Best Designer Shelf Styling Tips for Spring


I love starting each season with a fresh look and small changes that keep our home warm and inviting. While learning how to style shelves for spring, I reflected on the creative process and thought it would be fun to share my shelf-styling journey with you.

These tips serve as your starting point for creating beautiful spaces in your home that reflect your unique personality and style, all while eliminating the guesswork and stress of decorating. Let’s dive in!

A decorative shelf, styled to perfection, features a vintage rabbit figurine, framed photo, potted plants, a small lamp, and charming vintage items. The floral wallpaper offers a classic touch while greenery drapes gracefully across the shelf.

On my blog WM Design House, I may sometimes use affiliate links, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Table of contents

Pinterest Challenge

Today is the Pinterest Challenge—a fun event where a group of us bloggers come together to get creative!

Our friend Cindy at @countyroad407 shares an inspiring image. We each added our own spin and are excited to share it with you all.

I can’t wait for you to see how we’ve recreated it!

A decorative graphic with a purple leafy border. Text reads: "Pinterest Challenge. One Inspiration Photo, Several Different Styles. Hosted by countyroad407.com". In the center, there are watercolor books and flowers.

Today’s inspiration from Sharon @HouseonHeatherfield showcases a simply styled spring mantel adorned with charming baskets, Easter eggs, flower pots, lush greenery, and vibrant blooms. This delightful arrangement challenged us to design a spring-themed mantel or set of shelves inspired by the newness of spring.

A white brick fireplace with a black metal screen is adorned with a variety of potted plants and decorative items. A wicker basket, a golden watering can, and a latticework piece sit on the mantel. Strings of beads hang elegantly across the front.

If you have come over from my friend Barbara @frenchethereal, welcome. I have no doubt that you loved her creative mantel styling.

How to style Shelves in the Living Room

Elevate your living room with simple-styled shelves that show off your personality and create a warm atmosphere. This guide will explore simple tips and creative ideas for displaying your books, decor, and treasures. We aim to create a balanced and eye-catching display.

Whether you are decorating open shelving, a built-in bookcase, or a stand alone shelving unit, these tips will all apply.

Whether you want a simple look or a full seasonal display, this blog post has the inspiration you need. You’ll discover how to transform your shelves into a stunning focal point for your home.

A rustic shelf with stacked books, terracotta pots, green ferns, and a small lamp. A decorative piece featuring flowers and a bird rests on a miniature wooden chest with drawers. The setting is cozy and nature-inspired.
A decorative shelf with a small wooden chest, ceramic bird, and lamb figure on top. Below, a white ornate bowl with lid, glass jars, a pink vase with a bird's nest, and a pink tulip. Delicate branches and a polka-dot plate adorn the background.

Color


I prefer a neutral palette when designing shelves, as it provides a timeless, elegant foundation. However, I enjoy incorporating seasonal touches of color—such as subtle hues for Spring or festive accents for holidays—to refresh the space.

When selecting colors, consider those that resonate with the overall design of your room. Remember, color is deeply personal, and choosing what makes you feel welcomed and comfortable in the space is essential.

Be sure to repeat the same color throughout your living room shelves design.

Image featuring a "Fresh Spring Color Palette" with five horizontal color swatches: Moss Green, Peony Pink, Cranberry Red, Terracotta, and Alabaster White—perfect for learning how to style shelves elegantly. The text "WMDesignHouse.com" is at the bottom.

Best Accent Pieces for Shelf Styling

Before we start styling our shelves, let’s gather a variety of items from around the house. Shop your home first before looking for new pieces.

If you want a great option, try the thrift store or an estate sale to find one-of-a-kind items.  As you select your treasures, aim for variety in color, shape, and size to ensure each shelf feels balanced. Include height variation and repeat colors to add visual interest and harmony to your design. This thoughtful approach allows you to curate a shelf design that reflects your style.

Here is a list of my favorite decor items. (most of my decor has come from thrifting)

Books

A stack of vintage books is topped with an open book, its pages artistically folded to spell "home." The image is brightly lit with a blurred green background, suggesting a window view.

Books are a timeless decorative element for any shelf. Rather than lining the entire shelf with a lot of books, consider a creative approach: lay a few on their sides, mix in some upright volumes, and display the pages rather than the bindings for a softer, textured look.

For a truly personalized touch, try a DIY book project by re-binding some books to create a completely custom design, or try book page folding like I did to create this sweet book that says home.

