Are you looking for an easy way to add some life and personality to your dining room?
Consider transforming that boring wall shelf in the corner of the room into something special. With a few simple tweaks, you can create an eye-catching accent piece that adds warmth and character to your space. From decorative covers or baskets to collectibles and artwork, these creative ideas will help you spruce up your dining area and make it unique.
Shelves are a great way to bring new decor pieces into the space, but traditional shelves can seem like a bit of an eyesore. What if there was a fun, stylish alternative that could be used not only as storage, but also as covers or decorative items for other pieces in your home? We’ve got good news – there is!
In this blog post, we’ll share our best tips on how to decorate dining room shelves.
What Will You Need?
To create a stunning shelf display, you’ll need some essential items:
- Shelves: Whether they are built-in or floating, shelves are an easy way to add extra storage and decorative touches without taking up too much space.
- Wallpaper/Wall Art: Vibrant colors, bold patterns, or interesting photographs can lend a sophisticated, modern touch to your dining space.
- Baskets: Use small baskets to store items such as tea towels and napkins. They look great when placed on shelves and help keep things organized.
- Collectibles: Small figurines, trinkets, and other collectibles add a unique touch to your shelf. Choose items that are small enough to fit and will complement the other decor pieces in your space.
- Books: Incorporating books is a great way to bring color and texture into your dining area, plus it adds interest for visitors who may want to browse through them.
- Plants: Adding plants can give any room an instant pop of life, plus they have the added bonus of improving air quality! Look for plants that don’t require too much upkeep or light and place them strategically on shelves or near windowsills.
- Frames: You can never go wrong with framed art or photos – it’s easy to add personality and warmth without overpowering the space.
With these items, you can create a beautiful display that instantly adds style and charm to your dining room. Let’s take a look at how you can assemble them into an eye-catching shelf arrangement!
10 Easy Steps on How to Decorate Dining Room Shelves
When it comes to arranging your shelves, there are no set rules – have fun and be creative! Here are some tips for how to make the most of your shelving space:
1. Group Items Together:
Start by grouping like items together, such as plants or books in one area and collectibles in another. This will help keep the design cohesive while still allowing each item to stand out on its own. Be careful not to overcrowd the shelves – allowing some empty space between items will help keep the look balanced.
2. Layer Textures & Colors:
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different colors, textures, and patterns – it can add a bit of visual interest to your display. Try layering various items such as books, baskets, artwork, or decorative covers. If you’re using wallpaper or wall art, use similar colors throughout the room to ensure a cohesive look.
3. Add Visual Interest:
Incorporate items that have interesting shapes or sizes for added visual interest. This could be something like a tall candlestick or a large vase as the centerpiece of your shelf. You can also use this opportunity to showcase any statement pieces you may have.
4. Hang Wall Art:
A great way to use wall space is to hang art or photographs on the walls above the shelves. You can also hang small plants from string or macramé if you want an airy, boho vibe. Don’t be afraid to play around with how the items are arranged – you can move them around until you find a look that works for you.
5. Vary Heights & Depths:
When arranging items on your shelves, be sure to vary the heights and depths of each item for a balanced display. This will help make the shelf look more visually interesting. And don’t be afraid to play around with how items are stacked – it can really make a difference in how the shelf looks!
6. Incorporate Accent Pieces:
Accent pieces such as trinkets or figurines add texture and personality to any shelf display. Try including a few small items in various colors to break up larger items and add contrast. Another great idea is to hang a small terrarium or air plant from a hook on the shelf.
7. Use Books As Fillers:
Books can be used as fillers when arranging shelves – just stack them vertically or horizontally to create a unique look! You can also use books to prop up smaller items. There are so many ways to use books when decorating a shelf.
8. Utilize Empty Space:
Look for any empty space in your shelf display and utilize it! This could be an area between books or baskets or a small corner that is not used. Fill these areas with small items such as candles or plants to draw attention to them.
9. Use Wallpaper For Interest:
Adding wallpaper on the walls behind the shelves can give them a unique, eye-catching look. Choose a pattern that complements the other decor pieces, and don’t be afraid to mix and match colors, prints, and textures! It will help bring the whole setup together.
10. Don’t Overstuff:
The key to creating an attractive shelf display is balance – so don’t overstuff your shelves! Leave enough room to breathe between items and try not to overcrowd them. Consider adding floating shelves or a separate bookcase if you need more storage space.
These tips will help you create an amazing shelf display that is both appealing and functional. With a little bit of creativity, you can transform any dining room into a stylish space that your guests will love! Happy decorating!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Choose items in varying heights and depths of interest. A mix of short, tall, and shallow pieces will create a sense of depth on your shelves.
- Incorporate multiple materials for texture. Mix interesting fabrics such as velvet or woven baskets with ceramic dishes, metallic accents, and wood pieces to add visual appeal.
- Add a pop of color! Brightly colored objects can add contrast and bring life to the space. But be sure not to go overboard — too many colors can be overwhelming!
- Use plants or flowers for color and texture variation – adding lush greenery or vibrant blooms is an easy way to elevate any shelf display without taking up much space.
- Don’t forget to edit! After arranging your shelves, look over the display and take out items that don’t quite fit or are distracting from the overall design. A minimalistic approach can bring a sense of sophistication to any space.
With these tips and tricks in mind, you’ll be able to create stylish and eye-catching displays for your dining room shelves! Have fun experimenting with different textures, colors, shapes, and heights – you might even find a hidden talent for interior design!
5 Things You Should Avoid
1. Overcrowding: Too much clutter on shelves can make them look messy and disorganized. Try to keep items grouped together in small clusters to create a more cohesive look.
2. Choosing the Wrong Size Pieces: Make sure you have the right size of items for your shelves, or else they will be difficult to arrange or take up too much space.
3. Using Low-Quality Materials: Low-quality materials do not last and often don’t add anything visually attractive to the room, so try to use higher quality pieces.
4. Overlooking Balance: When arranging items on shelves, pay attention to how balanced it looks from all angles. A great trick is to start with one key item in the middle, then work around that.
5. Ignoring Color Palette: Try to keep the colors you choose for items on your shelves consistent with the room’s color palette. This will create a more unified look and feel.
Remember, when it comes to how to decorate dining room shelves, it’s all about finding the right balance of form and function. With these tips in mind, you can easily create a beautiful display that will make your dining room look elegant and inviting!
Conclusion
Whether your shelves are in the dining room or elsewhere in your home, these tips will give you a good starting point for decorating them with style. Have fun shopping for items to fill your shelves, and don’t be afraid to change things up from time to time as your taste evolves.
With a little bit of thought and effort, you can create beautiful displays that add character and interest to your home.
Hopefully, the article has given you the inspiration and confidence to start styling your own shelf displays.
Now that you know how to decorate dining room shelves, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge into practice. Go forth and create the beautiful, functional shelving of your dreams—your dining room will thank you for it!