How to style wall shelves like a pro
I’ve been busy preparing my new art studio to be a combined office as well as an exhibition space open to the public. I create a series of art arrangements for inspiration and start with art wireframes. I have already written about contemporary perspectives on artistic projections, but this time I took the opportunity to create my own arrangement.
When I researched this again, I noticed common wall shelf techniques developed by the brand’s pros to showcase products. There are several similar strategies used to create an interesting five-element arrangement.
1. Art or photos in a frame. Frames either lean or hang, or both. As a practical element, they fill the vertical space, but art is a way to showcase your unique style and personalize the space. Art or photography is an opportunity to add color and style (vintage, botanical, abstract, etc.).
2. Books. They are stacked both vertically and horizontally on deeper shelves. Shallow artistic ledges prevent stacking, but bookcases and deeper wall shelves do. Books are heavier, so they provide lighter contrast elsewhere.
3. Decorative objects of various shapes. Because books and artwork are square or rectangular, adding objects with curves, sheen, and texture makes the layout interesting.
4. Organic elements of nature. Plants are the easiest way to bring shelves to life, but don’t forget sculpted shells, textured stone or fiber objects, and wavy or colorful pottery.
5. Negative space. To avoid a cluttered look, it’s important not to render too much and give objects room to breathe and eyes room to rest.
I used four of the five elements to create this black overhang arrangement in my studio.
Here are more examples of hanging or wall shelves created by professionals using the same five listed elements.
Ballard design
ultra shelf
pottery shed
ikea
western elm
Ballard design
I didn’t use books because the ledges are too narrow, but I used the four remaining pieces to frame mine. I love the way they look, mixing botanical and landscape designs in black and white.
I found these black knobs on Lowe and they are surprisingly strong. I plan to buy another set and paint them gold. When styling, play with perspective, height and shapes to achieve your favorite look!
