• Blog
    • In the Home
    • Shop
    • Projects
    • In the Kitchen
    • Lifestyle
    • Design Work
    • Wedding
  • Shop
    • Shop my Home
      • Living Room
      • Bedroom
      • Office
      • Kitchen
      • Powder Room
      • Deck
      • Dining Room
    • Shop my Outfits
    • Shop Instagram
    • Where I Shop
    • Amazon Shop
    • Presets
    • Design Boards
    • Splurge or Save
  • Services
    • Interior E-Design & Styling
    • Branding & Design
    • Content Creation
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Contact

Meg Leonard | Design & Lifestyle Co.

In the Home

8 Steps to Restyle Shelves Successfully

June 13, 2021

 

Shelf styling is one of the hardest things to do in a home! Between overdoing it and deciding what objects to choose, it can easily be overwhelming. Take my 8 steps to restyle your shelves without the headache!

 

1. Clear It All Out

This may seem obvious, but is an important first step. Even if you have objects you know you are definitely going to use, still take them off your shelves. This will give you a blank slate to explore an even better spot for those favorite items!

 

2. Determine Purpose

Now that you’ve got your blank slate, think about the purpose of the shelves. From a tv console, office shelves, to above a couch – there are a lot of functional needs that can come into play. For example, do you OR could you use that space to store remotes, keys, oils, documents, toys? This will help identify whether or not you need bins or boxes, and if so, an accessible place for them to live. 

Sometimes, shelves are just meant to enhance the look of the space! So, don’t fret if you have no functional needs, or just 1. For example, our TV console has a small box for our car keys. Otherwise, it is meant to be full of aesthetically pleasing objects that make our space feel light and airy as you walk into the room! Plus, it makes me so happy to look up at a beautiful mix of objects each day, making home ours!

 

3. Gather Decor & Shop Your Home

It helps to get a comprehensive view of everything you may have to work with. This may sound overwhelming, but I promise it actually helps with each phase of styling! I literally drop everything on a table or on the floor right in site, but far enough away that it doesn’t clutter my view of the end result.

Most of the time, you do not need to run out and buy a bunch of new decor to restyle a space and get to a point where you love it. I always shop my home as a creative challenge and to make the most of what I have already purchased. Whether its grabbing objects from other areas, or heading to my storage bins – it helps!

Some of my favorite shelf decor items include:

  • Bins/boxes
  • Vases
  • Faux Plants
  • Hardcover books
  • Bowls
  • Decorative spheres or objects
  • Picture frames
  • Candlesticks
  • Greenery Stems
  • Hats
  • Vintage books
  • Ceramic pieces
  • Trays

 

4. Choose a Color Palette

It’s always good to start with a palette in mind. Consider the season first and the longevity of the pieces you have. For example, we are going into Spring, so I am focused on whites, golds, woods, and moody greens/blues that feel fresh but aren’t so pastel.

No matter what colors you go with – from bright, moody, to neutral – a base color and a metallic accent color is a good approach but don’t be afraid to explore!

 

5. Place Your Larger Items First

These items tend to be bowls, books, art, prints, or frames. A common mistake when styling a shelf is styling with too many objects. The more you have, the less of an impact each item makes. Placing the large items first allow you to have anchor pieces, to then fill in with accents.

 

6. Take a Step Back

After those larger items are balanced out, take a step back and take a look at placement to determine how you’ll go into the next few steps. This is an important tip to keep in mind as you go into completion for those moments where you start to become frustrated or overwhelmed.

 

7. Create Balance

Now that you’ve got your larger pieces up, focus on balance and visual weight. Because shelves offer a lot of space to fill, balance and visual weight play a big part in getting it right.

Think about symmetry. Not everything has to be perfect, but the ends of your shelves should be somewhat consistent in height and shape. You can layer items as well to accomplish depth and height.

With that in mind, place your smaller items in groupings based on color, material, and height. It may seem obvious, but having two gold items or two rectangle shapes in one spot will make it feel heavy. Don’t be afraid to mix groupings to not feel so placed. I usually work with ceramic, wood, gold, rattan, whites, cane, and more!

 

8. Display What You Love

The easiest way to fall in love with your shelves & feel accomplished is to display pieces that are important to you. Mixing in objects from a special trip or place in your heart, artsy family photos, vintage finds or heirlooms, etc. can make your shelves truly your own!

 

Shop Shelf Decor

 

0 Comments
Share

You May Also Like

2019 Holiday Home Tour

December 10, 2019

Beach House Build | Announcement & Floor Plan Walkthrough!

July 6, 2021

Entryway Console Design Boards

May 12, 2020

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

Previous Post
Meg Leonard Co. Is Three!
Next Post
The June Edit

Categories

  • Design Work
  • In the Home
  • In the Kitchen
  • Lifestyle
  • Projects
  • Shop
  • Wedding
behind the brand
Meet Meg

Meet Meg

I'm so happy you're here! With a high-taste design eye & a love of affordable finds, my goal is to help you achieve attainable, simple style to create a happy home. By day, I'm lucky to work with brands to foster their growth. Let's chat!

favorite retailers

Where I Shop

Brooke & Lou

Etsy

H&M Home

Pottery Barn

McGee & Co.

Overstock

Target

Terrain

Wayfair

World Market

Amazon Shop

Presets

Frequently Asked Questions

The MLCO Playlist

The ultimate playlist for a happy home, updated monthly – follow along!

