We suggest how to put things on open shelves and turn a shelving unit into a real art object!
Clean up
More often than not, cleaning is an easy and effective way to spruce up your shelving unit. Adhere to the “top and bottom” principle, which says that the order should be at eye level first, with heavy objects below, and more decorative things at the top.
Even the most luxurious and expensive shelving can be ruined by clutter, and vice versa, the simplest shelving from IKEA will be worthy of a photo in an interior magazine if you clean up the shelves and apply a few design tricks.
How to decorate open shelving
1. Put books in boxes and baskets
One way to decorate your bookshelf is to arrange them in low baskets and boxes. For example, sort them by author’s name or subject. So the book will be more convenient to get from the shelf, including cleaning the dust there.
Using this technique, experiment with the arrangement of volumes: covers up, or spines first.
Tip: Cardboard folders can be used to store two- and three-volume books, this will help in the visual organization of books and make the shelving look spectacular.
2. Leave a few shelves empty
Sometimes you need to be inspired by emptiness to make the interior more interesting. This technique also works with open shelving decor. Leave some free space, so you add air and dynamics to the interior. In addition, empty shelves will help to separate the already arranged accessories from each other.
If you do not have much storage space and leaving empty space seems like a luxury to you, combine open shelves and closed ones with doors and drawers. For example, for IKEA shelving, you can purchase removable doors and drawers.
3. Place objects symmetrically to each other
One of the effective and simple ways to make the shelving stylish is to use the “mirror principle” when the right side of the cabinet is symmetrical to the left. To do this, arrange on two single-level shelves the same or as similar as possible to each other in color and shape. Paired vases, baskets, boxes, or candles will help with this.
4. Hide book spines
The “not for everyone” option is to hide the spines of the books back against the wall of the shelving. It looks spectacular and will certainly add zest to the room, and also help create a monochrome interior.
Why is the option “not for everyone”? Firstly, this solution is not suitable for people with allergies to dust. Book spines are much easier to clean. Secondly, if you are an avid reader, it will be inconvenient to choose the next book, taking one after another from the shelf to see the title.
Who might like it? Owners of large libraries who do not want to throw away ancient volumes, but will definitely not be reading all the collections in the near future. We also recommend trying the technique for those who like experiments.
5. Create a design in several rows
One of the simple and working design tricks is to arrange objects in several rows. For example, on piles of books – small figurines, or candles in candlesticks. This method makes small accessories more meaningful and noticeable.
6. Use to decorate the facade of the rack
We are used to having framed photographs and small paintings on the shelves, but we rarely see anyone hanging them on the front of the rack. At the same time, the shelves behind the picture or poster can be left empty or put not too aesthetic, but useful things. If you choose the second option, make sure that the objects covered by the painting can be easily reached.
7. Arrange the books by color
Arranging books by spine color rather than alphabetically is a way to make your home library stand out. Reception is suitable not only for owners of a large number of books: you can simply fill one shelf with color-collected works, and the second with black and white.
Tip: you can not only put the books, but also stack them on top of each other.
8. Avoid items that are too small
Very small items will most likely not add beauty to your shelving, but rather create visual clutter. Large items will help hide mismatched book spines and chaos on the shelves, drawing the eye to you.
9. Make beautiful DIY installations
If you’re a fan of small accessories, like bringing back seashells from vacation or growing succulents, create beautiful arrangements with them. Place shells in glass vases or aquariums, and small plants in candlesticks or decorative lanterns.
Universal tips for creating a beautiful shelving
- Use the “rule of the triangle” when arranging things. Place objects so that you can visually draw lines with your eyes and find the top of the triangle. The imaginary figure can be any size.
- Arrange books in descending order of height.
- Keep magazines together, don’t put them on different shelves, as this will create visual clutter.
- Use storage accessories: decorative boxes or baskets, you can put the necessary little things there without creating chaos on the shelf.
Open shelving is the “showcase” of your home. It should attract attention and decorate the interior.
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