Where I source affordable shelf decor + how to style built-ins
When we moved into our home in September I hadn’t purchased a lot of shelf decor because in our previous home we had zero bookshelves, built-ins, or a mantel to style. I did stock up on coffee table books over the 16 months of our home build, and I must say I was shocked at how quickly I used them up when styling the built-ins throughout our new home. It took me a few months to source affordable shelf decor and style our built-ins, and I still switch my shelves around quite a bit. However, I have found a few tips that have helped me achieve the overall look I am going for.
How to style built-ins
- Group things together to eliminate clutter. Focus on groups of two or three, and if it is a larger item sometimes it works all by itself.
- Carry some of the same colors and textures throughout the shelves. I try using blue coffee table books and artwork that has some blues in it. I also use brass, rattan, and natural woods to add texture and warmth.
- Mix up vessel shapes. I noticed when I had too many round ceramics on one side of my built-ins something seemed off. I switched out a few of the round shapes for rectangular boxes or decorative objects and it looked so much better.
- Use coffee table books that showcase your interests and style, and stack them in different directions. I stack mine vertically on one shelf, then on the next I stack them horizontally with an object on top. Sometimes I have a particular book that has meaning to me and I want to showcase it, so I have it facing out (like my Kelly Wearstler book below, she is one of my favorite designers). I have found the best prices for coffee table books are usually on Amazon.
Shop affordable shelf decor:
Shop ceramic vases:
Shop bowls:
Shop gallery frames:
Shop picture frames:
Shop boxes:
Shop decorative objects:
Shop coffee table books:
Coffee table books should show your interests, styles you like, hobbies you have, favorite places you have traveled to. They should tell a story about you and your family.
Where I shop for affordable shelf decor:
Juniper Print Shop (affordable art prints)
Coco Shalom (affordable art prints)
Alice Lane Home (Get 10% off with code KATE10)
Facebook Market Place: search for vintage decor, vintage vase, etc.
Collectible Brooks – one of a kind vintage pieces
Local Thrift Stores
Local Antique Stores
xo, Kate
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Juliet
Thanks for all the great ideas and tips, Kate. Your shelves are so well done. And, I never tire of looking at this room … the paint color and hardware selection is perfection. xo
Meg
So beautiful! Question, when you print black and white photos what filter do you use? Do you print them yourself ? I keep trying to print In Black and white and they don’t come out well! Gorgeous room thank you for the inspiration!
Sandra
MegI’m curious about the black and white photos as well!
Kate
SandraThose are just our family photos and then I put them in these brass gallery frames from Target:
https://rstyle.me/+GZzeQvTmiVcoSfX1OerBPw
https://rstyle.me/+zNeduUfY5qJ7DOn7phYJFw
Meg
Thank you! But does a professional photographer make them black and white or do you choose the filter on your phone to print?
Kate
MegI do! All the photos had color, I used Adobe Lightroom to apply a B&W filter to them. I know you can apply a B&W filter on a regular iPhone, too.
Meg
Awesome thank you so much!!
Carly
I wish I could say McGee & co is affordable