How To Style Open Shelves

Decorating expert Phoebe Howard shares the secrets behind her curated and compelling arrangements.

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Phoebe's Formula: Keep it Simple

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Combine books and objects. Books can be neatly arranged horizontally or vertically. Top stacks with small objects, and then throw in larger items, such as vases, for variety.

 

Keep shelves relatable. Take cues from the room's palette to connect your display to the overall space. Try painting the backs of shelves with an accent color, and always select objects that color coordinate.

Express your personality. Phoebe says, "Shelves are a living decoration. Fill them with books that you want to look at again and again and items that reflect your interests."

Edit, edit, edit! Every so often, strip shelves down and start over. "Keep only the items you love." she says, "and give objects plenty of breathing room."

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Get the Look

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Warm Red Hardbacks
$13.99/foot; booksbythefoot.com

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Get the Look

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Tortoise Shell Natural Pair
12" H × 8½" W with 6" × 4" base, $333.96/pair; interiorhomescapes.com

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Get the Look

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Preserved Boxwood Globe
11¾" H × 8" D, $75; restorationhardware.com

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Get the Look

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Walnut Burl Boxes with Black Lacquer
$90 to $140; Pacific Connections, 415/285-2873

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Get the Look

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Teco 2 Buttress Vase
(TAPC06) in Orange, 6½" H, $75; www.prairiemodstore.com

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Get the Look

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Faux Coral
In Ivory, large, 13" H × 9½" W × 7 1/12" D, $59.95; zgallerie.com

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