#MINIMALIST SHELF DECOR HOW TO#
#MINIMALIST SHELF DECOR UPDATE#

Most people are familiar with the concept of minimalism, which involves stripping something down to its most basic form. The aesthetic itself draws from traditional Japanese design, particularly with the clean lines and open spaces that create a natural flow of movement through the home. These days, it’s used to reference everything from pantsuits to silverware. The word “minimalism” was initially used in the 1960s to describe American visual artists such as Robert Morris and Anne Truitt.

#MINIMALIST SHELF DECOR UPDATE#

In this guide, we’ll give you a quick overview of the principles of minimalist design, plus we’ll share some of our favorite minimalist furniture pieces so you can easily update your home decor. Scandinavian design, in particular, carries the torch for minimalism, keeping it on-trend and relevant. You’ll see minimalist influences in transitional, Scandinavian, and modern interior design.

In short, minimalism accentuates the attractive features of a space without overwhelming the senses. Remember, the purpose of your shelf is to display and not to just store, so keep the smaller items to a minimum to avoid cluttering.Minimalism is all about keeping things simple, so it makes sense that minimalist furniture features clean lines and monochromatic color schemes with a “less is more” aesthetic. 'Once the large items are in position you can begin layering smaller pieces. If you have a tray, now would be the time to add that too,' says Samantha Wilson. 'Start by layering the books on various shelves. You may want to include books, boxes, vases, flowers, picture frames, plants and decorative objects to name but a few.' Be sure to select a variety of shapes, textures and sizes to bring rhythm and interest to the display.įrom here begin by positioning the larger items such as framed artworks or groups of large books as these will define the structure of the display. 'Try to be creative so you have a variation of sizes, shapes and textures.

The next step is gathering all the objects, accessories and personal mementos you may want to feature. 'How many shelves are there and are they at different heights and widths? This is your starting point and will give you the best idea of the potential objects, shapes and sizes you may want to use.'

#MINIMALIST SHELF DECOR HOW TO#

(Image credit: Studio Ashby / Philimore Gardens photo) How do you fill empty shelves?Īre you wondering how to fill empty shelves? Being faced with bare shelves can be daunting, first of all take time to assess the space says Samantha Wilson, interior designer and founder, Collection Noir. 'You can own some of the most beautiful pieces, but if you don’t style your shelves in an eye-catching way, they can quickly lose any impact they might have had,' she adds. traditional way or stacked horizontally in piles and used as mini podiums for smaller decorative objects.įurthermore, 'remember plants and greenery will add life to your shelving, so be sure to include them to bring a sense of the outdoors in and help ground the space,' says Emma Deterding.įinally, whichever objects you choose, 'when styling shelves, ensure to mix heights and depths of objects,’ says Sophie Pringle, creative director, Pringle & Pringle. 'The shelving should be filled with items that spark memories that you treasure.'īooks are a must have for many interior designers as they bring a lived in look and are a great starting point for bringing structure to shelves. 'Think about your finest pottery, vases and ornaments as well as personal items such as photographs, prints and art,' says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director, Kelling Designs. When it comes to what to put on your shelves to decorate the options really are endless.

Displaying collectibles over shelves in a glazed cabinet is a lovely way to keep them contained and protected, plus saves on the dusting! Painting the back of a cabinet i a vibrant brilliant way to set off a collection, especially when the pieces a light and have sculptural shapes.

Minimalist shelf decor