Open shelving is the natural place to display your very best decor finds. In fact, the very nature of the shelf allows your chosen pieces to be viewed at eye level, making them the main focus of attention. A carefully-curated edit of decorative objects displayed at different heights is the perfect way to spruce up a plain wall, IMO, so I’m on the hunt to find the most eye-catching and stylish home accessories to do just that.
If you’re in need of a little open shelving inspo then you’re in luck, as I’ve searched through the best home decor stores with a fine-tooth comb to find the home accessories that were simply made to be displayed. From sculptural ornaments to the chicest bowls and vases, here are the best buys to elevate your open shelving.
Our top 12 open shelving decor picks
Best decorative objects
This decorative knot looks almost unreasonably chic. It has a matte ceramic finish, so will pair beautifully with neutral, minimalist pieces.
Not only is this Loewe candle on the top of everybody’s wish list ATM, it releases the beautiful scent of honeysuckle when it’s lit. The soft yellow tone of the stoneware jar makes it incredibly easy to style too!
Add shape and dimension to your open shelving with this curved sculptural candle holder. It looks just as striking on its own as it does with a statement pair of taper candles.
Best bowls and trays
Speaking of adding dimension to your scheme, this sleek bowl has a standing pillar design, making it the perfect piece to pair with shorter decorative objects.
This standing tray is made of reclaimed wood, so each piece is special. The hand-carved finish will add an organic element to your decor.
These stylish marble bowls are bestsellers for a reason! The standing design and contrasting colors do all the hard styling work for you.
Best vases
When it comes to vases, you want a piece that makes just as much of a statement on its own as it does when full of flowers. This deep orange wing-detail piece is the perfect example.
And I could say the same about this small-yet-stylish vase. The textured stoneware will add interest to a selection of tonal decor accessories.
I adore the scalloped detail on the rim of this vase. With its contrast base and romantic accents, it’s the perfect blend of charming and chic.
Best book decor
A stack of books is a classic shelf decor option, and this set of green marble bookends with an art deco feel will instantly elevate the look of your collection.
And these organically-shaped matte stoneware bookends double up as vases, adding to your decor in more ways than one!
Finally, this Aussoline hardback will make just as much of a statement on your open shelving as it would on a coffee table.
How do you decorate open shelves?
There are a few failsafe home accessory combos that will always elevate your open shelving. Some classic decorative options include: bowls, books, vases, ornaments, and candles.
Shelves, by nature, are flat - so it’s important to create height and dimension through your chosen decor. The shape and silhouettes of the pieces you choose are key - a sculpted vase makes a striking statement against a plain wall for example, and standing bowls or sculptural pieces are great options for contrasting with flatter accessories like trinket trays.
When it comes to color, stick to different shades of one palette (e.g. earthy tones or different shades of neutrals like cream, beige and brown) for a classic look. If opting for a tonal look, different textures will give the arrangement more of a considered feel. Organic materials make the chicest finishes in this case - matte and textured stoneware and hand-carved woodwork to name a few.
You can brighten things up by selecting one or two pieces in statement colors while keeping the rest of your shelving decor neutral. Or of course you can experiment with color a little more and clash different bright shades (e.g. the colorful book and stonework vase above) if you’re after more of a playful, modern scheme.
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