Would you like to display decorative items on a shelf or in a cabinet but don't know how to display them so they look their best?
Interior designers use several tips & tricks to decorate shelves so they look their best.
Here are a few options for you to consider when decorating shelves with decor.
photo courtesy of ProFlowers.com flickr.com/photos/proflowers/16229156273/Photo courtesy of ProFlowers.com
Completely Start Over
If you already have items on your display shelf, remove all of them before starting to arrange.
It is best to start with an empty space.
This would be a great time to make sure the shelf is really clean and all your accessories are well dusted.
What's in the Back?
Be aware of the back wall of your shelf.
If it is a light color, you will want to display darker items.
If it is darker, you will want to display lighter items.
If the back of your shelf is a certain color and everything you want to display is a similar color, consider painting the back of the shelf so your display items will be more visible.
Also consider using wallpaper or mirror on the back of your shelf. If you use mirror, make sure that you like the way that your decor items look from the back because that will be visible.
Display Your Best
Add items to your display that are your most treasured or the ones you like the most.
Fill in the empty space with high quality items of lesser importance, but don't add too much.
You do not have to display everything that you receive as a gift all the time.
The Right Height
Make sure to fill the height of the display space.
If your decorative items are not tall enough, consider setting them on a stack of hardback books or a decorative box.
A Bit of Empty Space
Make sure to leave some empty space on your display shelf.
You will need to leave a bit of empty space else your shelf will look like an accessory store.
Don't Overcrowd
Don't overcrowd your display.
The more you have in your display the less important each piece seems.
Less is More
When displaying items on a shelf, a few larger items usually looks better than several smaller items.
Color
Try to bring the colors of your room into your display.
Pick 3 colors in the room and repeat the same 3 colors throughout your display.
For more of a designer look, also add a few items that are lighter or darker than your 3 colors for more depth of color.
Symmetry
Traditional spaces typically have decorative items arranged symmetrically.
This does not require exactly the same items spread evenly, but rather the items should have the same "visual weight" (appear to be similar weight, but are actually a different shape or size).
Asymmetrical displays look nice in contemporary spaces.
Collections
If you have a collection, put all similar items together as a group instead of spread throughout your home.
Smaller items in a collection can look junkie and cluttered, however grouping them together makes them feel like 1 item instead of lots of little things.
