Shelfie : Budget Edition – How to Style a Shelf for Under $100

I’m excited for the second post in my Shelfie Series because it was a very popular request. Your wish is my command and I’m eager to share a budget-friendly edition. Click through for a complete shelf styling solution- all under $100! If you’re not sure where to start or aren’t great at shelf styling, I’ve linked every single product and you can literally recreate this “shelfie” or swap items for your existing decor. 

As you know, I’m constantly styling and restyling my shelves. There’s something therapeutic about it that really does it for me. Given it has been a tough and emotional month, let’s just say my living room built-ins are looking the best they have all year. Ha! I guess that’s one positive thing. I also found myself doing some retail therapy and I’ve been ordering new decor for my living room shelving, as well as the office built-ins we’re planning to build next month (more on that soon). Needless to say, I thought it would be the perfect time for a new shelfie post! Let’s dive in, shall we?

You can click directly on the objects styled on the shelf to shop! If you’re wondering about scale- I tried to find objects under 12″ tall, to fit on standard size shelves. I also tried to keep them as close to scale as possible.

If you remember nothing else from this post… here’s the takeaway: the key to styling an inexpensive, yet curated shelf is to be resourceful, use lots of books, and don’t forget the art!

I like to use books I already have or make a quick trip to my local thrift store. In Utah, I’ll run to the DI (our equivalent to Goodwill) and take armfuls of books home for under $10 – $15. I always feel like I’ve hit the jackpot when I leave with a load of books. Remove the dust jackets, give them a spritz of fabreeze, and they’ll look (and smell) great styled on a shelf.

Art is another good way to fill shelf space. Use frames you already have, then insert affordable art you find online, your children’s artwork, or even photos and images you already have. If you’re still stumped- frame scrap fabric, cut inspiring pieces from magazines, or frame pages from books. There are so many good, free options. Let’s tally up the total for the shelfie shown above!

• green marble bookend // $19.99
• 8×10 frame with mat // $10.99 each (times 2) = $21.98
• brass and glass keepsake box // $12.99
• brass pedestal planter // $4.99
• large woven basket // $11.80
• burnt glass candle holder // $9.99
• marble taper candleholders // $6.99
• black metal tray // $12.99
• glass vase // $3.99

TOTAL = $105.71

Ok, ok… maybe I should’ve changed the title to read “Style a Shelf for Under $106”, but I think it’s close enough! That’s a lot of items for a small price, and they take up a good amount of real estate on the shelf.

If you’re not into this budget-friendly option, click here to get the look for a totally styled neutral shelfie! I seriously love creating posts for this series because it’s like virtual shelf styling… I get the gratitude without the behind-the-scenes mess! Are you guys still liking these posts? I hope so, because I have a really amazing Halloween shelfie planned and all the spooky goodies are currently on their way to me as we speak. Fingers crossed my delivery guys are keeping them safe & sound!