And I can’t wait to share some fun shelf design tips with you here today.  Built-ins can be very daunting to decorate; at least for me, they are!  However, now I luv it and change them up regularly.  I’ll share a few tips with you here today that I hope will inspire you to get started!

Decorated shelfie builtins with vintage finds.

Tip #1 Make Your Shelfies Personal

Start with some of your favorite things.  I luv all things vintage. Therefore, I rounded up a few of my favorite things.  i.e., the wooden mailbox, grub pot, globe, Lenox clock, etc…

Shelfie with vintage finds and flowers.

Tip #2 Add Candles

All kinds!  Here I added some plain white taper candles and wrapped them with a little burlap.

Shelfie with vintage finds.

I love these blue glass candlesticks that I found at The Shops at Cape Neddick in Maine with small white pillars.

10 Surprising Shelf Design Tips with Shelfie Design Guide

Tip #3 Books | Vintage or New

10 Surprising Shelf Design Tips with Shelfie Design Guide

Here, I added some of my favorite vintage treasures, along with some old books and some current books, on the lower shelf.  

I also love the old clock faces.  Here, I decoupaged the clock face onto an old book and a shelf design tip.

Shelfie with vintage finds and books.

Tip#4 Flip Books the Opposite Way

This will add character, and will also lighten the shelves and the room.

You may also enjoy the post, How to Decorate Bookshelves for a Vintage Christmas.

10 Surprising Shelf Design Tips with Shelfie Design Guide

Tip #5 Create the Vintage Book Look

Remove the cover, back, and spine from old paperbacks and wrap them in twine for this cool shelf design tip.

10 Surprising Shelf Design Tips with Shelfie Design Guide

Tip #6 Baskets

I’m partial to neutral-colored baskets. They are great fillers that add texture and softness to any shelf. All sizes go.

10 Surprising Shelf Design Tips with Shelfie Design Guide
Builtin shelves designed in vintage style.

Now, if I can just convince my husband to hide the speakers…  Ha Ha!  #reallife

Lilacs and shelfie.

Tip #7 Flowers and/or Plants

I’m a big fan of having living things in each room. It adds to a lived-in, relaxed feel, which I really enjoy. It can be as beautiful and simple as a bouquet of lilacs from your yard.

Shelfie with vintage photos and books.

OR

a small amount of dried babies breathe!

Shelfie with vintage pieces and plant.

A simple plant…

Tip #8 Photos

Add your personal photos and favorite pictures, paintings, etc. Hanging the items on your shelving walls adds depth and personalization, too.

Picture hanging on shelfie wall w/ vintage style.

Tip #9 Keep it Simple

Or your shelf will look cluttered.

Simple Shelfie with candles and photo.
Vintage glob, basket and brass bell #shelfie

Tip #10: Have Fun With It

BUILTIN SHELFIE DECOR WITH BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG

Gratefully Vintage

If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with your friends who are also vintage enthusiasts.

Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at annck@dabblinganddecorating.com

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10 Surprising Shelf Design Tips with Shelfie Design Guide

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10 Surprising Shelf Design Tips with Shelfie Design Guide
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