂
Sarah MumofThree World
6 years agoI’ve never really thought of making a feature of a shelf, it’s more somewhere to store my books and maybe the odd picture frame! Storing books sideways is a great idea, because you can fit more on, right?!
Those plants look lovely. Good luck with keeping them alive!
Suzanne W
6 years ago AUTHORWhy doesn’t that surprise me ha ha! Yes you can definitely fit more books on a shelf if you store them sideways. I’m really determined to keep these plants alive. xx
Sarah Christie
6 years agoI do love a shelf, I think they really add personality into your home. I love the succulent pot its so cool, I too am like the black death to plants but succulents seem to like living with us, x
Suzanne W
6 years ago AUTHORThat’s the one I’m determined to keep alive – I’ve always wanted a terrarium. Now just to remember to water the plants!
Susan Mann
6 years agoooh I love these shelves. They are gorgeous and the succulent pot is so cool. The only plant I’ve ever had live for any length of time is my aloe vera one. I love storing books that way, saves them falling over too xx
The Pramshed
6 years agoLove these shelves and I would love to create something like this in our home once we have got it sorted out. Claire x
Erica Hughes
6 years agoOh your shelves look lovely. I do like the idea of plants on shelves. Must find a spot to do that
Jenny Taylor
6 years agoOh I love a good styled shelf its the one thing that drives me mad in my house I can’t get the shelves right. Fab tips will test a few out tomorrow. 🙂
Nikki Thomas
6 years agoI think I have shelf envy. My shelves are crammed full of stuff and there is no chance of negative space on any of them. I may have to rethink my shelves as yours look so pretty.
Maria
6 years agoI’m terrible with shelves as I tend to just put everything and anything on them and they end up looking a mess! Some great tip here.
Emma
6 years agoOh wow, this is such a great post. Totally not something I would have thought to do but I love how your shelves look and you’ve inspired me to make an effort with my own!
Donna
6 years agoNow, these tips are obviously why your house always looks stunning! Great tips Suzanne x
Sarah
6 years agoYour shelves look gorgeous! I love all the plants, thank you for the excellent tips!
Suzanne W
6 years ago AUTHORMy pleasure! It’s amazing what a few plants can do to a shelf 🙂
The Reading Residence
6 years agoThis looks gorgeous and the tips are so handy and easy to follow, thanks. I have pinned this one, and one day I will create the perfect shelfie!
Suzanne W
6 years ago AUTHORBrilliant, I love a good shelfie!
Heledd
6 years agoI’m about to build a big shelf wall in our new extension so this post was very useful!! Plants are definitely something I’ll have on there.
Suzanne W
6 years ago AUTHORI really think they improve a room, don’t you?