Karen McCartney has pinned 25 well-styled shelves to a brand new Pinterest board. Here she shares 10 great examples, and explains why they work and what to avoid. If you need more storage (and who doesn't), check out our bookcases and wall shelving.


Image via Pinterest

There is something infinitely pleasing about this combination of white, cream and biscuit coloured crockery. Open shelving becomes a decorative asset when you have the right things to display. Within the confines of this colour palette anything goes, and bowls can be stacked with plates, cups etc. This arrangement also has the benefit of sitting directly above the sink so is practical as well as visually pleasing. Beware of...bright colours creeping in


Image via Remodelista

Even a tiny, solo shelf can deliver a stylish combination of artfully placed objects. Consider tonal compatibility and make sure that the arrangement has a thoughtful composition. Mixing heights, forms and materials adds interest without overcrowding. Beware of...losing sight of the arrangement and it becoming a junk collection!


Photo by Mikkel Adsbøl. Styling by Bolette Kiær

Sometimes a simple, slim white shelf positioned high above a sofa is perfect for the placement of ceramics and small artworks. Note here how some of the artworks are hung and some just propped, and how the ceramics form a tonal cluster at the end of the shelf. The sofa, decorated with cushions, below, also has a linear treatment with bursts of earthy colour. Beware...muddling your cultural references


West London home by designer Ebba Thott, via House & Garden

A stylish interior that makes the most of the high ceilings with a bespoke bookcase that covers an entire wall including above the doorway. This visual generosity creates a strong decorative feature that is also extremely practical. Beware...losing the ladder


Image via String

The String shelving system, designed by Nisse Strinning in 1949, is something of a design classic. Its smart, adjustable design allows for a number of successful configurations. It is also a stylist's dream as its simple form allows the objects to take on whatever character the room needs. Beware...over complicating your options


The home of Swedish stylist Emma Persson Lagerberg. Image by Petra Bindel.

In this Danish apartment a wall of floor to ceiling books makes a decorative backdrop. Instead of having two or three smaller bookshelves dotted around the house, combine into one large custom-made wall of shelving that houses everything from paperbacks through to large scale photographic books. Beware...not reading enough to fill the shelves


Image via Pinterest.

This approach to shelving combines the precision of the white man-made shelves, and pots, with the wild organic greenery. Not only is it a winner visually but use for everyday herbs and you have an instant kitchen garden. Beware...a heat-wave.


The Muuto stacked shelf system.

This irregular stacking shelving unit allows you to unleash your inner stylist as the variety of shapes creates opportunities to place books, objects, artworks and favourite vintage finds. It is a case of trial and error until you find the perfect visual balance. Beware...over-regimentation.


A Madrid apartment designed by Suzanne Sendín.

Well-styled, well-filled shelves with a touch of the pleasingly chaotic can bring a great energy to a room. It speaks of a life well-lived. The timber structure of the shelving is echoed in the choice of furnishings giving the room a coherence, and hint of control, that avoids the random. Beware...the random.


Image via Cote de Texas

A vintage storage cabinet can be piled with objects and still retain a rustic charm. The beauty of this shelving unit is that the transparency of the mesh doors allows you to see in but also creates an arena for the display of objects. By keeping the palette tonally tight - with light timber and white ceramic objects the busyness is overlooked. Beware...a toddler climbing up and pulling it over (it happens!)