Let’s be honest – Instagram makes styling shelves around a fireplace look so simple, but that is definitely not the case. And trust me, I know this the hard way.
At first, I thought I had it all figured out. My plan was to grab a bunch of random knick knacks, books, and candles and prided myself in the overconfidence of thinking that I had styled my shelves. I was dead wrong. It looked like something between a messy flea market stall and a sad bookstore. Everything was a mess. Nothing felt intentional. And worst part? It didn’t look like me at all.
After way too many mini meltdowns and trial and error sessions, I cracked the code. I get it if you have stared aimlessly at your shelves wishing there was a solution to style them. If you have ever found yourself in a similar situation, here is what worked for me.
1.Remove Everything Off The Shelves
Step number one: yes, take everything off. Now that I understand how scary that sounds, this step actually tends to yield amazing results. Starting with a blank slate is highly effective. When I styled my shelves, I kept on working around everything that I had, and it wasn’t working at all.
2. Books Are Great, But Don’t Overdo It
Look, I love books. But when I stacked every single one I owned onto my shelves, it looked chaotic. The trick? Mixing vertical and horizontal stacks and actually being selective with which books you display. (Pro tip: If the spine colors are clashing with your vibe, just flip them around. No shame in a neutral aesthetic.)
3. Add Personal Touches (Because No One Wants a Showroom Vibe)
At one point, my shelves looked too perfect. Like, “Did a designer come in and erase my personality?” perfect. The fix? Adding things that actually meant something to me—like a framed photo from a beach trip, a funky little ceramic dish I found at a flea market, and an old camera that belonged to my grandfather.
4. Resist the Urge to Fill Every Space
Negative space is your friend. When I first styled my shelves, I filled every single inch—big mistake. It just looked cluttered. Leaving a little breathing room around objects makes everything feel way more intentional (and less like a thrift store shelf).
5. Layer Like a Pro
Flat shelves = boring shelves. At first, I was placing everything in a neat little line. Then I started layering—leaning a framed print behind a vase, stacking a small sculpture on a book, overlapping objects just a little—and suddenly, my shelves looked designed instead of just… full.
6. Greenery Saves the Day (Even If It’s Fake)
Plants instantly make built-ins look better. I added a trailing pothos to one shelf, a tiny potted plant to another, and boom—everything felt fresher. (And yes, mine are fake because I refuse to feel guilty about my plant-murdering track record.)
7. Play With Height—Everything Can’t Be the Same Size
I made this mistake so many times. When everything on your shelves is the same height, it just looks… off. Mixing tall vases, medium-sized sculptures, and smaller decorative pieces gives the shelves dimension instead of making them look weirdly uniform.
8. Baskets = Pretty Storage Magic
Built-ins aren’t just for decor—they’re also storage space. I threw some woven baskets on the lower shelves, and suddenly, I had a place to stash blankets, random cables, and the ten thousand remotes I can never seem to find.
9. Lights Make Everything Look More Expensive
Okay, this was a game-changer. My built-ins didn’t have built-in lighting, so I stuck some battery-powered puck lights on the top shelves. Instant cozy, expensive-looking glow. 10/10, highly recommend.
10. Art Doesn’t Have to Be Hung on the Wall
One of the best tricks I learned? Leaning framed art inside the shelves instead of hanging it. It adds depth and makes everything feel effortlessly cool.
11. Avoid the “Too Many Tiny Things” Trap
My first attempt? A disaster of tiny trinkets. It looked cluttered and chaotic. The fix? Fewer, larger statement pieces. Big vases, bold sculptures, or oversized books instantly elevate a space.
12. Seasonal Decor… But Keep It Subtle
I love switching things up for the seasons, but I do not want my shelves looking like a holiday aisle at Target. A little pumpkin in the fall, some twinkle lights in winter—just enough to feel festive without screaming, “LOOK AT MY HOLIDAY DECOR.”
13. The “One Thing Off” Rule
This is a trick I swear by: Once you’re done styling, take a step back and remove one thing from each shelf. It almost always looks better afterward. (Seriously, try it.)
14. Symmetry, But Not Too Much Symmetry
I love balance, but at one point, my shelves looked way too matchy-matchy—like I was trying too hard. Instead, I started balancing things loosely. Similar heights on each side, but not identical pieces. Much better.
15. Perfection Is Overrated
If there’s one thing I learned? Styled shelves should feel lived-in, not like a museum display. If something doesn’t feel right, switch it up. And if you’re overthinking it (which I did, a lot)—take a break, come back later, and trust your gut.
Final Thoughts
It took me way longer than I care to admit to get my built-ins looking right. But once I let go of the pressure to make them perfect and just focused on what felt good, everything fell into place.
So, if you’re feeling stuck, my advice? Start fresh, take your time, and don’t be afraid to break a few “design rules.”
And if you’ve got a styling win (or disaster story), tell me—I love a good decor struggle moment. 😉🔥