8 Gorgeous Ways to Style Floating Shelves with Decor You Already Own

Floating shelves are a versatile and stylish addition to any home, offering a perfect canvas to showcase your personality and creativity. Whether in your living room, bedroom, or kitchen, these shelves can transform a blank wall into a stunning focal point using items you already have. The key is to blend functionality with aesthetics, creating displays that feel curated yet effortless.

This article explores eight beautiful ways to style floating shelves with decor you likely already own, from books and plants to sentimental treasures. Each idea is designed to inspire you to rethink your existing items, turning them into eye-catching arrangements that elevate your space. Let’s dive into these creative styling tips to make your shelves both practical and gorgeous.

Eclectic Book Stack: A Literary Showcase

Turn your collection of books into a vibrant display by stacking them both vertically and horizontally on your floating shelves. This eclectic arrangement adds texture and visual interest, perfect for a cozy living room or home office.

Mix hardcover novels with colorful paperbacks, and top the stacks with small trinkets like candles or figurines. The varied heights and colors create a dynamic, lived-in look inspired by designer Emily Henderson, who emphasizes layering for a personal touch.

• Use a mix of book sizes to create visual variety.
• Add a small plant on top of a stack for a pop of green.
• Incorporate a candle for warmth and ambiance.
• Group books by color for a cohesive aesthetic.
• Leave some negative space to avoid a cluttered look.

Pro Design Tip: Angle a few books slightly to add a casual, approachable vibe.
Budget Consideration: If your book collection is small, intersperse magazines or journals to fill gaps.

Greenery Galore: A Botanical Haven

Bring the outdoors in by styling your shelves with houseplants you already own. From trailing pothos to upright snake plants, greenery adds life and freshness to any room, ideal for bathrooms or bedrooms.

Arrange plants in mismatched pots for a bohemian feel, and pair them with small decorative items like stones or ceramic figures. This approach, inspired by Justina Blakeney’s love for natural elements, creates a serene, organic display.

• Mix plant sizes for a balanced, layered look.
• Use ceramic or clay pots for texture and warmth.
• Add a small mirror to reflect light and enhance the greenery.
• Incorporate natural elements like shells or driftwood.
• Space plants unevenly to mimic a natural growth pattern.

Pro Design Tip: Drape a trailing plant over the shelf’s edge for a soft, cascading effect.
Budget Consideration: Repurpose old mugs or jars as plant pots for a quirky, cost-free solution.

Sentimental Gallery: A Personal Touch

Showcase your cherished mementos—think family photos, travel souvenirs, or heirlooms—on your floating shelves to create a heartfelt display. This approach works beautifully in a living room or hallway, adding warmth and personality.

Frame a few photos in mismatched frames and mix them with small keepsakes like a vintage clock or a postcard collection. This curated look, inspired by Joanna Gaines, celebrates storytelling through decor.

• Use varied frame styles for an eclectic, collected feel.
• Add a small vase with dried flowers for a rustic touch.
• Incorporate a sentimental object like a childhood toy.
• Layer items slightly to create depth and interest.
• Keep the color palette soft to maintain harmony.

Pro Design Tip: Lean a few frames against the wall for a relaxed, gallery-like vibe.
Budget Consideration: Use digital prints of family photos instead of buying new frames.

Minimalist Elegance: Less is More

For a clean and modern look, style your floating shelves with just a few carefully chosen items. This minimalist approach is perfect for small spaces or contemporary homes, emphasizing simplicity and negative space.

Select a single ceramic vase, a sleek sculpture, or a stack of neutral-toned books. Inspired by Tadao Ando’s philosophy of serene design, this style creates a calming, uncluttered atmosphere.

• Choose one or two statement pieces to avoid overcrowding.
• Opt for neutral tones like white, beige, or black.
• Add a small plant for a touch of life without clutter.
• Use sleek, simple shapes for a modern aesthetic.
• Leave plenty of empty space to enhance the minimalist feel.

