Open shelving is a popular design choice that can add charm, functionality, and a sense of airiness to a space. However, without a bit of thoughtful styling, open shelves can quickly turn from stylish to cluttered. If you’re someone who loves the idea of showcasing your favorite items, but want to avoid a chaotic, overstuffed look, we’ve got some tips to help you strike the perfect balance between organized and aesthetically pleasing.

Let’s dive into how to style open shelving in a way that looks both beautiful and functional, without feeling overwhelming.

1.Start with a Clear Vision

Before you begin styling your open shelves, it’s important to have a clear vision of how you want the space to feel. Do you want it to look minimalist and clean, or more curated and eclectic? Having a general idea of your desired style will help you make better choices when deciding what items to display.

A clean, simple look might call for fewer, more carefully selected pieces, while a more relaxed, layered approach could allow for more variety. Either way, start by considering the overall aesthetic of the room and how the shelves can complement it.

Tip: Choose a theme for the shelves. Whether it’s vintage, modern, or nature-inspired, a theme will help guide your choices and keep everything cohesive.

2. Use Trays and Baskets for Organization

One of the simplest ways to keep open shelving looking organized is by using trays and baskets. These pieces not only add texture and style but also provide a practical way to corral smaller items, making them look tidy and intentional.

For example, use a tray to group a few vases or a set of candles, or place a basket on the bottom shelf to store extra linens, books, or kitchen tools. Baskets and trays provide a neat, contained space for items that might otherwise look scattered across the shelf.

Tip: Opt for neutral tones or materials that match the rest of your decor. Rattan, metal, or wooden trays and baskets can add texture without taking attention away from the rest of the shelves.

3. Edit and Curate Your Items

The key to styling open shelving without it looking cluttered is editing. Instead of simply placing everything you own on the shelves, take a step back and think about what you really want to showcase. The goal is to create a curated, well-thought-out display, not a collection of random items.

Start by removing everything from the shelves and then slowly add back only the pieces that serve a purpose or contribute to the overall design. This may mean editing down collections of dishes, books, or decor items so that only the most meaningful or beautiful pieces remain. Less is often more!

4. Mix Functional and Decorative Items

A great way to prevent your open shelving from feeling like a junk drawer is by mixing functional items with decorative pieces. For instance, combine a set of pretty dishes with a decorative plant, or pair a stack of books with a vintage trinket box. Mixing these elements gives the shelves a purpose while still allowing them to look visually interesting.

Functional items, like coffee mugs or kitchenware, can be displayed alongside decorative objects, such as candles, art prints, or vases. This balance creates a space that feels useful but also visually appealing.

5. Play with Height and Arrangement

To avoid a cluttered look, consider the height and arrangement of your items. Avoid stacking everything in the same direction or height. Mix tall, medium, and short items, and vary the placement across the shelves for a dynamic, balanced arrangement.

For example, taller items like vases or decorative sculptures can be placed at the back of the shelf, while smaller items like books or plants can be placed in the front. This layering creates depth and keeps the shelves from looking flat or overcrowded.

Tip: Group similar items together in odd numbers (three or five), as this tends to be more visually pleasing than even groupings. This simple technique helps create harmony on the shelves.

6. Add Greenery for Freshness

Incorporating plants into your open shelving is an easy way to add life, colour, and texture without making the space feel overcrowded. Plants are natural, and versatile, and can help break up the monotony of other decor pieces. Whether it’s a small succulent, a trailing vine, or a larger indoor plant, greenery can soften the look of your shelves and make them feel fresh and inviting.

For a more modern vibe, you could go for a minimalist succulent, while a cascading fern could give a bohemian flair. Just be mindful of the size and placement of the plants to avoid them overwhelming the shelves.

Tip: Use planters in neutral tones or subtle textures to avoid too much contrast with the rest of the decor. For a touch of personality, experiment with unique planters that complement your overall aesthetic.

7. Consider Color Coordination

One of the easiest ways to keep open shelving from looking cluttered is by color-coordinating the items. This doesn’t mean everything needs to match perfectly, but keeping a cohesive colour palette can help create a more organized and visually appealing display.

For example, if you’re styling kitchen shelves, you could opt for white and neutral dishware, while mixing in natural wood elements. In a living room, books can be organized by colour, and knick-knacks can be grouped in similar hues. A thoughtful colour scheme can tie everything together, making the space look intentional and curated rather than chaotic.

Tip: If you prefer an eclectic look, try limiting the colour palette to just three or four tones to maintain harmony across the shelves.

8. Keep It Personal, Not Overcrowded

One of the best parts about open shelving is the opportunity to showcase your personality and style. Whether it’s a collection of antique books, travel souvenirs, or unique art pieces, your shelves can tell a story. But it’s important not to overdo it. Too many personal items can quickly make a space feel cluttered.

Select a few key pieces that represent your personality or hold sentimental value and leave the rest behind. The idea is to create a space that feels uniquely you, while still maintaining balance and clarity.

Tip: Less is more when it comes to personal items. Instead of placing every souvenir or trinket you own, choose a few that have the most meaning or visual appeal.

Styling open shelving doesn’t have to be a stressful task. By being intentional with the items you display, creating balance, and introducing layers of texture, you can transform your open shelves into a beautiful, organized feature in your home. With a little curation and thoughtful design, open shelving can enhance your space, making it feel both functional and personal—without looking cluttered.

Remember, open shelves should feel like an extension of your home’s style, a place where every piece has a purpose. Happy styling!