Tie a few together with twine to form a unique stack of books, and if you’re aiming to add a splash of color, opt for a few vibrant covers. This method infuses character and style into your space and turns books into versatile risers for your cherished decorative accents.

I am fond of old, tattered books that carry a story with every worn page. I’ve even been known to remove a book’s binding to reveal the character of its spine.

Greenery and Flowers

A bouquet of white flowers and green leaves sits on a wooden table. Nearby, a wicker basket is tipped over, spilling pink tulips. The background shows blurred greenery through a window.

Greenery and flowers are a perfect way to inject color and life into your shelves. While I may not have the best luck with real plants, faux greenery, and blooms are my go-to for stylish yet low-maintenance decoration in the house.

Select a variety of greenery in different shades, maybe even a trailing plant; also, choose simple flowers that complement your space. To elevate the look, place them in a mix of containers, such as woven baskets, glass vases, pottery, or wooden planters, creating depth and texture while decorating shelves. 

Family Photos and Framed Art 

Three framed pictures on a wooden surface. The first is a black and white photo of a baby and child. The second is a cityscape sketch with buildings and water towers. The third is an oval-shaped vintage illustration in a black frame.

Be sure to gather different sizes of framed photos and small pieces of artwork to add to your shelf styling ideas. These pieces can add color and a personal touch to your living room shelf design. 

Nothing tells a story like a picture.

Pottery, Stoneware and Vases 

A group of white ceramic pitchers, a lidded tureen, and a tall bottle are arranged on a wooden surface with a blurred green background, suggesting a view through a window. The items vary in size and shape, creating a harmonious display.

Pottery and Ironstone are timeless pieces that can genuinely elevate your shelf styling. I love incorporating white ironstone into my living room shelves for its classic appeal.

Still, any collection of glass, ceramic, or pottery pieces you already own can work beautifully as well. If you don’t have a collection, start with a few key items.

I recommend selecting various sizes and shapes and sticking to a neutral color palette so these pieces can seamlessly transition throughout the year.

Add a few colorful pieces to give your display a seasonal refresh. While I lean toward vintage items, feel free to embrace a modern aesthetic as you learn how to style your shelves.

A group of decorative vases and sculptures on a table. A white bowl with floral design, a tall green vase with flowers, an ornate pink glass, a small green leaf-shaped vase, and a white bust with floral headpiece are arranged together.
Tip from wendy:

Enhance your shelf display with small USB-powered lights. Their warm glow beautifully highlights your decor while creating a cozy, inviting ambiance in your space.

A brass table lamp with a pleated shade emits a warm glow. It sits on a wooden shelf beside green fern leaves and a stack of vintage books, creating a cozy and rustic ambiance.

Baskets, Bowls and Decorative Boxes 

A wooden table holding a two-tier wooden chest with small drawers. On top of the chest is a woven straw basket. In front of the chest is a wooden tray with handles. The background is softly blurred with green and yellow tones.

Incorporating larger items like baskets, trays, and wooden pieces adds functionality and character to your shelves. These pieces anchor the design, providing structure and space for smaller items. I particularly love the texture and warmth that basketry, wood, and rustic metal bring to a vignette, adding layers of visual interest.

Small Sculptures 

A collection of decorative wooden and stone ornaments on a surface. Includes a rabbit, a bowling pin shape, a leaf design, a carved pinecone, and a snowman shape. The background is a blurred outdoor scene with green and yellow tones.

Incorporating small sculptures into your shelf styling adds an artistic touch, creating captivating focal points and enhancing the overall depth of your decor.

During the holidays, consider adding seasonal items like rabbits or Christmas trees for a festive flair.

Tip from wendy:

Curate a collection of small statues and trinkets that truly reflect your personality. Mix different shapes, colors, and textures. Display them in grouped arrangements to create an engaging, personalized focal point on your shelves.

Personal Momentums (small items) 

A rustic arrangement on a wooden table featuring a framed photo, a vintage teapot with moss and flowers, a pot with rolled papers and moss, twine balls, gears in a jar, and a decorative metal cover. Blurred green background.

Incorporate smaller pieces with personal meaning into your shelf styling to create a unique narrative. Each cherished keepsake—a vintage trinket, a picture of the grandchildren, or a handcrafted item—adds depth and character to your display.

As a designer, I believe that these meaningful accents transform ordinary shelves into intimate spaces that reflect your aesthetic and tell your personal story. 

