Shelf styling can be one of the most challenging and most intimidating parts about decorating your home.
Fall has officially arrived, so it is time to start switching out your home décor for seasonally appropriate and festive pieces! Shelves can be tricky to style no matter the season, but there are some easy strategies you can use to tweak your shelf décor for the perfect autumn look. It is all about strategic styling with the right color palette and simple fall accessories. Follow these tips and tricks to create perfectly styled fall shelves.
Blank Slate
My strategy when it comes to starting any shelf styling, whether it be living room built-ins or a bookcase, is to start with a blank slate. In this case, you want to go through your décor and pull anything that screams summertime. Think summer florals, anything bright and colorful, or items with a beachy or coastal vibe. I like to leave my non-seasonal, year-round décor items in place and then plug in the holes with more seasonally appropriate accessories.
Fall Color Palette
It is time to re-work your shelves with a new fall color palette. Be wary of the traditional fall color tones you will find in seasonal home décor. Those rich and bold reds, browns, and oranges can be really hard to incorporate into a lot of spaces with their existing décor and color palettes. It is important to keep your shelf décor cohesive with the other colors and styles within your space, and sometimes using those traditional fall colors can stick out like a sore thumb.
It is best to stick to your room’s existing color palette and only add fall colors that work within it. There are ways to easily add in some subtle fall warmth to your shelves that will make them feel seasonally cozy. Use items with natural wood tones, metals like gold or brass, and amber glass votives, jars, or vases. If you prefer a little more color in your home, stick to earth tones or jewel tones for the perfect pop of autumn color. Seasonal art or photography is also another great way to add in some fall warmth!
You might already have a lot of décor items that fit within this warmer color palette that you use throughout the year in various spots around your home. You might have a wood bowl in another room that could be paired with some brass candlesticks and a small pumpkin for the perfect shelf vignette. It is all about strategic styling with the warm, fall color palette. You would be surprised what you already have in your décor collection that can be used for multiple seasons with the right pairings!
Pro Tip
Orange can be hard to work with, as there are so many different shades and undertones. White or cream-colored pumpkins are a lot easier to work into a space! If your orange pumpkins do not seem to be working for you, try painting them a more neutral color.
Seasonal Florals
There is no better feeling than walking outside and feeling the crisp and cool autumn air. Bring that same feeling indoors by incorporating fall plants and florals for more seasonally appropriate blooms such as chrysanthemums, marigolds, or dianthus. If you prefer less color, some simple greenery will also do the trick.
Dried and preserved natural stems are also a great way to add in the perfect fall feel. Try dried plants and grasses like bunny tails, amaranth, stardust gypsophila, floral buttons, phalaris grass, yarrow, reed grass, or wheat. The options and color varieties for dried stems are practically endless, and they work so well with fall styling! Afloral is my favorite online retailer for faux fall florals and dried flowers and grasses. Their inventory and prices are fantastic, and you are sure to find something that will work with your space.
Think Outside the Pumpkin
Get creative with your shelf accessories! While pumpkins are great and the epitome of the fall season, it is best to work them in sparingly when it comes to shelf styling. They can quickly start to look too repetitive or become cluttered on your shelves. Try incorporating other seasonal fall produce like apples, pears, or figs as an alternative to the traditional pumpkin!
Stick to the Basics
While restyling your shelves for fall, make sure to stick to the basic shelf styling rules. Be sure to mix things up with different textures to keep things interesting and add height variety to create depth. When grouping pieces together on a shelf, use the rule of three. Items paired in odd numbers are more visually appealing. And when in doubt, less is more. It is important to leave some white space for balance and eye-rest.
Pro Tip
Try the rule of three! Items paired in odd numbers are more visually appealing.
These strategies should help you create perfectly styled fall shelves! Be sure to work within your room’s existing color palette and add warmth with your accessories, vessels, florals, and art. Your goal is to make your space feel warm, cozy, and seasonally festive. Strategic styling with the right accessories and color palette is sure to create the perfect fall atmosphere inside your home!
