When arranging open living room shelves, it is important to start with a plan. Consider what items you want to showcase, how you want to group them, and how you want them to look. Begin by taking a look at what you have to work with and decide what needs to go on the shelves.
Think about grouping items according to size and color to give them more impact and add visual interest. When selecting items to fill your shelves, be sure to look for pieces that vary in size, texture, and shape to create a balanced look.
If possible, create a mix of colors, shapes, and sizes that will make each shelf unique.
After deciding on the items, consider what type of organization works best for you. You can choose to organize by color or season, stack items with books alternating or separate, mix up different items in row-by-row formats, to open shelves with multiple sections, or to have an assorted gallery wall featuring artifacts and wall art.
Adding books and plants can be a smart way to introduce more visual interest. Books are great for filling in empty areas in the shelves, and plants or greenery can provide instant warmth and texture.
When styling a bookshelf, try placing stacks of books from tallest to shortest. Greenery placed here and there can make all the difference in bringing your open living room shelves to life. Small trinkets like candles and statues can turn into eye-catching pieces and provide an unexpected touch.
The key to treating your shelves right is to think outside the box. Oppose the norms, combine different items, and add lots of elements of interest. When it comes to styling your open living room shelves, the possibilities are endless.
How do you make open shelving look tidy?
One way to make open shelving look tidy is to neatly arrange items by size and type. For example, stack dishes and mugs or group books and vases together. You can also utilize vertical storage if items have height — like kitchen utensils and items like canisters.
Consider organizing items alphabetically, by color or shape. If you need more help, you could take advantage of store-bought shelving and storage containers to help keep everything neat. You could also label storage containers like baskets or tins to keep everything easily accessible.
Finally, look for other decorative elements that can help bring the look together — like fresh plants or a few decorative objects — but be sure to keep them minimal to help the open shelves look their best.
Are open shelves still in style?
Yes, open shelves are still very much in style. In fact, this type of storage has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, due to its minimalist and modern look. Because it doesn’t impede on the visual aesthetic of a room, open shelving can be a great way to make a space look more organized, while still allowing you to showcase your favorite items.
Whether you’re looking for a way to display decorative glassware, or just use it as extra kitchen storage, open shelves are a great way to make the most of the space you have available. Just be sure to keep the shelves dusted and clutter-free to achieve the best overall look.
Why do people have open shelves?
People have open shelves for a variety of reasons. One of the most popular reasons is for easy access to items that would normally be difficult to find in traditional cupboards and cabinets. Open shelves are great for displaying items such as dishes, cookware, books, decorations, pictures, and other items that can be kept within easy reach.
They make it easier to grab these items when you need them, and also make it more visually appealing to look at these items as opposed to simply having them tucked away. Additionally, open shelves can provide additional storage and can make a room look larger and more open.
For example, adding some open shelves above a desk or sofa can help to create the illusion of a larger room. Furthermore, open shelves can often be very easily customized to fit different kinds of items, spaces, and decors.
Is open shelving over?
Open shelving is a controversial topic in interior design, as opinions on its use can be divided. While open shelving certainly isn’t as prominent as it once was, it’s not necessarily “over. ” Open shelving can still be effectively used in kitchen, dining, and living areas.
However, it’s important to use it in moderation. While open shelving can be a great way to show off your favorite dishes, styling items, and accents, too much of it can make a space look cluttered or unfinished.
Additionally, if any humidity or temperature changes occur in the space, items on open shelving may be affected. All in all, while open shelving certainly isn’t at the top of the trend list anymore, it still can be effectively used in certain areas in moderation.
Is decorating above kitchen cabinets out of style?
Decorating above kitchen cabinets has been a classic way to complete the overall look of kitchen decor for many years, and it is still a popular option for many homeowners. However, there are a few reasons why decorating above kitchen cabinets might not work for some homes.
One of those reasons is that it can create a closed off feeling in the kitchen and overwhelm the space visually. Also, cabinets tend to be quite tall and reaching the top shelf can be difficult, especially for shorter individuals.
Therefore, it is important to look at the overall size of the kitchen and consider how the cabinet height will interact with the decor before deciding whether decorating above the cabinets is an appropriate choice.
Additionally, it is important to remember that trends come and go, and one style or look may be out of style one moment and popular the next. Therefore, everyone has the freedom to choose whatever style they prefer, and any decorating above kitchen cabinets can be tailored to the individual’s personal taste.
Do open kitchen shelves get dusty?
Yes, open kitchen shelves can get dusty. This is especially true if they are located close to a cooking area, as the heat and steam can cause dust to accumulate more quickly. Additionally, nearby windows can also let in dirt, dust and pollen which can quickly settle on the surfaces of open shelves.
