Open shelves look beautiful on Instagram, but in real life, they can quickly turn into dusty, cluttered messes. Keeping them tidy is more about rules than perfection.
First, decide the purpose of each shelf. Some can be functional (daily plates, cups, jars), others decorative (plants, books, art). Mixing both is fine, but avoid dumping random items “just for now.”
Use baskets or boxes on open shelves to hide small, messy-looking things. From outside, you see neat containers; inside, you can store chargers, letters, or odds and ends.
Leave some breathing space. Don’t pack shelves edge-to-edge. A few empty pockets make the whole arrangement look more intentional and easier to clean.
Dusting regularly is key. A quick wipe once a week prevents that thick layer which makes everything feel old. If you’re not willing to dust it often, it probably shouldn’t be open storage.
Rotate decor occasionally. Swap a frame, add a small plant, move books. Tiny refreshes keep shelves feeling curated, not abandoned.