Tips for Decorating Shelves
A shelf can be merely a utilitarian piece of furniture, meant to hold something. It also can be a focal point, a setting for an eye-catching tableaux. The great thing about decorating shelves is that you can take risks and try different approaches, using bold colors and contrasts. Consider your shelves art galleries that host rotating exhibitions.
Architectural Features
One innovative approach to making shelves more prominent is to add architectural features. Rather than simple brackets, use cornices as supports. Add Greek-inspired columns to the edges of a shelf to create a frame. Suspend an arch over a shelf to make it look more like an elaborate niche. Create dimension by adding bead board trim to the edge of a shelf. To display a single object or artwork, add a pedestal to the shelf's surface.
Architectural Features
One innovative approach to making shelves more prominent is to add architectural features. Rather than simple brackets, use cornices as supports. Add Greek-inspired columns to the edges of a shelf to create a frame. Suspend an arch over a shelf to make it look more like an elaborate niche. Create dimension by adding bead board trim to the edge of a shelf. To display a single object or artwork, add a pedestal to the shelf's surface.
- Finishes
- Whether decorating a simple corner shelf or an elaborate display area in an entertainment center, add texture, color and dimension with different finishes. Add a splash of color by painting the outer portion of a shelf dark blue and the inner part a lighter blue. Create a mottled or distressed finish by painting a shelf a dark color and letting it dry. Paint over the dark color with a translucent antique glaze or wash. After it dries, use fine-grain sandpaper to gently rub down the edges and create a shabby chic look.
- Displays
- Stage interesting juxtapositions on your shelves, such as vintage blue glass bottles set against a brightly-colored painting, or an arrangement of stark white shells accented with bright orange coral and smooth black stones. Display a vintage plate or a cool piece of kitsch--a black velvet painting--and add visual pop by lighting it with a gallery-style miniature spotlight. Set a Gothic tone with a candle in a wrought iron holder, or go Zen with a white tea light set afloat in a clear glass bowl. Create a funky altar by using books or boxes to create steps and display different items on each step, setting a framed photograph of a loved one on top. Group collectibles by color, shape, material or theme to make them more eye-catching.
