How to Style Shelves Seasonally (Without the "Knick-Knacky" Look)

Do You Struggle With How to Style Shelves for Each Season?

Check out this step-by-step photo tutorial on how to style shelves in just five easy steps!

Hi friends! Today has been a super productive day in the Her Happy Home….home.

My kiddos are staying with their grandparents for a few days, so I’m taking this time to knock out a massive to-do list that has been growing for the last month!

On that to-do list: finally writing this blog post!

I love decorating my farmhouse shelves for each season/hoiday, and a few weeks on Instagram I posted a reel of how I style my open farmhouse shelves for fall. After reading through some comments, I learned that shelf-styling can be a struggle!

I wanted to write up this post so this could be a resource/guide when it comes to styling your shelves seasonally.

I’m no expert….and you better believe I arrange my shelves no less than 17 times when I’m styling them. But, it does get easier! Plus, it’s really fun! Here are some simple rules for decorating shelves.

How to Style Open Farmhouse Shelves for Each Season

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First of all, if you’re looking to add some open shelves to your home, check out this post of my budget-friendly shelf finds! In that post you’ll also learn how to make these very shelves that are in this tutorial…it’s a really easy DIY!

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to style shelves in just 5 easy steps:

Step 1: Something Tall
Step 2: Something “Behind”
Step 3: Tall/Short Arrangements
Step 4: Empty Space “Fillers”
Step 5: Add Details

Related: Affordable Farmhouse Shelves

Step 1: Something Tall

I always like to start with something tall on the top shelf to give it some height.

There are so many ways you could go with this!

Here’s a few ideas to get you started:

large seasonal sign
large empty frame
window pane
shutters
mirror

Get the Look

Step 2: Something “Behind”

The next step is to have something to “layer” behind some of your items. My favorite way to do this is with flat-ish baskets.

how to style shelves for fall — Baskets on opposite ends/shelves

I also try to make sure the “behind layers” are on opposite sides and shelves. In the photo above, you can see I have one basket on the top left end of the shelf, while the other basket is on the opposite end on the bottom right end of the shelf.

In addition to baskets, other layering ideas are:

frames
window panes
cutting boards

Get the Look

Step 3: Tall/Short Arrangements

Next, I try to arrange my medium pieces of decor in “tall/short” arrangements. Grouping them into different sized arrangements avoid giving you that knick-knacky look.

styling fall shelves — Here I have a tall sign behind and a short stack of books in front.

fall shelve styling — Tall pumpkin/Short pumpkin

These medium pieces of decor could be seasonal decor, or even other items that could be used year-round. My open farmhouse shelves are right by my kitchen, so I always try to incorporate a few kitchen items.

Related: Stylish + Cheap Fall Decor for Your Home This Season

Step 4: Empty Space “Fillers”

“Empty space fillers”…..very professional sounding, yes? Basically you’re going to take a look at your shelves to see if there’s an wide glaring empty spaces anywhere.

If so, that’s a great place to add your smaller pieces of decor. This is a great time to add in some seasonal accents!

Some examples of space “fillers” are:

vase
candle
small tabletop decor
small seasonal accents

Get the Look

Step 5: Add Details

The very last thing I like to do to decorate my shelves is to add a few last minute details.

I love to add greenery and/or florals at the end, whether it’s to a vase that I’ve placed on one of the shelves, a piece of greenery peeking out of one of the bowls I’ve used, or even just a greenery pick shoved randomly somewhere.

fall shelf styling — This beaded garland adds a little extra detail.

A greenery pick wedged on top of some books can add some detail.

Also, any small details, like this wood bead garland, would make a last minute addition.

Small seasonal accents, such as mini pumpkins, are a fun detail too!

Get the Look

My Final Thoughts on How to Decorate Shelves Seasonally

Everybody has a different style when it comes to decorating. Just do what you love and what looks good to you!

Here are a few ways I’ve styled these shelves seasonally.

My hope with this tutorial is to give you a few tips and ideas on how to style your shelves for each season.

I’d love to hear if you use any of the tips in this guide! You can always leave me a comment, email, or find me on Instagram….where I’m hanging out almost daily.

I’ll leave you with this reel that shows you all those steps in action!

Happy decorating!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFAIMntA1rR/

How to Style Shelves Seasonally (Without the “Knick-Knacky” Look)

Do You Struggle With How to Style Shelves for Each Season?