Uncover 83+ Stunning Living Room Open Shelving Decor Top Choices Of Architects

Having open shelving in your living room is a great way to add both style and functionality to the space. It allows you to display your favorite decor pieces and also provides extra storage for everyday items. If you're looking to incorporate open shelving into your living room decor, here are 10 ideas to help you get started.

1. Mix and Match

Don't be afraid to mix and match different types of shelves for a unique and eclectic look. Try combining floating shelves with traditional bookshelves, or mix up the sizes and shapes of the shelves for added visual interest.

2. Use Baskets and Bins

For a more organized and streamlined look, use baskets and bins to corral items on your open shelves. This not only adds to the decor, but also helps keep clutter at bay.

3. Incorporate Artwork

Open shelving doesn't have to be just for functional items. Use it to display your favorite artwork or framed photos for a personal touch in your living room.

4. Add Greenery

Plants are a great way to add life and color to any room, and open shelves in the living room are no exception. Use a mix of potted plants and hanging planters to add a natural touch to your decor.

5. Showcase Your Collections

If you have a collection of items that you want to display, open shelving is the perfect way to do so. Whether it's books, figurines, or vintage finds, use your shelves to showcase your unique collection.

6. Create a Gallery Wall

Instead of hanging all of your artwork on the walls, try using open shelves to create a gallery wall. This allows you to easily switch out and rearrange pieces as you please, and adds dimension to your living room decor.

7. Use Different Materials

Don't limit yourself to just wood shelves. Incorporate different materials like metal, glass, or even marble to add texture and interest to your open shelving.

8. Keep it Minimal

If you prefer a more minimalistic look, use open shelves sparingly to display a few key pieces rather than filling them with too many items. This allows the shelves to become a focal point without overwhelming the space.

9. Utilize Corner Shelves

If you have an awkward corner in your living room, consider installing corner shelves to make the most of the space. This not only adds more storage, but also creates a unique and eye-catching design element.

10. Add Lighting

Incorporating lighting into your open shelving decor can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your living room. Use small string lights or install small spotlights above the shelves to highlight your decor pieces.

Now that you have some ideas for open shelving decor in your living room, it's time to think about how to style them. Here are a few tips to help you create a cohesive and stylish look:

- Start with a color scheme: Choose a color scheme for your living room and use it as a guide when selecting items to display on your open shelves. This will help create a cohesive and visually appealing look.

- Vary the heights: When arranging items on your shelves, vary the heights to add dimension and interest. This can be achieved by using different sizes of decor pieces or by using risers to elevate items.

- Mix textures: Using a variety of textures adds depth to your open shelving decor. Mix in items like woven baskets, ceramics, and metal accents to create a visually interesting display.

- Create balance: When arranging items on your shelves, strive for balance. This can be achieved by placing larger and heavier items on the bottom shelves and lighter pieces on the higher shelves.

- Use negative space: Don't feel like you have to fill every inch of your shelves. Leaving some negative space can actually make your decor pieces stand out more and prevent the shelves from looking cluttered.

Open shelving in the living room doesn't have to be limited to just books and decor pieces. Here are a few creative ways to use open shelves in your living room decor:

- Create a bar area: Use open shelving to display your favorite barware and liquor bottles for a stylish and functional bar area in your living room.

- Display your record collection: If you're a music lover, use open shelves to display your vinyl collection. Not only does this add a personal touch to your decor, but it also keeps your records easily accessible.

- Showcase your favorite books: Of course, open shelves are perfect for displaying books. Create a mini library in your living room by arranging your books on the shelves in a visually appealing way.

- Use as a room divider: If your living room is open to another space, open shelves can be used as a stylish room divider. This allows you to define separate areas while still maintaining an open and airy feel.

- Incorporate a TV stand: Instead of using a traditional TV stand, why not use open shelving? This allows you to display other decor pieces around your TV and creates a more visually interesting focal point.

If you have a small living room, open shelving can actually help maximize the space. Here are a few tips for using open shelves in a small living room:

- Use vertical space: Instead of using traditional bookshelves that take up valuable floor space, opt for tall and narrow open shelving units. This allows you to use vertical space and still have plenty of storage and display space.

- Keep it light and airy: Choose open shelves with a light and airy design, such as floating shelves or shelves with thin metal frames. This helps prevent the shelves from overpowering the space and keeps the room feeling open.

- Use mirrors: Incorporating mirrors into your open shelving decor can help make a small living room feel larger. The reflection of the mirrors creates the illusion of more space.