It’s recommended to dust open kitchen shelves at least once a week, or more commonly if needed. If shelves are made of wood or other porous materials, it’s important to use a damp cloth or microfiber cloth to wipe down the surfaces as dust can get stuck in the grains.
For metal surfaces, a glass cleaner sprayed on a clean cloth also works well for dusting. To prevent dust from accumulating again too quickly, it’s wise to store items in sealed containers, as well as use buffers or mats between dishes and shelves.
Do open shelves look cluttered?
Open shelves can look cluttered, but ultimately it depends on how you organize and style them. If you opt to display items on open shelves, create a theme or pattern with the color, shape, or size of the items you use.
This can help create an interesting, organized look on the shelves. You can also create vignettes with items that have similar shapes or colors on each shelf. Additionally, try to store things in baskets or boxes to contain them and make them easier to organize.
Keep like items together, so that each shelf has its own style. From books and knicknacks to plants and artwork, open shelves can look tidy if you create a pleasing balance of items.
What are good things to put on shelves?
there are many great things to put on shelves that can serve both functional and decorative purposes. For functional purposes, books, magazines, and other documents can be displayed on shelves, allowing them to be easily accessed and stored.
Items such as picture frames can also be put on shelves to provide an added decorative touch. You can also display vases, candle holders, clocks, and other home decor items. For a more creative touch, try putting items like jars of colorful stones, seashells, or collectibles.
Plants are also a great way to bring a touch of nature into your space. They are perfect for brightening up a room and providing a natural air purifier. Finally, for practical needs, use baskets to contain smaller items and keep the shelves organized.
How do you decorate open shelves in a living room?
When decorating open shelves in a living room, think about creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look. First, decide on a color theme for the items you will be displaying. Bold colors are often used for accessories to add visual interest, but for a more muted look choose neutral colors like white, gray, or natural wood.
Next, choose items to display on the shelves that fit the room’s overall style. If the room has a rustic-style scheme, choose a few pieces of pottery, antiques, and plants; if the room is modern, opt for sleek decorative objects like sculptures, contemporary art pieces, and accents like books, vases, and lights.
Consider alternating heights of the pieces, as well as arranging them in a way that provides balance. Lastly, you may want to mix function with aesthetics by using the shelves to store everyday items like books, magazines, and remote controls.
With a little creativity and good taste, you can decorate your open shelves to fit your unique style.
What should I display on shelves?
One of the great things about shelves is that they can be used to display a variety of items. When decorating shelves, think carefully about what items best reflect your style and contribute to the overall look of the space.
Popular items to display on shelves include books, plants, ornamental pieces, photos, vases, and anything else that adds personality to a space. If possible, try to layer elements to add depth and interest to the décor.
Also consider how to arrange objects in such a way that the shelves look balanced but still eyes-catching. Finally, be sure to dust and organize the shelves from time to time, as it can drastically improve the overall look of any space.
How do you display knick knacks without looking cluttered?
One way to display knick-knacks without looking cluttered is to group items together. To group, start by choosing the items that you would like to display. Once those items are selected, decide where you would like to display them.
Once you have a spot marked out, select a few pieces that complement each other and arrange them together in a way that looks aesthetically pleasing. Avoid putting too many pieces in one place, as this can make a spot look too crowded.
Instead, you can also spread smaller items out around the house to create a more visually appealing effect. Also, make sure that the items are organized and easy to access since a clean and organized display will instantly look better and more sophisticated.
Finally, think about how you can use light to highlight your knick-knacks. Utilizing light in a strategic way can really make your collection stand out and add a unique touch to your home.
How many items should you have on a shelf?
The number of items you should have on a shelf depends on the size of the shelf, the type of items you are storing, and your personal preference. Generally speaking, you should strive to keep the shelf organized and not overcrowded.
You can achieve this by starting with the dimensions of the shelf and then working out the size and number of items that you can realistically fit on it. It also helps to group items of a similar size and type when arranging them on the shelf for a more optimized use of the available space.
To ensure safety, heavier items should be placed at the bottom and lighter items should be placed at the top. When it comes to aesthetic appeal, the number and type of items you choose to display on the shelf can also make a difference – try to aim for a balanced, attractive look by mixing in a variety of textures, shapes, and sizes.
How do you decorate a shelf without cluttering?
Decorating a shelf without cluttering it can be done by focusing on a few key elements in your decor. Start by incorporating a color palette or theme. You can do this by selecting items that are in the same family of hues, or grouping items with a similar aesthetic.
