Hey! I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how much vertical space we ignore in our homes. We tend to focus on the big furniture pieces—the sofas, the beds, the tables—but the real personality of a room usually lives on the walls. I put together a little guide on how to get that curated, “Pinterest-ready” look without overthinking it. It’s all about balance, texture, and a little bit of intentionality.
Here are some ideas to get that look in your own place.
Geometric Frames
Install tall, black metal-framed shelves against a bold wall color, like a deep blue or slate grey, to create instant architectural interest. Alternate your book placement: stack some vertically and lean others horizontally to break up the rigid lines. Pop in small, vibrant succulents in patterned pots to add life to the industrial metal structure. Keep the wood tones of the shelves light to contrast sharply against the dark metal framework. Leave negative space within the frames so the wall color becomes part of the decor.
Zen Storage
Opt for a tall, industrial-style shelving unit with warm wooden planks to organize your wellness gear or hobby supplies. Roll your mats and blankets tightly, stacking them by color gradient for a cohesive, calming look. Use wicker baskets to hide smaller clutter and loose accessories, adding natural texture to the metal frame. Intersperse round items like yoga balls or smooth weights on the lower levels to visually ground the unit. Keep the surrounding palette neutral to maintain a sense of open, breathing room.
Amber Glow
Mount mid-century style brackets with rich teak-colored wood shelves for a warm, vintage feel. Group amber glass bottles together to catch the afternoon light and create glowing, golden shadows against the wall. Pair them with classic terracotta pots housing tall, spiky foliage like snake plants for a nice textural contrast between the smooth glass and rough clay. Leave plenty of negative space so the wall behind breathes, allowing the natural shadows to become a design element themselves.
Tiered Trio
Install three evenly spaced wooden shelves to create a dedicated vertical garden wall. Mix your materials by placing smooth white pillar candles next to earthy, unglazed ceramic pots. Arrange your items in loose triangular groupings—tall plants on the ends and shorter objects like jars in the center—to guide the eye across the display. Use the bottom shelf for heavier visual weight, like a stack of art books topped with a low planter, to anchor the arrangement.
Classic Clay
Stick to a strict material palette of natural wood, clear glass, and terracotta for a timeless aesthetic. Choose plants with varying leaf structures—some upright and rigid, others trailing and soft—to add movement to the static horizontal lines. Balance the height by placing tall vintage glass bottles on one side and a cluster of small pots on the other. Let the natural grain of the wood shelves shine by not overcrowding them; let the shelf itself be part of the beauty.
White Wash
Select a bright white cube organizer for a clean, minimalist foundation that disappears into a white wall. Turn book spines inward or choose covers in neutral, muted tones to reduce visual noise and maintain a monochromatic look. Place a large, architectural plant like a ZZ plant on the top surface to break the boxy silhouette with organic, wild lines. Keep the accessories sparse—perhaps just a single clear glass or small sculpture—to emphasize the play of light and shadow.
Studio Vibes
Use light, raw wood shelves with simple white brackets for an airy, artist-studio feel. Display sculptural ceramics and pottery tools as art pieces rather than just clutter, giving each item room to stand out. Add a trailing plant, like a Dieffenbachia, to soften the sharp edges and bridge the vertical gap between shelves. Drape a linen napkin or textured cloth casually over a small table below to complete the relaxed, creative aesthetic.
Curated Cabinet
Choose a light wood cabinet with sliding glass doors to protect your treasures while keeping them visible and dust-free. Mix practical items like glassware with stacks of vintage books and framed maps inside for a “collected” feel. Lean a piece of art against the back panel of the cabinet to add depth to the display. Place a large, leafy green plant in the foreground to bring an organic element to the structured, rectangular furniture.
Kitchen Calm
Install a white wire string shelving system for a light, floating appearance that works perfectly in a kitchen or dining area. Group your ceramics by color—creams, whites, and wood tones—for a unified, peaceful look. Stack bowls and plates neatly, but leave plenty of open shelf space to keep the feeling airy and uncluttered. Add a small wooden bowl of fruit or a ceramic teapot to introduce a pop of natural shape and domestic warmth.
Glass Gallery
Mount a sleek glass shelf on wooden brackets to make your collectibles appear almost weightless against the wall. Line up a collection of small, blue-and-white pottery or sake cups to create a horizontal visual rhythm. Lean a vintage framed print against the wall behind the objects to create a layered, gallery-like backdrop. Anchor the look with a small, soft-glowing table lamp below to illuminate your curated vignette and highlight the glass textures.
Conclusion
Creating a space that feels like “you” isn’t about buying the most expensive furniture or following a strict set of rules. It’s really about curation. As you can see from these examples, the magic often happens in the mix—combining the rough texture of a terracotta pot with the smooth gleam of amber glass, or the rigidity of a metal shelf with the wild, organic lines of a trailing plant.
Don’t be afraid to leave empty space on your shelves. We often feel the urge to fill every inch, but negative space allows the eye to rest and makes the objects you do display feel special rather than cluttered. Think of your shelving as a dynamic, changing canvas. You can swap out books, move plants as they grow, or rotate your collectibles with the seasons.
Start with good “bones”—like sturdy brackets or a classic cabinet—and then layer in your life. Whether you prefer the stark minimalism of white-on-white or the cozy, collected vibe of a vintage studio, the goal is to create corners in your home that make you pause and smile. Happy styling!