what to put on floating shelves in living room

"Living Room Floating Shelf Ideas: What to Display"

By Brian Taylor
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Floating shelves are a stylish and functional addition to any living room, providing both storage and aesthetic appeal. But with great shelf comes great responsibility - deciding what to display on them. Here are some creative and practical ideas to help you make the most of your floating shelves.

First, consider the overall theme and color scheme of your living room. Your floating shelves should complement, not clash with, your existing decor. Whether you prefer a minimalist, bohemian, or eclectic style, there's a shelf arrangement that'll suit your taste.

Decorative Items

Floating shelves are a perfect opportunity to showcase your personality through decorative items. Think of them as a 3D gallery wall, where you can mix and match various objects to create visual interest.

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Floating Shelf Styling Ideas ✨ Cozy & Aesthetic Home Decor Inspiration🤎
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Start with larger items at the back, gradually decreasing in size as you move forward. This creates depth and makes your shelves look more inviting. Here are some decorative items you might consider:

Artwork and Photographs

Frame your favorite artwork or photographs and lean them against the back of the shelf. This adds a personal touch and creates a focal point. You can also mix in some abstract art or inspirational quotes to inspire your daily life.

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For a cohesive look, try to stick with a consistent color scheme or theme for your artwork. You could also group similar frames together to create a gallery wall effect.

Sculptures and Figurines

Showcase your collection of sculptures or figurines on your floating shelves. They can add a touch of elegance or playfulness, depending on your preference. Just ensure they're stable and won't topple over easily.

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Consider the scale of your sculptures. Smaller ones can be grouped together, while larger ones should be the focal point of their respective shelf.

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Practical Storage Solutions

While floating shelves are great for displaying decorative items, they're also incredibly practical for storage. Here's how you can maximize their functionality:

Books and Magazines

If you're an avid reader, your floating shelves are the perfect place to store your books and magazines. Arrange them by size or color for a visually appealing look. You can also use bookends to keep them organized and prevent them from toppling over.

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For a more modern look, consider displaying only the spines of your books. This creates a geometric pattern and adds a pop of color to your shelves.

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Candles and Vases

Candles and vases can add a touch of warmth and elegance to your living room. Place them on your floating shelves for easy access and to create a cozy atmosphere. Just ensure they're far enough from any flammable materials to prevent accidents.

Mix and match different shapes and sizes of candles and vases for a dynamic look. You can also use them to add height and interest to your shelves.

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Plants and Greenery

Bring the outdoors in by adding some plants to your floating shelves. They not only look great but also help purify the air. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents or air plants that don't require frequent watering.

For a cohesive look, use matching pots or create a plant wall by attaching pots directly to the shelves. Just ensure your plants are secure and won't fall off easily.

Remember, the key to styling floating shelves is balance and variety. Mix and match different shapes, sizes, and textures to create visual interest. And don't be afraid to experiment - the beauty of floating shelves is that you can easily rearrange them if you don't like the way something looks.

So go ahead, embrace your inner interior designer, and create a living room that's both stylish and functional with your floating shelves. Happy styling!

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