I love to add some treasures that were left by my grandparents, like this vintage string holder and a silver teapot that I have filled with moss and a birds nest.

Spring Specific Items

A great way to infuse your shelves with spring is by incorporating a natural element—such as a bird’s nest, some terra cotta flower pots, or a small bunny figurine—paired with blooms like tulips or daffodils. Keep a consistent color palette using light pastels and white for a fresh, seasonal look.

A cozy shelf styled with vintage books, small terracotta pots, and a decorative green tile. A gentle lamp casts a warm glow, while ferns and pink flowers add a touch of nature. Perfect for discovering how to style shelves with timeless elegance.
A white ceramic bowl on a shelf holds pink flowers and lush green fern fronds. Books with faded spines are stacked above, and a small moss ball decorates the shelf. The background is a light wood panel.
A terracotta pot lays on its side, with several cream and pale pink artificial flowers spilling out. There is a green stem attached to the flowers, and a second pot partially visible in the background.
A decorative display featuring a small bird's nest on a pink pedestal stand with a red and pink textured glass jar. Beside it, there's a white ornate teapot with a branch of white flowers resting on it.
Tip from wendy:

Keep It Clutter-Free: Choose quality over quantity. A well-curated selection of decor items helps maintain a fresh, airy aesthetic perfect for spring.

Rules for Decorating Shelves (How to Style Shelves)


I use the term “rules” loosely, as I believe shelf decorating is all about free expression. However, there are a few guidelines I like to follow.

Empty wooden bookshelf with a light cream color stands against a floral-patterned wallpaper in shades of blue and white. A small lamp with a white shade and a bowl with greenery are placed on top of the bookshelf.
A rustic wooden shelf partially filled with decor items including a small green Christmas tree, books, a vintage tea set, a wooden jewelry box, and a lamp. The shelf is set against floral wallpaper. Greenery and a photo frame adorn the top.
A cream-colored wooden shelf against floral wallpaper. The shelves hold a mix of vintage items: a green ceramic pitcher, stacked books, a wooden box, a rabbit figurine, a vase with pink tulips, and some greenery.
White ceramic vase adorned with floral designs, holding five pink tulips with green stems. The vase is placed on a wooden shelf, adding a decorative touch to the setting.
Antique pink and white glass salt and pepper shakers sit on a shelf alongside vintage issues of Scribner's Magazine from 1891. A white pitcher and some greenery are also visible in the background.
A decorative arrangement featuring a brown rabbit figurine in front of a white ceramic teapot, a pink tulip, and a pink glass vase with a bird's nest on a pedestal. Blossoms and greenery add a touch of spring.
A small green and brown ceramic bird figurine sits on a wooden surface next to a fern leaf. The bird has a rustic, weathered appearance and the wooden surface features a round drawer knob.
A brass table lamp with a pleated shade emits a warm glow. It sits on a wooden shelf beside green fern leaves and a stack of vintage books, creating a cozy and rustic ambiance.
  • Start with a Clean Slate: Clear your shelves to create a blank slate before arranging your items.
  • Establish a Focal Point: Choose one statement piece to anchor your design and draw the eye.
  • Mix Heights and Sizes: Mix a taller item with medium objects and delicate, smaller vignettes to create a dynamic and balanced display.
  • Create Visual Balance: Aim for a mix of symmetry and asymmetry—group similar items together but avoid overly rigid arrangements.
  • Incorporate Variety: Use a blend of textures, colors, and materials (like books, plants, artwork, and decorative objects) to create depth.
  • Leave Negative Space: Avoid overcrowding by leaving empty space; it lets your pieces breathe and stand out.
  • Personalize Your Display: Include meaningful items and personal touches that reflect your unique style and story.
  • Avoid overcrowding your shelves: Avoid overcrowding your shelves; leave enough space for each item to be appreciated and create a sense of balance in your bookshelf arrangement.
  • Odd Numbers: Using odd numbers in decorating is a classic design principle that creates a natural balance and visual intrigue. Grouping items in odd numbers, like three or five, establishes a central focal point and breaks up symmetry, resulting in a more organic arrangement. This technique guides the viewer’s eye through the display, making your decor appear both thoughtfully curated and inviting.

Each shelf should feel distinct yet cohesive to achieve a balanced layout. Avoid placing identical, similarly sized items in a row across every shelf. Instead, experiment with different groupings—some shelves may feature two items, others three, or even a bold, single statement piece.

