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
A Vintage Affair
If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with your friends who are also vintage enthusiasts.
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 annck@dabblinganddecorating.com
FREE SHELFIE DESIGN GUIDE
