- 1). Plan your shelving scheme. Make sure spacing complements the size and height of accents to be placed on shelves for display. Vary shelf style to complement placement in the room and appearance of the decorative pieces. For example, a wall-hung decorative wood shelf with miniature china set goes well in a kitchen.
- 2). Create a center of interest. Use shelving to bring the room together and to create a focal point of interest. For example, arrange three cube wall shelves diagonally down the wall, and place collectibles on them. Or, use a plant rack to show off your sundry assortment of indoor plants.
- 3). Choose shelf width and vertical spacing. What do you want to display? Whatever it is, make sure the width and vertical spacing of shelving is appropriate. For example, a lit curio cabinet is great for displaying small objects, while a china cabinet is appropriate for larger pieces such as plates. A wider rack mount wall shelf is good for larger objects such as a decorative wooden house. Cube shelves are useful for smaller décor such as picture frames, miniature vases, and figurines.
- 4). Choose shelf color. Make sure the color of the shelving matches the décor of the room. Remember that you can always paint or stain the shelf a different color. For example, you can purchase an unfinished corner shelf from your local hobby store and finish it with wood stain or varnish.