$35 tricks that’ll make your shelves look styled by a pro

There’s a big difference between shelves that look thrown together and ones that look thoughtfully styled—and it doesn’t take designer money to get there. With around $35, you can pull together a few small upgrades that make everything feel intentional, balanced, and pulled together.

The key is using what you already have, then adding a few finishing touches to create depth and interest. These tricks work for any room and any shelf, whether it’s in the kitchen, living room, or home office.

Use books as your anchor

Books instantly add height and weight to a shelf. Stack them both vertically and horizontally to break up the space and give your eye something to land on.

If you don’t have enough hardcover books, thrift a few neutral ones or remove dust jackets for a cleaner look. They act as anchors, grounding smaller items and making everything look more structured.

Group in odd numbers

Arranging items in groups of three or five looks more natural and visually balanced. Odd numbers create a flow that feels organic without being messy.

Try grouping a small vase, a candle, and a framed photo together. Each piece should vary slightly in height and texture so the combination looks layered instead of flat.

Add something green

A little life goes a long way on shelves. Even a $10 plant can soften hard lines and make your space feel more styled.

Opt for low-maintenance options like pothos or faux greenery if your shelves don’t get much light. A small pop of green breaks up all the neutrals and adds an instant “finished” touch.

Mix materials

If everything on your shelves is wood or glass, it’ll fall flat fast. Mixing materials—like pairing metal accents with ceramics or woven baskets—adds texture and visual interest.

You don’t need to buy much. Even swapping one shiny or natural element per shelf helps create contrast that looks layered and intentional.

Use baskets or boxes for balance

Storage baskets aren’t just practical—they add structure and keep clutter under control. Stick with matching or coordinating colors to keep things cohesive.

They’re perfect for tucking away remotes, cords, or random knickknacks that don’t need to be on display. Keeping open shelving clean and tidy makes every decorative choice stand out more.

Create height with vases or candlesticks

Adding tall pieces like vases or candlesticks gives your eye a vertical line to follow, which helps balance shorter décor. Height variation is what makes professional styling look effortless.

You can find affordable options at discount stores or thrift shops, and a quick coat of spray paint can make mismatched pieces look cohesive.

Leave breathing room

Empty space is part of styling, not a mistake. Overcrowded shelves make everything look chaotic, while a few open spots let each piece shine.

If you have too many small items, rotate them seasonally or store extras in a nearby cabinet. Thoughtful spacing instantly makes your shelves feel curated instead of cluttered.

Add something personal

Professional stylists always include something that tells a story—family photos, heirlooms, or souvenirs from travels. These are the touches that make your shelves feel lived in, not staged.

Frame small prints or use decorative boxes to display sentimental pieces in a clean, modern way. Personal items should feel intentional, not random.

Stick to a color palette

Pick two to three main colors and repeat them throughout your shelves to tie everything together. Neutral bases with subtle pops of one color tend to look best long-term.

If your shelves feel disjointed, try removing anything that doesn’t fit the palette. Consistency is what makes all those random pieces look like they belong together.

Light it up

Good lighting can take your shelves from “fine” to “featured.” Battery-powered puck lights or small LED strips can highlight décor without rewiring anything.

Warm light adds depth and drama, especially in the evenings. It’s a small investment that makes your shelves—and everything on them—look more high-end instantly.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.