How to Decorate a Home Shelf Wall
A shelf wall counts as more than just a place to put your books. It gives the eye a place to start as it makes its way around the decor in the room. This space is more than just a receptacle. With items like a postcard collection from the coast, an antique mantel clock or a replica of Rodin's Thinker, this decorative element becomes a personal statement in your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Figure out the focal point in the room. A shelf wall usually functions as a natural focal point. A focal point is the place in the room that first draws the attention of the eyes, such as the fireplace or a grand piano. Within the shelf wall should be smaller focal points. On the shelf wall the most logical place is right in the center on one of the bigger shelves. A television or stereo makes a good focal point around which you can place other items.
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Fit the scale of the shelves. An item shouldn't be too small or too big in relation to the shelf it sits on.
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Arrange items on the shelf in groups of threes or fives. This asymmetrical arrangement will add visual interest to the area and help to create visual flow. Place the tallest items in the back in these groupings.
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Select pieces that reflect who you are. This shelf wall should contain personal items that give visitors to your home some idea about what's important to you. These could include things like books, personal shadowboxes, artwork, family photos and other items that represent you well.
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Use mirrors to reflect the light in the room and make the shelf look more expansive.
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Bring light to your shelf by positioning lamps or candles on a shelf. These items help shed light on important items on your shelves. Try floating candle arrangements as an alternative to free-standing candle arrangements. Place the candles only where there is no chance of them igniting other objects or the shelf above.
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Mix and match colors and patterns for visual interest. For example, mix round items in with square or rectangular items. Good choices for this include decorative plate or clock collections, pottery or figurines.
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Make your storage needs decorative by buying interesting-looking baskets to put on the shelves. You can mix and match styles if you've chosen an eclectic decorating motif or buy all matching baskets for a uniform look.
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References
- Home Decorating Room by Room: Home Organizing Tips
- The Budget Decorator: Candlescapes
- Rental Decorating Digest: How to Design a Shelf Display; Kathy Wilson
- Country Living: Decorating Ideas for a Living Room
- Home Decorating Coach: Inexpensive Decorating Ideas
- Creative Homemaking: Ways to Decorate a Living Room with Mirrors; Alyssa Davis
Resources
- Photo Credit Scott Barbour/Getty Images News/Getty Images
