Open Shelving: How to Make It Look Curated, Not Cluttered

By Joshua Allen Design

Open shelving has become one of the defining design elements of modern interiors, from airy kitchens to cozy living rooms and refined bathrooms. It’s a look that feels light, intentional, and timeless… when done right. But as many homeowners have discovered, open shelving can just as easily veer into clutter if not carefully planned.

At Joshua Allen Design, we love the versatility of open shelving. It’s a way to bring personality into a space while keeping things functional and accessible. The secret lies in balance, proportion, and thoughtful styling. Here’s how to make your open shelves feel beautifully curated, not like a collection of leftovers.

Start with a Clean Foundation

Before you style, edit. Remove everything from your shelves and take a fresh look at what you truly love and use. Open shelving should highlight meaningful pieces, items that add beauty, not bulk.

JAD Tip: Limit the number of categories per shelf. For example, one shelf could display ceramics, another could hold cookbooks, and another could feature decorative objects or greenery. This creates visual order and intention.

Mix Materials Thoughtfully

Great shelf styling tells a story through contrast. Mixing materials adds richness and texture, making your shelves look collected over time.

Try combining:

• Natural elements (wood, stoneware, woven baskets)

• Metallic accents (brass, black iron, or brushed nickel)

• Soft touches (linen napkins, fabric-covered boxes, or glass vessels)

At JAD, we love how a few well-chosen metal or glass pieces can elevate rustic wood shelves, striking that perfect modern-meets-timeless balance our clients adore.

Play with Height and Shape

Uniformity can look flat and uninspired. Varying heights and shapes creates rhythm and movement, helping the eye travel naturally across the display.

Our favorite styling formula:

• Start with anchor pieces (like a stack of books or a framed print).

• Add medium elements (ceramic vases, bowls, or candles).

• Finish with delicate accents (small plants, objects, or glassware).

  
  

For a cohesive look, repeat similar shapes or tones throughout, but avoid making everything match perfectly, imperfection adds character.

Keep a Cohesive Color Palette

Color is the key to cohesion. Choose a palette that complements the surrounding space and stick with it.

For instance, in a kitchen, you might combine neutral ceramics, warm wood tones, and a few pops of brass or greenery. In a living room, you could pair earthy pottery with black frames and linen-bound books.

JAD Tip: Group items by tone rather than type. A beige bowl and a pale wood tray may not be identical materials, but their shared hue helps the shelf feel harmonious.

Embrace Negative Space

One of the biggest mistakes we see? Overfilling shelves. Negative space (areas intentionally left empty) gives the eye a place to rest and highlights the pieces you love most.

If your shelves start to feel crowded, remove a few items and step back. More often than not, less truly is more.

Add a Touch of Life

Open shelving doesn’t have to feel static. A small plant, a vase of seasonal branches, or a piece of artwork can breathe life into the composition.

Consider using:

• A trailing plant like pothos or ivy for a bit of softness

• A framed print leaned casually against the wall

• Fresh florals or dried stems in a sculptural vase

The result? A space that feels lived-in, warm, and ever-changing, hallmarks of great design.

Make It Personal

Finally, the best open shelving displays reflect you. Mix functional items with meaningful pieces, heirloom ceramics, local art, or travel mementos that tell your story.

At Joshua Allen Design, we often style open shelves with a blend of vintage finds, handcrafted pottery, and modern accents sourced from our partners at Sterling & Maple. This blend gives each project its own unique character, never staged, always personal.

Final Thoughts from JAD

Open shelving isn’t just about showing things off, it’s about creating a visual rhythm that feels collected, intentional, and uniquely yours. With the right balance of color, texture, and negative space, your shelves can transform from storage to storytelling.

If you’re ready to elevate your shelves, or reimagine an entire room, Joshua Allen Design can help you create a look that’s both beautiful and livable. From custom cabinetry to curated décor, we’ll help your home strike that perfect balance between modern comfort and timeless charm.

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Let’s bring your vision to life with thoughtful, timeless design. Get in touch with us here.

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