Have you ever seen a shelfie that just takes your breath away? You know the ones we’re talking about – they're perfectly curated, with everything just so. The colors are harmonious, the textures are riveting, and the overall effect is just stunning

If you're not sure how to create a shelfie that's worthy of its own hashtag, don't worry. We’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to create a shelfie that will make your friends and followers green with envy. So sit back, relax, and let's get started.

What’s a “Shelfie?”

“A shelfie is a picture of a shelf, especially a bookshelf that shows off someone’s books, movies, art, collectibles, special belongings, etc.” - Dictionary.com

If you’ve perused through our blog, you’ve probably seen this term floating around – and we love it. Here at Shelfology, we absolutely dig when our customers send us pictures of how they used our shelving! “Shelfies” have become more popular in the past decade or so, as DIY blogs and interior design have taken the internet by storm. But… how do you create one?

diyplaybook@gmail.com captures a sweet nursery shelfie.

How to Create a Shelfie-Worthy Display:

#1: Remember This is Your Shelf

Before you even get started, remember that you have two options:

  • Go cookie-cutter

  • Be yourself

Neither of these is inherently wrong or right, but you should figure out what you’re going for before you even get started. If you want a certain “look,” make sure you have reference photos and the objects you’ll need before you start designing and hanging your shelves.

A simple white wall of bookshelves by @betteabbot design fit the client’s aesthetic perfectly.

#2: Do Some Research

If you aren’t quite sure what interior design “type” you’re going for, the best way to figure it out is to do some research. Look at different shelf designs and interior design methods to see what you like and what will look best in your home. As you scroll through the interwebs, pay attention to the size and shape of the shelves used, as well as the materials they're made from. You may also want to consider the overall style of your home when making your decision.

Or, you know, go rogue. We’re here for it.

#3: Pick Out Your Shelves

You can’t take a shelfie without shelves, now can you! The next order of business is to find shelving that works well with your space. We’re talking color, material, size, shape, and durability. Here at Shelfology, we obviously recommend our mouth-watering shelf kits, but you can use any heavy-duty shelving you like (or DIY one with our contractor-grade brackets).

Warm woods and textural tile make this shelfie a hit by @jeanstofferdesign

#4: Hang Those Shelves Like a Boss

You’ve got one of our shelf kit boxes and you’re ready to go – great, let’s get started! Always start by measuring your wall, finding studs, and centering your shelf based on that information. Then, move onto installation. We won’t go into that here, but you can find out more on our blog post: Floating Shelves 101: How to Hang Your Shelves Like a Boss.

#5: DESIGN, DESIGN, DESIGN!

Now that your shelves are up, it’s time for the fun part. Now, you get to put your fun, exciting things up on the shelves! Here are a few tips to help you create a shelf display worthy of that shelfie you’ve been dreaming of:

  • Categorize items by shape, size, and color before putting them up on display.

  • Use items of different heights, textures, and luminosities.

  • Add pops of color – but don’t overdo it.

  • Accessorize with plants or other “natural” elements (if that’s what you’re into at the moment).

  • As you design, step back and view your shelf from different angles.

  • Optimize the shelf design with empty spaces, too. This creates visual intrigue.

Plants provide a pop of color and accessories add to the look of this Verne shelfie by @maureenstevensdesign 

#6: Take That Hard-Earned Shelfie, Dude!

As if the stellar design now living on your wall isn’t enough, take a picture of it in all its glory… then share it with us using #WayToDisplay – please! We love seeing your ideas, creativity, and inspiration. It keeps us going as we pack up and ship out more delicious, mouth-watering shelves. And don't forget to keep collecting and displaying! Your shelfie will never be complete, as you will always be adding new items to your collection. So enjoy the process, and have fun with it!

From all of us here at Shelfology, enjoy your shelfie! #WayToDisplay