Shelf styling looks effortless online, but this clever arch sideboard does the hard work for you, and now it’s available for under £50
Shelf styling is one of those interiors trends that looks simply effortless on Instagram, but it can actually be surprisingly tricky to get it right. We want characterful, but not cluttered. Artistic, but not unapproachable.
If you don’t know where to start, one of the simplest tricks is to consider the unit itself. To get the right balance of storage and space, choose a unit that is already split into separate sections, rather than a simple horizontal shelves. The best one we’ve seen recently? It has to be this OHS Arch Display Sideboard and, even better, it’s currently reduced from £82 to £49.99.
Available in black or white, to suit any room, the magic of this sideboard is how effortless it makes shelf styling. Split into six different openings, each one is a contrasting shape and size, so all you need to do is pick what fits best in each one – all the spacing and balancing is done for you.
We love that, especially in the white version, which reminds us of Greek island architecture, the openings look almost like little arched alcoves, giving the piece a built-in, architectural feel rather than simply looking like a standard shelving unit.
If you want to display crockery, for instance, you can place them in piles in the four largest shelves, then add perhaps a tall vase and a couple of cookery books in the remaining openings. Alternatively, to use the Arch Display Sideboard for a living room display, you could have a mini bookshelf in one larger section and fill the other sections with a trailing plant, framed pictures and decorative objects.
For the best results, vary the heights and textures of what you display, but try going for similar colour groups, where possible, to emphasise the cohesion. Try mixing ceramics with glass, greenery, books and candles, and avoid filling every single inch of space – even within the openings. A little breathing room is what makes the look feel elegant.
To complete the look, think about the top of the unit as well. A small table lamp, sculptural vase or dramatic glass bowl is an easy way to get a classic look. Here are some ideas:
Wood-Effect Hare Ornament, £9.60 (20% off)
Cedar & Sage Perla Marble Apple Ornament, £16 (20% off)
Open Armed Lady Cement Ornament, £18.40 (20% off)
Irregular Stoneware vases, £24.49 and £13.99 (30% off)
Zania Mini LED Rechargeable Wireless Lamp in Satin Nickel, £7 (£12 off)
Small Eucalyptus Vase, £9 (£4 off)
