How to Accessorize Collections on Shelves

Accessorize in Style

Accessories are the finishing touches that add character and personality to your decor.  But sometimes it's a challenge finding ways to showcase them without adding clutter to a room.  No matter what the collection, there's a clever way to seamlessly incorporate your most meaningful items into any style decor. Here are a few tips from the design experts at Girard Avenue Collection to help you accessorize collections on shelves.  

If you need to add a few pieces to your collection, we have an assortment of fabulous accessories!  Many of the items in these photos and similar ones are available at Girard Avenue Collection.

1.  Work with Groupings.  Displaying different types of items on shelves together is a great way to add diversity and texture to a room.  Notice the books are staggered throughout these shelves in small groupings with other accessories around them, some acting as bookends.  Photos are utilized as focal points to add visual interest and tell your story. 

2.  Create Focal Points.   A larger collection justifies a fabulous, eye-catching display.  This collection of silver platters and serving pieces acts as the focal point in this room, while the lamp and other accessories in front of the shelf add depth without detracting from the collection.  Spacing larger items with smaller items grouped in front makes the collection appear tidy but still interesting. 

3.  Keep it Balanced.  Don't overdo shelves with too many accessories, but don't keep them too simple, either.  This shelf is the perfect balance of color and texture without overwhelming the room.  The three items in front accent the art perfectly without becoming the center of attention.

4.  Never Underestimate Simplicity.  Never try too hard by adding too much to a shelf; sometimes simple is best!  This mantle clearly displays the art as the centerpiece with the clean lines of the candlesticks as accents.  The room is simple and classic, so the accessories should be as well.

5.  Utilize Shelf Space.  Don't limit your accessories to interior shelves, display them on top of cabinets, too!  Shelves with glass front cabinets allow for a sneak peek at what's inside, but by adding pieces to the top of the cabinet the space is maximized.  When the doors are opened, it creates a whole new look.  

We Asked, You Answered! We recently posted this on our Facebook Page:  "Our next blog will discuss how to accessorize collections on shelves. What type of collection do you need help displaying? We'd love to address some of your specific concerns."  One of our loyal page viewers asked this,  "I have an old photo collection (non relatives) from the 1800's purchased at an estate sale couldn't stand the thought of breaking up the family. They're tin and also a few in tiny leather frames with hook closures." Our advice is to create a mini photo gallery on a shelf.  By keeping the photos in the varying types of frames (leather and tin), it makes for an eclectic look that will draw the eye to the collection as a whole. Add some height by using miniature easels, and also feel free to incorporate another accessory into the display.  Consider a plant or antiquated silver piece!  Accessorizing Service at Girard Avenue Still need a few pointers?  Stop by our La Jolla shop!  Our interior designers offer an accessorizing service to help you maximize your finishing touches by blending them into your decor or creating focal points to make them the centerpiece!