Manifesting clear skies with this post ✨🙃 If Manifesting clear skies with this post ✨🙃 If you’re stuck indoors due to the weather, might as well treat yourself during all the MDW sales! I’ve got a one-stop round up on the blog, as well as pieces in my home that are on sale! Easily shop from the link in bio.
•
To shop my outdoor dining space and much more, head to the link in bio! Message me with any questions.
•
•
•
Follow my shop @megleonardco on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKhome 
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/3G3hf #outdoorliving #outdoorfurnitureideas #outdoordiningtable #patiodecor #patiodesign #deckdesign #deckdecor #deckdining #makehomeyours #targetstyle #targetstylehome #targethome #targethomedecor #outdoorfurniture #outdoorseating #outdoorsetup #smmakelifebeautiful #theeverygirlathome #bhgstylemaker #bhghome #springhome #springhomedecor #ltkseasonal #outdoorrug #outdoorpatio #diningsetup #homedecor #outdooroasis
Does making the bed fuel your day? If you haven’ Does making the bed fuel your day? If you haven’t added it to your routine, here’s your inspo ✨ On another note, I’m sharing a few items I’m loving at the moment. Two are pictured here! Learn more in stories and shop via the link in bio!
•
Shop my bedroom, read the blog for the latest updates and tips and much more all from the link in bio. Message me with any questions!
•
•
•
Follow my shop @megleonardco on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKhome 
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/3FUK6 #bedroomdecor #layeredbedding #bedroomdesign #bedroominspo #bedroomideas #bedroomstyling #smmakelifebeautiful #potterybarnstyle #targethomestyle #targethome #bhghome #beddingstyle #bedroominspiration #nightstanddecor #cozyhome #homedecor #neutralhomeedit #bluebedroom #bedroomdesignideas #nightstanddecor
Out of office, but not without finding all the bes Out of office, but not without finding all the best sales for you first ✨ Shop from all my favorite retailers to score pieces at a discount & make home happy today 🤍  Lot of early MDW sales! What are you on the hunt for?
•
Shop the sales, my office and much more all via the link in bio. Message me with any questions!
•
•
•
Follow my shop @megleonardco on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKhome
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/3FJvo #bhghome #bhgstylemaker #makehomeyours #loloirugs #neutralhomedecor #smmakelifebeautiful #showmeyourstyled #inspotoyourhome #apartmenttherapy #myhyggehome #mylovelyneutrals #mcgeeandco #homeoffice #homeofficedecor #homeofficedesign #homeofficegoals #homeofficeinspo #interior123 #woodsandwhites #cozyhome #consoletablestyling #pocketofmyhome #simplehomestyle #smpliving #homedecor #consoledecor #sideboardstyling #consoletablestyling #consoletabledecor
Our primary bedroom is coming together ✨ Amongst Our primary bedroom is coming together ✨ Amongst the stress and occasional chaos of all the projects on our list, creating a calming space where we start and end each day was top of mind 🤍 The bedding sets the tone and I could be happier to have partnered with @the_citizenry ☺️
•
Shop all of their bedding at 15% off with code MEG15! View the rest of the bedroom design and shop the entire space over on megleonard.co via the link in bio. Message me with any questions!
•
•
•
Follow my shop @megleonardco on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKhome
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/3FFgT #bedroomdecor #layeredbedding #bedroomdesign #bedroominspo #bedroomideas #bedroomstyling #smmakelifebeautiful #potterybarnstyle #targethomestyle #targethome #bhghome #beddingstyle #bedroominspiration #nightstanddecor #cozyhome #homedecor #neutralhomeedit
The details make a space ✨ Got my second pin boa The details make a space ✨ Got my second pin board (finally) in and installed this affordable, battery-operated picture light ☺️ Sharing more on that, and a few other items I’m loving at the moment over on stories & megleonard.co - shop at the link in bio!
•
•
•
Follow my shop @megleonardco on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit  #LTKhome
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/3Fn0P #bhghome #bhgstylemaker #makehomeyours #loloirugs #neutralhomedecor #smmakelifebeautiful #showmeyourstyled #inspotoyourhome #apartmenttherapy #myhyggehome #mylovelyneutrals #mcgeeandco #homeoffice #homeofficedecor #homeofficedesign #homeofficegoals #homeofficeinspo #interior123 #woodsandwhites #cozyhome #consoletablestyling #pocketofmyhome #simplehomestyle #smpliving #homedecor #consoledecor #sideboardstyling #consoletablestyling #consoletabledecor
On the blog, I’m sharing 9 Tips for Designing a On the blog, I’m sharing 9 Tips for Designing a Pet Friendly Home ✨ Sollie has certainly made it home over the past few months, but we’ve made sure to maintain all of our ~rules~ to best design for him. Are my new floors scratched? Yep. Are we perfect? Nope. But these few tips go a long way to preserving your items and making it happy for all 🤍
•
To read the blog, shop my dress and office, head to the link in bio! Message me with any questions.
•
•
•
Follow my shop @megleonardco on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKhome 
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/3FjoO #bhghome #bhgstylemaker #makehomeyours #loloirugs #neutralhomedecor #smmakelifebeautiful #showmeyourstyled #inspotoyourhome #apartmenttherapy #myhyggehome #mylovelyneutrals #mcgeeandco #homeoffice #homeofficedecor #homeofficedesign #homeofficegoals #homeofficeinspo #interior123 #woodsandwhites #cozyhome #consoletablestyling #pocketofmyhome #simplehomestyle #smpliving #homedecor #goldensofinstagram #petfriendlyhome #pethome

 

  • Blog
  • Shop
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

© Copyright 2022 • Meg Leonard Co.

 

Loading Comments...