Decorating & Design
June 24, 2021
Tiffany Leigh’s Tips On Styling Your Shelves Like A Pro
Have you ever wondered how to take an Instagram-worthy #shelfie? It requires creativity, an array of objets and plenty of patience. That’s why we asked Toronto designer Tiffany Leigh to share her insider tips for styling your shelves. Scroll down and get inspired to create your own picture-perfect display!
Show Off Your Kitchen Tools
The popularity of shelving in the kitchen is a stylist’s dream. Don’t be afraid of showing more utilitarian objects in this space, such as scales, pots and shakers. “Of course, purely decorative items are still welcome,” says Tiffany, “but useful tools, vessels and cookbooks are more important to include in kitchens than any other space.”
Sometimes, Less Is More
Determining the amount (and variety) of items you display on a shelf depends on the size of the shelf and its function. “If you have large shelves and adequate storage elsewhere, these surfaces can be styled purely for aesthetics,” says Tiffany. “But if you have a single, small shelf and limited storage in your space, use the surface for both functional and decorative purposes. Decorative boxes or baskets are a great way to achieve both!”
Elevate Your Precious Items
Draw the eye up by placing your most treasured items towards the top. As Tiffany always reminds her clients, “if you have kids (or rambunctious pets!), place breakables out of reach.” A combination shelving unit like this one, with storage drawers at the bottom and open shelving above, is a great way to ensure your display items are higher up.
Consider The Rule Of Thirds
“Items arranged in odd numbers are more appealing and memorable than even-numbered groupings,” says Tiffany. “Designers and stylists have been using this rule for years, and it consistently creates an effortlessly cool feel in spaces. You can apply this to a color grouping, a trio of like objects or a staggered set of items.”
Take A Picture
“When styling your shelves, stand back often to assess the balance of scale and color — it can help to take a picture and analyze it as the eye can assess the entire grouping more easily when looking at a smaller scale,” she says.
Patrick Biller (feature)
Tiffany Leigh