Pro Design Tip: Align items asymmetrically for a subtle, dynamic balance.
Budget Consideration: Repurpose a plain glass jar as a vase for a chic, no-cost accent.

Artful Arrangement: A Creative Canvas

Transform your floating shelves into a mini art gallery by displaying artwork or handmade creations you already own. This approach is ideal for a dining room or creative studio, adding a bold, artistic flair.

Lean small canvases or framed sketches against the wall, and mix them with sculptural objects like pottery or wooden carvings. This vibrant style, inspired by Kelly Wearstler, celebrates creativity and individuality.

• Mix art sizes for a layered, gallery-like effect.
• Add a sculptural piece for texture and dimension.
• Incorporate a small lamp to highlight the artwork.
• Use bold colors to make the shelf pop.
• Overlap pieces slightly for a curated, collected look.

Pro Design Tip: Rotate artwork seasonally to keep the display fresh and engaging.
Budget Consideration: Frame personal sketches or kids’ artwork for a meaningful, budget-friendly display.

Rustic Charm: Cozy and Warm

Create a cozy, farmhouse-inspired look by styling your shelves with rustic decor like wooden bowls, woven baskets, or mason jars. This style is perfect for kitchens or living rooms, evoking warmth and comfort.

Arrange a few wooden cutting boards alongside a basket filled with rolled linens. This approach, inspired by Nate Berkus, blends functionality with rustic elegance for a welcoming vibe.

• Use wooden items for a natural, earthy texture.
• Add a woven basket for storage and style.
• Incorporate a mason jar filled with dried herbs or flowers.
• Layer with soft textiles like linen napkins.
• Keep the color palette warm with browns and beiges.

Pro Design Tip: Lean a small chalkboard sign against the shelf for a playful, farmhouse touch.
Budget Consideration: Use old kitchen items like wooden spoons or jars for a cost-free rustic look.

Coastal Calm: Breezy and Bright

Capture the essence of a beachside retreat by styling your shelves with coastal-inspired decor like seashells, glass bottles, or driftwood. This serene style is ideal for bathrooms or bedrooms, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

Arrange a collection of shells in a glass jar and pair them with a small stack of blue-hued books. This look, inspired by Serena & Lily’s coastal aesthetic, brings a refreshing, airy feel to your space.

• Use glass containers to display shells or pebbles.
• Add blue or white accents for a coastal color palette.
• Incorporate driftwood for a natural, beachy texture.
• Stack books horizontally to create a base for decor.
• Keep the look light with bright, neutral tones.

Pro Design Tip: Add a small piece of coral or a nautical knot for an authentic coastal vibe.
Budget Consideration: Repurpose old glassware as vases or containers for a budget-friendly coastal display.

Modern Bohemian: Bold and Eclectic

Embrace a free-spirited, bohemian vibe by mixing patterns, textures, and colors on your floating shelves. This vibrant style is perfect for a living room or creative space, showcasing your eclectic taste.

Combine patterned pottery, a stack of colorful books, and a woven wall hanging. Inspired by Amber Lewis, this approach layers bold elements for a lively, inviting display.

• Mix bold patterns like geometric or tribal designs.
• Add a woven item for texture and warmth.
• Incorporate colorful books for a pop of vibrancy.
• Use mismatched pottery for an eclectic, collected feel.
• Layer items generously to create a boho abundance.

Pro Design Tip: Hang a small macramé piece below the shelf for a true bohemian touch.
Budget Consideration: Repurpose old scarves or fabric scraps as shelf runners for a colorful, no-cost accent.

Conclusion

Styling floating shelves is a fun and creative way to refresh your home without spending a dime. By repurposing decor you already own—books, plants, mementos, or artwork—you can craft stunning displays that reflect your unique style. From minimalist elegance to modern bohemian flair, these eight ideas offer endless inspiration to make your shelves a focal point in any room.