Accessorizing a High Shelf

Although not particularly useful, a high shelf or ledge can create points of interest in a room that draw the eye upward. Select items to place around the upper border of a room, accessorizing a high shelf with bold and interesting objects. This might be the ideal spot to display an unusual or distinctive collection of items, sharing objects that you love but don’t need to access often.

Things You'll Need

• Pottery and vases
• Framed art
• Tall candlesticks
• Large plates
• Plate holders
• Silk greenery in distinctive containers

Instructions

1. Choose the focal points you wish to showcase on the high shelf. This should be one or two main pieces that are large and bold, such as a large painting with an ornate frame or a large piece of pottery or vase. Place the focal points on the shelf in spots that balance the shelf, with each bold piece anchoring the shelf at different places.

2. Add items that create height that will offset the focal point pieces. Some examples of these items might include candlesticks, other pottery pieces and large plates held in plate holders. These pieces should be slightly shorter than the focal points, but still tall enough to continue the height of the groupings. Try nestling these items on either side of each focal point to complement the main pieces.

3. Place silk greenery interspersed with the other objects to add a soft texture and natural color to the decor. Choose greenery with a variety of shapes such as trailing ivy or upright shoots, depending on your personal preference. Use distinctive containers to hold the greenery to add interest to the arrangement.

4. Fill in bare spots with smaller pottery, ceramic animals, photographs, candles or baskets. Strive for a balance of color, texture, size and height without making the grouping appear cluttered.

5. Stand at various locations in the room to assess the effect of the accessories on the shelf from different perspectives. Adjust the placement of the items until you like the way the shelf looks.

References

• St. Petersburg Times; How to Accessorize in Your Home's High Places; Mary Carol Garrity; May 2010
• Your Decorating Hotline; Ledge Accessorizing Tutorial; September 2011