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.


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2 of 22 James Baigrie

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


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.


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4 of 22 Monica Buck

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


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5 of 22 Chip Cordelli

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


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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!


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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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