The right wall shelves can be the perfect way to show off your decor and get it off of the floor. They’re also an easy and affordable way to add visual interest and functionality to any room of your home. At West Elm, we carry a wide range of contemporary shelving options for every design style and space. Here are a few of our favorite ways to use them:
Styling Multiple Shelves
If you’re planning on placing more than one shelf in a space, a popular rule of thumb is that you place them in a cluster, with three items on each shelf. This strategy creates a sense of balance and flow that will help your shelves look their best.
Stacking Shelves horizontally and vertically can also create a dynamic visual effect. By keeping a mix of books in each layer, you’ll be able to show off the diversity of your collection without it looking cluttered or overly busy.
Plants on Shelves
Cascading plants like pothos add a touch of romance to your design while smaller succulents look modern and clean. Introducing decorative vases with modern botanicals or dried florals on your shelves will add a fresh and organic element to your styling.
Floating Shelves
While most floating shelves mount to the wall, you can also find some that hang directly from the ceiling. This makes them a great choice for displaying your collections on the walls without taking up a lot of space, and it gives you the freedom to change out your decor regularly.
Corner Shelves
If your space is tight and you have a dead corner that needs to be used, try using this as an opportunity for some additional storage. Just be sure to install these shelves securely in the corner, so they won’t pull apart or damage the wall over time.
Whether you’re trying to keep your living space tidy or create a gallery of your favorite things, these wall shelves are a must-have for any contemporary space. Their clean lines, versatile sizes and natural wood finishes are the perfect way to showcase your favorites while bringing a bit of the outdoors inside.
A great place to start is by deciding on the color you’d like your floating shelves to be painted or stained in. A neutral paint will blend with any design, while a contrasting color will make your shelf stand out and add a unique flair to your room.
In addition, consider choosing shelves that match your wall color to achieve a uniformed look. This will save you from a headache down the road when your wall colors change and your shelves need to be replaced.
For instance, if you’re going to paint your walls white, you might want to pick a darker stain or paint that matches the wood grain in the shelves.
If you’re unsure what color to paint your shelves, consider a light shade and a medium shade. This will create a balanced, unified space and allow you to easily switch up your decorating scheme with the seasons.