Ask Joshua: How to Style Built-In Shelves Without Looking Cluttered
Hi Joshua,
I recently remodeled my home and leaned into a bold modern eclectic look with pops of color. I painted my built-in shelves black to give the space a stronger, more dramatic feel, and I love how they work with jewel tones throughout the room.
That said, I’m stuck on how to style the shelves without them starting to feel cluttered or overwhelming. I want them to feel intentional and layered, not busy. Any advice on how to strike that balance?
Much thanks,
Joy - Jersey City, New Jersey
Modern eclectic living room with black built-in shelves, designed by virtual interior designer Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co.
Hi Joy,
Black built-in shelves can look incredibly sophisticated, especially in a modern eclectic space with jewel tones — but the key to keeping them from feeling cluttered is restraint and rhythm.
The biggest mistake I see is trying to fill every inch. Dark shelves actually benefit from breathing room. Leaving some sections partially empty helps the pieces you do display feel intentional rather than crowded.
Start by thinking in groups instead of individual objects. Styling works best when items are arranged in odd-number groupings and varied heights. Mix vertical elements like books or tall vases with lower sculptural pieces to create balance. This keeps the eye moving without overwhelming it.
Limit your color story. Jewel tones are beautiful, but you don’t need all of them on the shelves. Choose two or three accent colors and repeat them subtly throughout the built-ins. This creates cohesion and prevents the shelves from competing with the rest of the room.
Finally, don’t underestimate negative space. On black shelves especially, negative space adds contrast and makes each object stand out more. A shelf that isn’t “finished” often looks more elevated than one that’s fully styled.
When in doubt, remove one item. If the shelves feel busy, they probably are — and editing almost always improves the result.
Hope this helps,”
Joshua
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