Styling Glass Cabinetry and Open Shelving

When we use glass door cabinetry or open shelving, it’s safe to say that the way it’s styled will make it or break it. Yes, all shelves serve a functional purpose for storage but displaying messy stacks of dishes or massive collections is not the end goal. Shelves are also meant to be decorative so they must be given as much attention to detail as a tabletop vignette. It is in fact a vignette in layers – one on top of another on top of another. Not only does each object need to look great with the other items on the shelf, but also with everything on the shelf above and below.

The objects on display should make sense for the location. If we’re styling a shelf in the kitchen, then we’ll want to use things like bowls, pitchers, teapots, etc. Some type of floral arrangement also does wonders to soften the mix of solid materials. And did I say to put a bird on it? It makes a great meme but it’s also a thing that I halfway believe in. Any room can have a bird!

As with a tabletop vignette, you’ll want to carefully curate the selection. There’s no need to fill the whole shelf and in fact, many times less is really more. As usual, pay close attention to the balance of colors, shapes and sizes. I always look for:

1. Unique, well-made pottery
2. At least one inspiring book
3. Some framed art

How I love a good China cabinet!! But if all we display inside is plates, we’re missing the opportunity for artistry. The real beauty comes from strategic layering. A little color, a little pattern, one smaller object in front of another and it all just starts fitting together. I’ll step back and take it in for a while to figure out what’s missing, then I’ll usually go on a hunt at the local antique shop.

If you (or your designer) plan your cabinetry well, you should have the ability to showcase some decor alongside your everyday items. Notice (above) that the height and color of each object helped determine where they would sit on the shelves, creating an overall visual balance.

Thanks for reading! If you’re planning a residential project in middle TN and would like some design guidance, please reach out! I’d be honored to serve you.