How can I make these shelves look better?

[munchkintrouble]

It's 3 shelves at the side of our fireplace. They aren't very deep-about 6 or 7 inches and not high either so I'm limited to what I can go fir but I've never been happy with the layout.

Any tips or ideas to make it flow a bit better?

Photo

Can't see pic.

I like it op looks really nice however I'm not got any clue have you tried looking online for inspiration?

I'd probably put a coloured ornament or candle on each shelf (maybe green to match the plants?). Love the shelves

What’s wrong with them? Look fine to me! Maybe needs one or 2 coloured ornaments?

I think all you need is splashes of colour. Shelves themselves are nice. Just a bit too much white.
Another plant. And more colour.

The shelves are lovely, but there's not much of a gap between each one, so everything is clustered together in one area. A good sized picture or mirror on the wall above the shelves would even it out a bit, and then maybe try and spread the objects out a little on the shelves.

I like them especially the thickness of the shelves. Perhaps declutter and a green hanging plant, too many things imo.

Books

I think it looks nice and I disagree that another colour would help, I like the calm colour scheme.

The scale of your ornaments is quite uniform, maybe mix that up a bit with something that's much bigger on the top shelf and some smaller things as well. Or what about those pretty glass baubles you get for air plants hanging down from the roof in the alcove? Do you have plants elsewhere in the room? Are the things you have on the shelves echoed elsewhere in the room by colour or shape or texture?

@DelphineWalsh

Books

LOL. I do often think what's the point of a shelf without books on it

Too bland with the same colour. I would suggest evening out the space between to be bigger (sorry but I don't know the height available above)

I would also consider LED strip lights to make it atmospheric and illuminating.

Include different height ornaments and textures. Good luck ! it will look fab no matter what x

I think they look really nice!

The only thing I would do would be to move the corded thing (a lamp?) down onto the bottom shelf as it messes with the clean lines in my head. I know it wouldn't throw off as much light, though.

I also like the colour scheme, but I do feel there are too many things. Perhaps restrict to 3-5 things on each shelf? They're also very similar in size; maybe one or two large things instead. Don't be afraid of blank space! I hope this arrangement shows what I mean:
Xx x
xX
x xx

I'd stack some nice books. Maybe so called coffe table or art books.

The bottom shelf is below the arm of the couch. I think that may be the only thing that is awkward. Otherwise, they are attractive shelves.

Do you love each item that's on the shelves?

For em, everything is bunched in the middle and everything is very white and plain. The metallic frames and lamp are cold.

Agree with a tumbling plant of some kind. And some colour. But the oil burner, letter, lamp and photo frames need to go and be replaced with something else. Try some different frames. And some coloured pottery. Add some texture.

Check out Pinterest for inspiration.

The shelves themselves are lovely!

The bottom shelf is below the arm of the couch. I think that may be the only thing that is awkward. Otherwise, they are attractive shelves.

I think they look like they are from a shop or pinterest page and while the shelves themselves are lovely, all together its a bit bland for me.
The best looks reflect the owner and something that they 'love' - whether its their books, favourite family photos, an interesting picture or object, a plant, an heirloom...
Unfortunately I find a lot of modern 'looks' in this sense a bit boring, and I tend to love messy, real, interesting homes that tell me something about the people - not that they are following the latest instagram trends...

Rule of three!
www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-rule-of-threes-and-other-odd-numbers-218086

www.welshdesignstudio.com/interior-design-rule-of-three/

Sorry, should have explained. Rule of Three is interior design 101 really. Group things in vignettes of three, with differing heights.

The exact proportions aren’t clear but you seem to have a huge gap between top shelf and ceiling which throw off the proportions. Typically the space between the bottom two shelves is the biggest.

Perhaps move the bottom shelf to above the current top shelf.

I think you are almost there OP, they look fine but lacking that certain something and I think the objects on your shelves are pretty much all the same height, size and texture and makes it look a bit bland, these shelves look good.

I like a propped piece of art

Rule of three is a great suggestion. You’re missing a guiding principle to the design. Propped picture is another great suggestion as is books.