- Utilize corners: As mentioned earlier, corner shelves are a great way to make the most of awkward spaces. This is especially useful in small living rooms where every inch of space counts.

If you're feeling crafty, why not try making your own open shelving for your living room? Here are a few DIY ideas to get you started:

- Use old wooden crates or boxes: Wooden crates or boxes can easily be turned into open shelves by attaching them to the wall. This adds a rustic and unique touch to your living room decor.

- Repurpose old ladders: Old wooden ladders can be transformed into stylish and functional open shelves. Simply attach shelves between the rungs of the ladder for a one-of-a-kind shelving unit.

- Use pipes and boards: For an industrial look, use pipes and boards to create open shelves. This is a great option for those who prefer a more modern and minimalist style.

- Utilize old shutters: Old wooden shutters can be repurposed into unique open shelves. Simply attach them to the wall and use the slats to hold books and decor pieces.

If your living room has a modern and minimalist design, open shelving can be a great addition. Here are a few ideas for incorporating open shelves into a modern living room:

- Choose sleek and simple shelves: When selecting open shelves for a modern living room, opt for sleek and simple designs. This helps maintain the clean and minimalist look of the space.

- Stick to a monochromatic color scheme: To keep with the modern aesthetic, stick to a monochromatic color scheme when styling your open shelves. This adds to the sleek and cohesive look of the room.

- Incorporate metallic accents: Adding metallic accents, such as gold or silver, to your open shelving decor can add a touch of glamour and sophistication to a modern living room.

- Display functional items: In addition to decor pieces, use your open shelves to display functional items like storage baskets, trays, and vases. This not only adds to the decor, but also serves a purpose in the room.

Farmhouse style has become increasingly popular in recent years, and open shelves are a perfect fit for this design aesthetic. Here are a few ideas for incorporating open shelving into a farmhouse style living room:

- Use reclaimed wood: Reclaimed wood shelves are a staple in farmhouse style decor. Look for shelves made from old barn wood or other salvaged materials for an authentic farmhouse look.

- Incorporate vintage finds: Use your open shelves to display vintage items like mason jars, old books, or antique dishes. This adds to the rustic and charming feel of a farmhouse style living room.

- Mix in natural elements: Farmhouse style is all about bringing the outdoors inside. Use open shelves to display elements like twine-wrapped vases, potted herbs, or a collection of pinecones for a natural touch.

- Keep it simple: Farmhouse style is all about simplicity and functionality. Don't overdo it with too many decor pieces on your open shelves. Stick to a few key items for a more authentic farmhouse look.

Plants are a great way to add life and color to your living room, and open shelves are a perfect spot to display them. Here are a few tips for incorporating plants into your open shelving decor:

- Use a variety of plants: Mix and match different types of plants to add texture and interest to your open shelves. Try using a combination of potted plants, hanging plants, and small succulents for a diverse and visually appealing display.

- Use planters as decor: Don't limit yourself to traditional planters. Use unique and decorative planters, such as woven baskets or vintage tins, to add to the overall decor of your living room.

- Incorporate trailing plants: Trailing plants like pothos or ivy are perfect for adding dimension to your open shelves. They can be hung from higher shelves or allowed to trail down from the top of a bookshelf for a whimsical touch.

- Create a mini indoor garden: If you have multiple open shelves in your living room, consider using one as a mini indoor garden. This allows you to display a variety of plants and create a lush and green focal point in the room.

One of the biggest benefits of open shelving in the living room is the added storage space. Here are a few tips for keeping your open shelves organized and clutter-free:

- Use baskets and bins: As mentioned earlier, baskets and bins are a great way to keep items organized on your open shelves. Use them to store items like DVDs, remote controls, or small knick-knacks.

- Create a system: Designate certain shelves for specific items, such as books, decor pieces, or storage bins. This helps keep everything in its place and makes it easier to find what you're looking for.

- Regularly declutter: Open shelves can easily become a catch-all for clutter if not regularly maintained. Make it a habit to declutter and reorganize your shelves every few months to keep them looking neat and tidy.

- Use labels: If you have a lot of small items on your shelves, consider using labels to identify what's in each basket or bin. This makes it easier to find things and also adds a decorative touch to your shelves.

With these open shelving decor ideas and tips, you can create a cozy and stylish living room that is both functional and visually appealing. Whether you prefer a modern, farmhouse, or eclectic style, open shelves are a versatile and practical addition to any living room. So go ahead and get creative with your open shelving, and watch as your living room transforms into a beautiful and inviting space.