A white shelf adorned with decorative items: pottery jug, vintage rabbit weathervane, framed photo, terracotta pots, greenery, pink blossoms, small drawers, white teapot, pink cups, and a plate. Blue floral wallpaper background with a small lamp.

This variation will enhance the visual appeal while maintaining harmony with your chosen color scheme. Height plays a key role in creating interest.

For instance, using equal-sized objects on one shelf can form a clean, horizontal line, while a taller piece flanked by shorter ones on another shelf can create a pyramid-like effect.

Below are examples of how to play with both number and height for beautifully styled shelves.


Shelf decorating ideas

Ultimately, trust your instincts when decorating shelves in living room. Feel free to adopt any of my suggestions—mix, match, and adjust them to create a space that feels uniquely yours.

Discover how to style shelves with a cream-colored wooden design, adorned with white teapots, a wooden jewelry box, and assorted trinkets. Enhance the charm with a small lamp and potted plants against floral wallpaper.
Heavier Shelf Styling
Learn how to style shelves with this beige wooden bookshelf. It boasts decorative items like books, a bunny sculpture, a lamp, vases of pink tulips, candy jars, rustic boxes, and a white ceramic pitcher—all set against a blue floral-patterned wallpaper for added charm.
Super Simple and Clean Styling
flourish

Other posts you will love!

If you love this Decorating blog post , you might also enjoy some of my other favorites:

The Best Vintage Garden Decor Ideas for Indoors

15 Best Kitchen Decorating and Remodeling Ideaa

All the best decorating tips

Spring Mantel Ideas: Decorating your home

It is so refreshing to change out seasonal decor and introduce new colors, and the arrival of spring is one of my favorite times of the year.

Spring Mantel Ideas
All the best decorating tips

Summer Tablescape with Lemons and FREE Lemon Printables

Join me in creating a stunning summer lemon tablescape! With just a few simple items and my free printables, you’ll have a refreshingly beautiful setup that will impress your friends and family.

Lemon Tablescape

That’s all for now, but there’s still plenty of spring inspiration to explore! Be sure to visit my friend Diane @Southhousedesigns to see how she’s transforming her home for the season, and don’t miss the stunning creations from the rest of our creative community below.

signature

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


A white wooden shelf with a decorative rabbit on a stick, vases, books, a lamp, and greenery. The wall behind has floral wallpaper and a blue paint. Text at the bottom reads: "Designer Shelf Decorating Tips" with a website URL.

More about me!

Wendy

Hello, I’m Wendy – a dedicated homemaker with a deep passion for decorating, gardening, cooking, and crafting. I find joy in harmonizing beautiful elements to fashion a space that is both comfortable and inspiring. I will help you create a beautiful home, one project at a time.

Connect with Wendy

Similar Posts

9 Comments

  1. Great styling tips, Wendy! I think the difference between the clean styling look and a more full one is definitely the addition of natural touches and foliage. Can totally see that in your comparison. I’m sure seeing all the steps will be a great guide for people. Love the time lapse:)

    Reply

  2. What great ideas for a bookcase or any surface where decor is needed. Love the nods to spring and Easter. You’ve shared some great vignettes for all types of surfaces from tables, to shelves and mantels.

    Reply

  3. Wendy you always have the best tips and advise. Plus I appreciate your step by step guide in decorating each shelf with variations! Wonderful inspiration my friend!

    Reply

  4. Hands down, I would have chosen the lighter/simpler-styled shelves! But now, I’m all into the heavier decorated shelves. Give me all the stuff! Love how you gave us so many examples and the shelves look fantastic! So much color and happiness! Glad you could join us. pinned

    Reply

  5. Wendy, such cute shelves! I’m loving all the pinks and florals and that sweet bunny!

    Reply

  6. Always, always the best tips!!! And can we just stop a take about THAT Wallpaper!!!!
    STUNNING!

    Reply
  7. RACHEL HARPER says:

    Wendy,
    Your book shelf is styled beautifully. Just a note that I couldn’t leave a comment on mobile. Have a great day..

    Reply

  8. Wendy, I love that you’ve created two different displays here showcasing some of the same elements but also incorporating different ones. Good tips shared, too! I keep looking for a different hutch with larger shelves so I can use the middle area more for my dining/kitchen area. One day. 🙂 Love your rabbit… <3

    Enjoy your lovely spring shelves,
    Barb 🙂

    Reply

  9. I love all of the beautiful shelf vignettes that you styled, Wendy. And I always love seeing your Spring bunny flying over your armoire! Great post!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *