Guest Picks: 20 Trinkets to Adorn Open Shelves in a Fun Family Room
I recently installed floor-to-ceiling open shelving along one wall in my family room. I can't wait to style the shelves with books and accessories. Here are some of the more sculptural and playful items I've found while on my quest to bring personality to those open shelves. — Dana from House Tweaking
Photos & Products
Threshold Galvanized Decorative Ball - $9.99
I love the sculptural look of this industrial sphere. It's even heavy enough to work as a bookend.
Recycled Stylish Antlers by Yippee Ki Yayy - $68
Colorful hand-painted antlers are a fun, animal-friendly take on the antler trend. These are collected after deer and antelope shed them naturally.
Troika Mirror by We are MFEO - $120
Every shelf needs something shiny to reflect light. These geometric mirrors are warm and modern.
Black/White Spiral Tilt Vase by Owl Creek Ceramics
What about this quirky vertigo vase? Plop a single stem into it and you're set.
Nesting Storage Baskets, Mustard Yellow by Dreaming Lucy - EUR 30
Use textured crocheted bowls to round up baubles, keys and other little randoms on open shelving.
Mini Planters, Neon Pink by Wind & Willow Home - $34
Line up this set of neon mini planters on an open shelf, and give your succulent garden a modern vibe.
Porcelain Hurricanes, Dotted - $19
Add ambience with these glowing dotted hurricanes. To avoid an unfriendly flame and shelf damage (or worse), try placing a battery-powered LED candle inside.
Glass Terrariums + Wood Base - $39
Turn any shelf into a terrarium display with this glass and wood combo. Using live objects in a display is a great way to achieve an organic look.
Lindi Aluminum Bowls, Silver, Set of 3 - $139
I love these curvy aluminum bowls. Group them together or scatter them amongst a wall of open shelves.
Rocking Birds - $14
Rocking wooden birds are whimsical and playful.
Nate Berkus Medium Cream Box - $20
A cream box with gold details can keep pocket contents or a deck of playing cards out of sight.
Singgih Kartono Areaware Magno Portable Radio - $112.50
This is, by far, the most stylish retro radio I've ever laid eyes on. And it's ecofriendly to boot!
Whale Animal Box - $48.99
I'm pretty sure this is meant for a child's room, but how fun would it be to display this whale box in a family room? You could hide little candies or spare change in it.
Handmade Chalkboard Utility Vessel - $28
Bring some organization to open shelves with this clever chalkboard container. Label with a chalk marker for organization made easy.
Reclaimed Wood Large Wall Letter by Debbie Saenz - $25
Personalize open shelving with leaning letters. This one is colorful, rustic and eclectic.
Symbols Bookends - $29
These "@" and "&" bookends are for the typography lovers.
Reclaimed Wood Air Plant Holder by Triple Seven Recycled - $30
A square of reclaimed barn wood and yarn support an organic air plant. What a unique way to display air plants — just sit the whole thing on a shelf.
Threshold Brass Animals, Rhino - $9.99
I love adding brass items to a shelf for a sophisticated look. This little rhino is a curvy, brassy work of art.
Metal Urchin Table Lamp by Stimulight - $109
I have a thing for sea urchins and would be happy to give this metal urchin light a home.
Simple Yellow Vase Pair by Anna's Pots - $39
These cuddling bud vases are adorable. They would be perfect for displaying backyard garden clippings.
Next: Get More Bang From Your Bookcase
Next: Get More Bang From Your Bookcase