Almost every home has some iteration of open shelving, whether that's a console table, floating kitchen shelves, or a built-in bookshelf. More than just storage, open shelving can be a really effective design tool. It adds color and texture to an otherwise blank wall through plates, books, vases, and decor. However, overfilling open shelving to the point of visual clutter is one of the easiest mistakes to make, so let's talk about the do's and don'ts of this style.
First of all, "Styling is often more about what you leave off than what you put on," says interior designer Montana Burnett. Since everything is on display with this shelving idea, restraint is key. You want to mix pieces with meaning with things you actually use every day, but you also shouldn't be afraid to leave space empty. Space creates balance, and balance is what will make your open shelves feel curated rather than cluttered.
