Growing up, I had a neighbor who was extremely talented in decorating spaces, particularly in creating visually pleasing vignettes. We used to joke that she could even make an old rubber tire, a handful of weeds, and a cardboard box look like a covet- and copy-worthy scene.

What’s the secret to a successful shelf vignette? I don’t claim to know them…but I’ve studied many and have come up with some tips and strategies as a result. Each shelf setting is unique (think: bookshelves, floating shelves, rustic shelves, wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling shelves, a single shelf, etc. etc.), which is why it’s important to realize that, in creating your own visual story, one size doesn’t necessarily fit all.

One Shelf Wonder: Because it’s the only one, a single shelf carries a big impact. Notice in the photo below that this shelf is lower than eye level; an important component of letting the pieces be “read.” The shelf itself is simple, even rustic, and the pieces match this simplicity in color and form. Note that items share commonalities (e.g., dark wood frames, white matting, and black and white art in the angular frames; color and size in the circular frames) with just enough contrast (e.g., both landscape and portrait orientation in the angular frames, small-scale colored art in the circle frames, and one small colorful flower accent) to make the differences pleasing. Layered for interest and depth.

Monochromatic: When working with just one color, the subtleties of materials, shape, and sheen are magnified. Consider the shelving layout below: Objects are similar not only in shape and shine, but also in purpose (kitchenware). The shown pieces are limited to reflective glass and ceramic/porcelain, which catch the light. Differences within each shelf are minimized; however, they do vary slightly from surrounding shelves, all within the materials, shape, and sheen constraints. The effect is both pleasing and calming.

Few Simple Items: When objects are sparse, add an inviting color contrast for extra punch. The color serves to frame each item, which makes the vignette as a whole seem larger and more complete. Note the shapes in the scene below are basic and easily discernible from a distance. The simple yet rich color scheme speaks loud enough for the entire shelf.

Many Items & Books: When they run from end-to-end, books alone can make shelves seem heavy and dense and unappealing. Break up books on different shelves, and display each set differently. Color-blocking book bindings is an effective way to deliver impact without adding more objects – they read as a unit. With the formal book bindings and abundance of heavy dark wood, the shelves below refrain from becoming too academic by judicious pops of yellow and geometric pattern.

Lots Of Cubbies: With so many places to house items, a shelving unit with many cubbies can easily become visually overwhelming. It’s important, in this instance, to keep the color palette simple (limit to two or three colors, majority neutral) and to be well-edited. Notice in the shelves below the use of similar/unified shapes and materials and smaller groupings per shelf. The “white” space surrounding each shelf’s pieces is critical to the aesthetics of the whole unit.

Telling a “story” via shelf vignettes is a challenge. A thoroughly enjoyable challenge that allows flexibility in how the story turns out over time.