Stick to a few items that have real meaning or value to you, such as a sentimental memento or a vintage item. If you’re incorporating books, opt for those that have a unique texture or color to add dimension and texture to your shelf.
Avoid overcrowding the shelf with lots of small items; instead choose one or two statement pieces, like vases, and use that as the focal point. To further prevent clutter, make sure your shelf is organized and tidy.
Try straightening books and placing items in an intentional way. Last, don’t be afraid of negative space. Leaving some gaps on the shelf is a great way to add interest and subtlety.
Is open shelving in kitchen still popular?
Open shelving in kitchens is still popular because of its aesthetic appeal and versatility. This type of shelving offers a more open, airy look and can help to make a kitchen feel larger than it is. Because you don’t have to build or install enclosed cupboards, you can get the storage you need without making a kitchen feel cramped and dark.
Open shelving also makes it easier to reach items and allows you to display your favorite dishes and decorative items, making it more homely. Open shelving is also a great way to save on installation costs – you don’t need to invest in expensive cupboards, and you can easily switch up shelving layouts as you add or remove items from the shelves.
All in all, open shelving is still a great, affordable way to make the most of a kitchen space.
Are floating shelves still popular?
Yes, floating shelves are still very popular. Not only are they an aesthetically pleasing decor feature, but they are also functional and offer the opportunity to save space in your home. Floating shelves are extremely versatile and can serve a variety of purposes ranging from displaying artwork, decor, photos, and books to storing kitchenware and bathroom toiletries.
They are also easy to install, relatively inexpensive, and come in a range of styles, sizes, and finishes – making them a great option for all types of spaces. Floating shelves are also low maintenance and can be easily wiped down to keep them clean.
Whether you’re looking to showcase your favorite items or increase the overall storage solutions in your home, floating shelves offer the perfect solution.
How much space should be between open shelves in kitchen?
The amount of space between kitchen shelves is largely a matter of personal preference, but there are some general guidelines you may consider when deciding on the optimal spacing. Generally, the more storage space available between open shelves, the better.
When it comes to the width between shelves, a minimum of 12-inches is recommended, while 16-inches to 24-inche s is ideal. For deeper shelves that accommodate tall items, spaces of at least 24-inches are recommended.
When deciding on how much space to leave between shelves in your kitchen, consider the items that will be stored and how often you’ll use them. If you are planning to store large items, such as pots and pans, you may want to leave more space (up to 24-inches).
Also, leaving room between shelves makes it easier to access items that are stored further back, particularly if you have tall items such as boxes, stacks of dishes, and canned goods. If a more customized look is desired, the shelves can slightly overlap for a unique look and more storage space.
However, it is important to make sure that items won’t get lost in the back of the shelves if they overlap.
Ultimately, the amount of space between open shelves in the kitchen should be determined by individual preference, the type of items being stored, and overall look desired for the space.
How deep should open kitchen shelving be?
Open kitchen shelving should generally be about 12-14 inches deep, although it is ultimately up to preference. Deeper shelving allows for more storage and better stability, but also takes away from some of the open feel and makes the space seem cramped.
Shorter shelving looks more open, but limits the amount of storage. Generally, a depth of around 12 to 14 inches is a good balance between functionality and open design. Be sure to account for the size of the items that will be stored on the shelf (plates, bowls, etc.
) and allow for enough space in the back and front for them to fit onto the shelf. Additionally, the kind of shelving and the sort of material it is constructed from should also be taken into consideration.
For example, wooden shelves often cannot go much deeper than 12-14 inches without warping and bending, so they are best kept to shallower depths.
What kind of wood do you use for open shelving?
When selecting wood for open shelving, it is important to consider both the design of the shelving and the distinct style of the room in which it will be placed. Depending on the desired look, a few wood types commonly used for open shelving include:
Oak: A timeless hardwood choice, oak is popular for its natural grain and blonde hue. With this wood, you can give your room a vintage-inspired look with a touch of rustic charm.
Maple: With its lighter shade and a smooth, straight grain, maple can create a more modern vibe in the home.
Cherry: Cherry is a luxurious option that showcases a rich, deep color and beautiful grain patterns. It exudes elegance and sophistication and is perfect for creating an upscale atmosphere in the home.
Mahogany: Mahogany is considered the darkest of the hardwood planks. It is a great way to add a touch of class and contrast to any style room while also creating an inviting warmth.
Poplar: Although it is a softer wood, poplar is still a popular choice for open shelving because of its durability and relatively light weight. It boasts a classic look and is easy to work with.
No matter which type of wood you choose for your open shelving, it should be sealed with a protective finish in order to protect the wood from wear and tear and from dirt and other materials collecting on the shelves.