Scout Sixteen - How To Take The Perfect Shelfie with CB2 Stairway Bookcase

How To Take The Perfect Shelf-ie

Let’s be real: Instagram can make even the most novice photographer look like a professional. With a little editing (and a dash of filtering), you can create a masterpiece. Last year, Instagram users were on the quest for the perfect selfie. This year, the focus has turned to the home… but more importantly, the “shelf-ie” (you know – those envy-inducing immaculately styled shelves you dream of having).

It’s obvious that your home should feel like you and reflect your personality. One of the easiest ways to do this is by curating shelves and tabletops with objects that speak to your style. Over the years, I’ve perfected the pieces that speak to my personality and found unique ways of incorporating those pieces into my shelving. Recently, my friends at CB2 asked me to craft a little how-to on creating the perfect “shelf-ie” and what better way to do that, than show you in my own home! For this project, I snagged a few of CB2’s amazing 96″ Stairway Bookcases + a few of my favorite accessories to style out.

So here are a few of my tips on how to craft a picture-perfect “shelf-ie”…

Scout Sixteen - How To Take The Perfect Shelfie with CB2 Stairway Bookcase

Get Playful

Who says you can’t have fun with your shelves? If you’re like me, you’ve likely collected a random array of trinkets over the years. Display them proudly by organizing pieces by similarities (color, texture, or general vibe) – remember: it’s not cluttered if it’s purposeful.

Scout Sixteen - How To Take The Perfect Shelfie with CB2 Stairway Bookcase

Find Balance

Symmetry is an instant hit on Instagram – seriously, you’ll snag all of the likes and comments with this trick. With easy, clean elements, a symmetric set-up finds beauty in balance. Here, I’ve broken up the symmetry with this pair of bright red candlesticks for a bit of visual contrast.

Scout Sixteen - How To Take The Perfect Shelfie with CB2 Stairway Bookcase

Trick The Eyes

Explore new heights by contrasting the vertical and horizontal orientation of objects on your shelf. Break up the monotony by elevating some objects in interesting ways, like I’ve done with this pair of headphones.

 
Go Green

Plants are like instant joy. You can’t see a room full of blooming, beautiful plants without cracking a smile. Breathe new life into your shelves by crafting a lively set-up using your favorite greenery. Don’t have a green thumb? No worries – opt for succulents because they don’t require a lot of care.

Scout Sixteen - How To Take The Perfect Shelfie with CB2 Stairway Bookcase

Mix Old and New

I’ve always loved the artful accents of decades past. Here I’ve juxtaposed modern elements (like these beautiful rose-gold CB2 products, link in bio to shop) with a vintage-inspired vinyl record player. The key here is to avoid incorporating elements exclusively from one era; beauty comes from giving contemporary life to those gently-worn, vintage possessions.

Like I said before, your shelves should feel like YOU. Plus, having fun with your shelving is one of the easiest ways to change up the vibe of a room.

SHOP all of my favorite CB2 products by rolling your cursor over your favorite objects below…

 

 
Which shelf was your favorite? What’re some of your tips or tricks for styling your shelves and tabletops? Let me know in the comments below!

Scout Sixteen is a lifestyle blog from Justin Livingston. Justin grew up in Mississippi but relocated to New York City in 2008. On Scout Sixteen, Justin shares his passion in fashion, travel, food and drink, and mental wellness.