7 Open Shelves Decor Ideas

Many homes in Singapore are apartments or HDB flats with limited space. Open shelves maximise vertical storage and keep the area feeling open and less cluttered. Open shelves can serve as both storage and display, making them a practical choice for small homes.

Open shelves align with minimalist and Scandinavian design trends, which are popular in Singapore. They contribute to a clean, airy, and organised look. Homeowners use open shelves to display books, plants, and decorative items, adding a personal and stylish touch to their interiors.

Of course, items on open shelves are within easy reach, making them ideal for kitchens, study areas, and living rooms. Everything is visible, reducing the need to search through closed cabinets.

Open shelves are often more affordable than closed cabinets or custom-built storage solutions, making them attractive to budget-conscious homeowners.

Thinking of getting an open shelf at home? Here are some cosy ideas for open shelves.

1. Reading Corner

Add a mix of books stacked both vertically and horizontally, then layer in a cosy touch with a small plant or candle. This creates a relaxed, inviting vibe perfect.

Alternate between using books and small decor pieces as focal points to craft a stylish and well-organised corner in your home.

The “Triangle” Styling Method

When it comes to laying out your stacks of books, arrange them so they are diagonally across each other (pictured above) for a more balanced look. Plan and arrange your wall-mounted shelf or bookshelf with the triangle styling method.

2. Study Corner

Wall-mounted display shelving is a smart solution for a tidy and efficient study space. Ideal for lighter objects, a hanging shelf maximises vertical space, keeping your study essentials neatly organised and within easy reach.

Use it to display stationery, small plants, or a curated selection of books to add personality to your workspace while maintaining a clutter-free desk. This setup not only saves surface area but also enhances your study’s functionality and style with minimal effort.

Use a bright dominant colour with secondary colour tones for a bright and vibrant Scandinavian look (pictured above).

3. Study Room

For a sophisticated study display, deep shelves offer the ideal stage for larger objects like vases, creating a balanced look that’s both functional and stylish. Dark-coloured furniture anchors the arrangement, adding depth and elegance to the space.

The extra shelf depth allows you to layer items, combining substantial pieces with smaller accents like stationery or framed photos to enhance visual interest without overcrowding.

Pictured above, bright vases enhance decor alongside thicker books.

4. Layered Open Shelves Styling

Transform your built-in shelf into a statement feature with simple styling tricks that add depth and character.

Start by layering items in a mix of heights and textures: place larger, weighty objects like vases or stacked books toward the bottom for balance, and use smaller decorative items or plants on higher shelves to draw the eye upward. Add a framed photo or open book to make the display uniquely yours.

For a warm touch, consider adding a touch of greenery (real or faux) to your reading shelf to create a lively and inviting atmosphere. Opening the pages of graphic books or magazines can greatly enhance the visual appeal of your reading shelf (pictured above).

How to style an open shelf?

Start by choosing a focal point. Select one or two standout pieces — like an art object, a framed photo, or a unique vase — that will anchor the display. Position these items at eye level or in the center of the shelf to draw attention. From there, build around them with smaller accents to create a balanced look without overwhelming the space.

Use a mix of heights and textures to add visual interest. Combine tall items, like candlesticks or books standing upright. Layering different textures, such as ceramics with wood or metal, brings depth and makes the arrangement feel curated.

5. One Dominant Colour

This creates a clean and cohesive look that instantly elevates your space. Introduce subtle variations of the main hue to prevent the display from feeling flat. Bring the look together by adding objects of a contrasting colour to add depth.

6. Dining Room Open Shelves

Start with everyday essentials like beautiful glassware, plates, or bowls, which not only look inviting but are also easy to grab when entertaining. Group items in clusters to create visual balance, and play with varying heights to keep the look dynamic.

7. Partition Shelf

For partitioned shelves visible from both sides, choose visually appealing items like sculptural vases and plants. Anchor the center with larger pieces, adding symmetry with smaller accents on either side.