Styling a shelf can often be a daunting task. When faced with an empty space full of styling opportunities, sometimes it can be hard to know where to start. 

Shelves are an integral part of any home, from providing practical storage, to creating an area for you to house and display your favored objects and accessories that express your style and identity.

When styling a shelf, think carefully about the types of objects you want to display and what they mean to you, as well as how you want your shelf to work practically in a space. 

Whether you're using a shelf for a bookshelf, for functional storage, or to arrange decorative artwork and ornaments, you want your shelf styling to add visual interest and character to a room. 

There are, of course, many ways to style a shelf, so we have collected our top styling ideas to provide you with some inspiration. Bear in mind that we are not offering tips on organizing a bookshelf; these tips focus on the aesthetics of shelf styling. 

 By Zara Stacey 

Symmetry in interior design can be used across the home, and if you have an abundance of shelving in a room, whether that be in a study, home library or living room space, styling the shelves symmetrically can create a sense of balance and calm.

In this cozy reading the room, the shelves are mainly used for the storage and display of books. However, by keeping two shelves free and styling them with the matching decorative vases, both an element of contrast and a calming focal point is created within the library of books.

'It can be very tempting to overcrowd and fill a shelf with an abundance of items, and in many spaces, this maximalist look can work wonderfully, however, styling a shelf with minimalism in mind allows for key decorative pieces to be fully appreciated - and is also a great option for smaller spaces,' says Jennifer Ebert, Homes & Gardens' Digital Editor.

In this kitchen, designed by Kimberley Harrison Interiors, the warming wooden shelves have been elegantly decorated with glassware and a few select ornaments. The result creates a calming, spacious display where every item can be easily viewed and taken off the shelf if needed.

Using a shelf as a platform for a curated collection of artwork and decorative ornaments can create a unique display area in a room.

The painted, built-in arched shelving unit in this living room, filled with eye-catching artistic designs, creates a mini gallery and artistic viewing space within the home.

Experimenting with paint when styling a shelf can add a dynamic element of color to a room, as well as beautifully complement your chosen ornamental, artistic designs.

When styling a shelf, considering the layout and placement of your objects will create a harmonious and balanced design that is visually appealing. 

Lou Graham, Co-Owner of Graham & Green states 'creating beautiful shelves all comes down to layering objects of different heights, widths, and shape'. 

Instead of grouping items together by size or similarity, playing with scale and creating a varied layout by mixing different objects will create an appealing and diverse shelf design.

For many of us, shelving in the home provides a functional surface area to store everyday objects. 

In this kitchen, the three wooden, wall-mounted shelves make the most out of an empty wall space above the beautiful yellow cabinets. Styled with practical glass storage jars, the jars are easy to grab and allow for you to quickly see the inside contents.

The styling of the jars on these kitchen shelves is both practical and decorative, with the varying heights, colors and textures creating a point of visual interest in the room, ideal for kitchen shelving.

If you want to add an element of contrast to a space, styling a shelf using different colors, textures and materials to those used for the main decor scheme can create a unique design feature in the room.

In this living room, the snug, alcove bookshelf is decorated with books in bright, eye-catching colors, establishing a striking contrast with the natural, earthy tones and materials used throughout the rest of the room. For living room bookshelves, this styling idea not only creates a colorful zoned space, but also gives prominence to the book collection.

From family heirlooms, to photographs and objects collected on travels away from home, styling a shelf that gives space to your most meaningful, prized possessions will ensure that they a fully respected and appreciated by all. 

The colorful shelving unit in this living room provides a spacious platform where both large and small decorative objects can shine. Instead of being lost with many other items, each object has the space to stand out and be taken in by onlookers. 

Being bold and creative when styling a shelf can create unique decor ideas for rooms throughout the home.

When considering wall decor, using multiple shelving units and styling them to create a striking, decorative display area can transform the look of a space. 

Why have one bathroom mirror when you can have 17? The beautiful mirrors in this bathroom space have been arranged to create a truly unique, stand-out mirror wall. Using the painted blue, sleek shelves as a podium for mirrors of varied heights, shapes and styles creates a dramatic design feature in this bathroom space - great for bathroom shelves.

'When styling a shelf in your home, ultimately, you want to use an eclectic mix of objects and accessories to create a personal space that reflects your identity,' says Homes & Gardens' Editor in Chief Lucy Searle.

Having a display of varied items, from plants to books, ornaments and candles, your shelf can tell a story of your style and personality.

Of course, our tastes and styles can change, so editing your collection of objects and swapping out items over time will ensure you shelf remains fresh and meaningful.