And I can’t wait to share some fun shelf design tips with you here today. Built-ins can be very daunting to decorate; at least for me, they are! However, now I luv it and change them up regularly. I’ll share a few tips with you here today that I hope will inspire you to get started!
Tip #1 Make Your Shelfies Personal
Start with some of your favorite things. I luv all things vintage. Therefore, I rounded up a few of my favorite things. i.e., the wooden mailbox, grub pot, globe, Lenox clock, etc…
Tip #2 Add Candles
All kinds! Here I added some plain white taper candles and wrapped them with a little burlap.
I love these blue glass candlesticks that I found at The Shops at Cape Neddick in Maine with small white pillars.
Tip #3 Books | Vintage or New
Here, I added some of my favorite vintage treasures, along with some old books and some current books, on the lower shelf.
I also love the old clock faces. Here, I decoupaged the clock face onto an old book and a shelf design tip.
Tip#4 Flip Books the Opposite Way
This will add character, and will also lighten the shelves and the room.
You may also enjoy the post, How to Decorate Bookshelves for a Vintage Christmas.
Tip #5 Create the Vintage Book Look
Remove the cover, back, and spine from old paperbacks and wrap them in twine for this cool shelf design tip.
Tip #6 Baskets
I’m partial to neutral-colored baskets. They are great fillers that add texture and softness to any shelf. All sizes go.
Now, if I can just convince my husband to hide the speakers… Ha Ha! #reallife
Tip #7 Flowers and/or Plants
I’m a big fan of having living things in each room. It adds to a lived-in, relaxed feel, which I really enjoy. It can be as beautiful and simple as a bouquet of lilacs from your yard.
OR
a small amount of dried babies breathe!
A simple plant…
Tip #8 Photos
Add your personal photos and favorite pictures, paintings, etc. Hanging the items on your shelving walls adds depth and personalization, too.
Tip #9 Keep it Simple
Or your shelf will look cluttered.
Tip #10: Have Fun With It
Your Guide to an Eclectic Style~
I’d love to hear from you! If you have thoughts, questions, or just want to pop in and say hello, feel free to leave a comment below. And if you have a vintage-loving friend, don’t forget to share this post—they might find a little inspiration here too.
Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at [email protected]
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