22 Ways to Arrange Your Shelves

Lucas Allen

1 of 22 Sang An

Use empty picture frames to create visually striking geometric patterns against a wall.

2 of 22 James Baigrie

A cleverly arranged bookcase can be as pretty as a window view.

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3 of 22 Monica Buck

Borrow a trick from interior designers: Inside a bookcase, use paint that’s a couple shades deeper than the room color.

4 of 22 Monica Buck

For maximum pop, try arranging the shelves with solid-colored items, like white ironwork or a vibrant vase.

5 of 22 Chip Cordelli

Imagine living room shelves as display space for your favorite books, photographs, and family heirlooms.

6 of 22 Jonny Valiant

Give bathroom shelves an organized look by grouping together like-colored towels.

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7 of 22 Antonis Achilleos

Use labeled boxes to house odds and ends without a home.

8 of 22 Justin Bernhaut

Shelve items by type―pots on one level, books on another―for a systematic look to your kitchen.

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9 of 22 Sarah Maingot

A simple arrangement of classics has the order and stateliness of a library.

10 of 22 Monica Buck

Style a bookcase with unexpected items, like an eye-catching antique or a porcelain statue.

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11 of 22 David Prince

Ordinary items collected in glass jars make an arresting still-life.

12 of 22 Mark Lund

Organizing a colorful collection of found objects makes an offbeat (and inexpensive) alternative to wall art.

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13 of 22 Aya Brackett

Even just a few striking objects can create a visually interesting display.

14 of 22 Lucas Allen

There’s no rule saying that everything has to match. Though these letters vary in look, they work together because they are alike in essence.

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15 of 22 Mark Lund

Want to make a bold statement? Let paint do the talking for you.

16 of 22 Hallie Burton

Open shelves and steel hardware give a room contemporary flair.

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17 of 22 William Meppem

Whitewashed shelves and conch-shell book stoppers feel as restful and airy as the seaside.

18 of 22 David Land

Hang a chalkboard inside sliding doors for extra playtime fun (or to log your children’s TV time).

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19 of 22 Kathryn Barnard

Use a furry friend to keep your child’s favorite reads in place.

20 of 22 James Baigrie

Use inexpensive baskets to provide catchall space for sundries.

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21 of 22 David Prince

Divvy up cubbies among your kids and allow them to arrange their belongings as they see fit―so long as it’s neat!

22 of 22 Hallie Burton

A smart cleaning strategy for drop-in visitors: panels that prettily disguise what’s on the shelves.

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