I have spent a while trying to figure out a simple way to explain my process of decorating shelves to you all. It took a while, but I came up with an acronym that might be helpful for you! F.A.B.B.C.A.V. Let me explain…
F.A.B.B.C.A.V explains all the must-haves when shelf decorating:
- F: Frames
- A: Accents
- B: Baskets
- B: Books
- C: Candles
- A: Artificial Plants
- V: Vases
F. Frames
Pictures frames are probably the most obvious thing one would decorate a shelf with and I agree they are necessary in creating the perfect shelf. (I would also include clocks in the frame category because if you are adding them to a shelf they can most likely stand on their own and are flat in shape.)
Too many frames can make your shelves look out of date. One big tip I have is that you do not need to put a personal photo in every frame of your home. Switch it up by adding a scenery image or a printable you can find on Esty like in my DIY Gallery Wall or Master Bedroom Reveal. You can also search Google for “Free Printables” and hundreds of neat prints with pop up.
A. Accents
Figures, bookends and sculptures are included in the accent category for decorating shelves. Accents are needed to create a balanced look and depending on the size and shape, they may be the center point of your shelves.
B. Baskets
Baskets can be so useful on shelves to hide ugly things like remotes, cords, and in our home, my husband’s BB gun bullets ha!
B. Books
This is something people might forget about even though we are decorating shelves AKA bookshelves 🙂 If the outside color/texture of the books don’t go with my style I turn them so that the pages of the book show instead or I add scrapbook paper to hide the ugly colors:
C. Candles
Candles not only smell great but come in lots of different shapes and sizes. I love using them as fillers or as the main attractions:
A. Artificial Plants
Now if you have real plants you want to incorporate in your shelves go for it, but most of my shelving has little to no sun so I LOVE faux plants. Pops of greenery add so much to shelves and give the space some life:
V. Vases
Vases are probably my favorite things to decorate with just because I think they are beautiful. I love searching at a garage sale for a good vase. A vase can be the center-point of a shelf and is another way to add in some greenery or floral to the space.
My Tips:
Tip 1: Do not try to fill in the entire shelf. Sometimes all a shelf needs is two or three items. Keeping the clutter at bay is key!
Tip 2: Choose a color scheme and use it throughout the shelves. For our living room shelves I knew I want blues, greens, and neutrals. So I looked for decor in those colors.
Tip 3: Don’t get frustrated if the shelves don’t look right instantly. It probably takes me a month to decide my shelves finished 😐 I need to stare at them everyday and then tweak them to where I finally feel they looked finished.
Tip 4: If you feel something is missing, I suggest you try “shopping” in your own home. You might have something tucked away in a hutch or being used somewhere else that would be perfect. I do this ALL the time, plus this will save you money!
Tip 5: If you don’t have many books or need some more books to complete your shelf, go to a thrift store! Most thrift stores have a book section and you might end up finding some books you really like 🙂
Tip 6: Vary the height and textures of objects on each shelf. This will ensure the shelves are not all exactly the same and will create a professional look!
Tip 7: Use sentimental items! I love incorporating sentimental such as my grandma’s vase or a treasured picture. Just because they may not be modern or new doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate them!
I really hope this post was helpful for those of you trying to style your shelves. Remember it takes time to get the look just right!
Shop some shelf decor items below:
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.
Nice
Really Great Ideas! After reading this I got a sort of inspiration to work on room. Now, I have something to implement this weekend. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so happy to hear that! I’m glad my post could be helpful and inspirational to you 🙂 Happy shelf decorating!
The Art of Shelf Decor…..Very impressive & creative.
Thank you! Gotta love shelf decor 🙂
Thanks for the amazing shelf decorating tips Emily! That was a very interesting tip, about turning the books inside to that the pages are facing outward. What kind of artificial plants do you think would look best on wood shelves?
Thank you! As for artificial plants, I check out Target. They have so many cute plants that would look great on wood shelves. Plants with white planters will always go with wooden shelves.
You are always sharing the clear greatest project image. It really helps me to understand the actual thought. Thank you for your creative design.
Great article!
I wish I had this in my possession about a month ago. I build and decorated a shelf unit in our bedroom as a surprise for my girl’s birthday. She loved it but this would have been right up her alley. She would never go for plastic plants, though! LOL She is a big green head!
Thank you! I’m sure the shelf looks great 🙂
Wow! It looks so good!
Thank you for the tips!
Hi Emily, I struggle the most with decorating my shelves. Love your step-by-step tutorial! Artificial plants is s good idea to decor. This is so helpful! Shelves and then tables are things I struggle with the most in terms of decor – this breaks it down into simple steps.
Sarah, I am SO happy I could help! Happy decorating 🙂
Great shelf decor ideas just love those plant decorations 😊so simple n attractive…best n simple ideas are available from your website.
Living room accessories and decoration items plays an important role. It doesn’t only provide cater to the home’s but also improves functionality. While doing inner decoration always remember that the interior spaces are not just enhanced for beauty but are very realistic.
Hi I want to congratulate your work is of great importance for all successful readers and admirers.
Thank you!
Hello, I have received many good tips from your website. Thank you. You will give some more good tips in the future so that everyone benefits. Thank you.
Nice Ideas. I liked that Deer Sculpture. It’s unique.
So cute right?? Thank you!
Amazing decorate guide. This is the unique idea of decorating. Thank you for sharing it.
You are welcome! I hope it was helpful 🙂
Hi Emily. I think it would be shelf-ish not to follow your advice 🙂
Thank you so much for this enlightening post, I have significantly got some thing right here and I will bookmark this page for your next upcoming post.
You are welcome!
Thanks you for sharing the wonderful post. It helps me a lot . I am delighted to read it.
You are welcome 🙂
Great tips, A good exterior painting job will extend the life of siding and trim , and increase the value of house.
I have read your post. Thanks for such a nice post, It’s really informational.
You are welcome!
I was planning to have a theme party decoration on the auspicious occasion of my friend’s daughter’s birthday and I read your post about “CANDLES ” in which I loved this topic very much and I would love to share it thank you.
Hey, thank you! What is the easiest way to decorate a house?
Find some inspiration pictures and start pinning on Pinterest 🙂
Your blog “SHELF DECOR 101” is helpful and informational, thank you so much.