4 min readAt their best, open shelves serve double duty as both an aesthetic feature and a high-function storage solution. Because they possess such focal point potential, decorating them in a way that’s artful and intentional—while ensuring they’re still useful to everyday needs—is a little tricky. You have to consider things like visual balance, personal taste, and utility.
“I love utilizing open shelving in our designs,” says Regan Baker, an interior designer based in San Francisco. “They’re one of the most personal design elements in a home because you're essentially putting your life on display. Done well, it tells a story about who you are and what you love or find beautiful.”
But how do you strike that balance between form and function? Here’s how interior designers approach this home design detail.
Let Color and Material Set the Tone
This kitchen, designed by Baker’s team, features open oak shelving along the walls that display everyday glassware alongside collected pieces.
“The shelving works within a bold color story—green perimeter cabinets, a blue island, and a shimmering Fez tile backsplash—so the objects on display feel like part of the overall palette rather than an afterthought,” Baker says.
The same philosophy continues into the adjoining butler's pantry, where hung shelves painted in Benjamin Moore's Pale Avocado create a space that is equally thoughtful. Ultimately, when the shelving material and the objects on it are considered as part of the overall color and material story of the room, everything feels cohesive.
Play With Height and Scale
One of a designer’s favorite tricks is playing with scale, and open shelves are an excellent place to put this pro tip into practice.
“Mixing up the height and scale of your decor will make the shelf look dynamic. If everything on it is the same shape or sitting at the same height, it all begins to blend,” explains Leslie Kramer of Lighthouse Home & Design. “By creating a moment for each item to be distinguished, people will notice each one rather than a full shelf.”
She adds that a key aspect of finding balance here is not to overfill the shelves. Using the right size and scale allows each piece to have its moment without coming across as overdone.
Make It Personal
In the formal living room pictured above, the full-height custom walnut millwork is filled with art, and collected treasures flank the fireplace.
“The open shelving is styled with our client's personal collection of art and objects, for an artistic storytelling that carries through the room,” Baker says. “When the shelving is designed around what a client loves and collects, it stops being furniture and starts being a reflection of who they are.”
Leading with authenticity transforms open shelves from an assortment of random objects to a museum-esque aesthetic that feels collected, personal, and full of character.
Baker adds that a cohesive color palette, or thoughtful mix of materials, also goes a long way in making the space feel intentional rather than too busy.
Use a Statement Backdrop
One way to add a personalized touch is to use a statement backdrop for your open shelving. That’s what interior designer Desiree Burns did in this built-in-bar niche. She started the project by treating the wall behind the shelving as part of the design, rather than an afterthought.
“A visually interesting backdrop like wallpaper, tile, or stone has a way of instantly elevating open shelving. For home bars, our go-to for high impact is usually fun wallpaper,” she says. “Without a backdrop, open shelves can sometimes feel flat or unfinished. Layering the background adds depth, color, and personality, allowing even simple, everyday items like glassware or bar accessories to feel curated and intentional.”
Weave In Some Greenery
Bring open shelves to life with a touch of greenery or a few fresh sprigs. And it doesn’t take much—a single stem, a small arrangement, or a few flowers can instantly soften the look of open shelving and add natural color, texture, and warmth.
“Even the most beautifully styled shelves can start to feel static over time. Greenery is an easy way to refresh the space and make it feel more dynamic and lived-in,” says Shannon Askinasi, founder of Ash & Pine interiors. “Mixing in flowers or branches at varying heights and in different tones adds movement, visual interest, and a sense of effortless polish.”
Edit, Edit, Edit
There’s a fashion rule of thumb that says the last accessory you add on before heading out the door is probably a step too far. The same concept can apply to decorating open shelving. It’s tempting to fill every bit of space, but items should have room to breathe.
“I treat open shelving more like curation than storage. That means displaying fewer, better things,” says interior designer Alex Crecelius. “Restraint is what makes shelving feel elevated. The homeowner of this space has an incredible bourbon and whiskey collection that he’s curated over years and years—and we didn’t run to the liquor store to fill up the shelves.”
Vary the Niche Sizes
When possible, you can add dimension to open shelving by varying the shelf heights and sizes. Doug Jack of Nidify Studio says this does some of the heavy work for you while instantly adding visual interest.
"It's a casual compositional strategy that is incredibly resilient to homeowner curation, making almost any collection of things they place there look casual yet sophisticated,” Jack explains. “Regularly spaced shelves limit the size and types of objects that can be displayed on them, and your eye tends to jump to things that are slightly out of alignment because everything is so orderly.”
Add Thoughtful Lighting
No matter the room or the detail being decorated, lighting is key. This remains true for open shelving, as well. Interior designer Trevor Fulmer says shelving often relies on recessed LED down lights, but more expressive lighting brings shelving to life.
“Wall sconces and picture lights add character and direct light across the objects rather than straight down. They also act as a style element and can highlight interior architecture,” he notes. “The lighting then becomes a focal feature of the layout and topic of conversation.”
