How to Decorate Hexagon Shelves

Co-authored by Amy Bobinger

Last Updated: November 2, 2021 References

Hexagon shelves add a cool, modern twist to any space, but how should you decorate them? First, decide how you want to display the shelves—a single hexagon shelf makes a great statement piece, but you also have options if you want to show off multiple shelves. Then, pick a few well-curated pieces to show off your sense of style. In general, the shelves look better if you stick to a minimalist scheme, but you still have plenty of room to get creative!

Method 1

Method 1 of 10:
Create an eye-catching display with a single shelf.

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Hang your hexagon shelf in the center of a wall so it can stand out. This tends to look best with a slightly larger shelf, but there's no single right answer for the best size—it will vary depending on the scale of the room you're decorating and any other objects you have hanging on the wall. In general, avoid very small shelves if you're only using one, and trust your eye.^{[1]
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- Stick to simple, striking decor that will really stand out, like a small plant in a colorful vase or a horizontal stack of books with a small statue on top.
- Try to pull colors from the rest of the decor in the room—like a rug or artwork—so the shelf will really feel like it fits.

Method 2

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Space 2-3 shelves out on a single wall for a playful look.

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Hang the shelves with at least 6 in (15 cm) of distance between them. The shelves will look best if they're angled so the sides are parallel to each other. However, it's up to you whether that's the tops and bottoms, vertical sides, or angled sides.^{[2]
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- If you're using 3 shelves, leave the same amount of space between all of the shelves so the arrangement will look deliberate.
- This is a great way to show off books or a collection of small objects.

Method 3

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Group several shelves together to create a honeycomb effect.

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Arrange the shelves so they're nestled together with the sides touching. The 6-sided shapes will make a cool geometric pattern that looks like a honeycomb. It's easiest to plan this out by laying the shelves on the floor first. Once you're happy with the layout, mark the locations for the brackets on the walls, then install the shelves.^{[3]
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- To make this display look more cohesive, place similar objects, colors, or patterns on the shelves.^{[4]
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- Try spacing one or more shelves a few inches away from the rest of the group to add a little extra visual interest to the display.

Method 4

Method 4 of 10:
Hang mirrored shelves for a simple look.

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Play up the minimal effect of hexagon shelves with mirrors. This is a great option if you love the look of honeycomb shelves but you don't really have a lot to display on them. If you do want to put anything on the shelves, keep it simple—think a single flower in a vase or a horizontal stack of books. Anything else will quickly start to look cluttered.^{[5]
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- It's easiest to purchase mirrored shelves, but you can purchase hexagonal mirrors and mount them to the shelf with brackets, if you prefer.

Method 5

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Place objects inside or on top of the shelves

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Get creative with your object placement. Don't feel like you're only limited to using the actual shelving. Hexagon shelves look great with objects stacked on top of them, as well!^{[6]
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- For instance, you might put a pretty piece of framed art inside the shelf, then place a small candle on top.

Method 6

Method 6 of 10:
Use your shelves as a modern way to display books.

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Stack the books in small groups and place them in the shelves. Use bookends to support the books if you're displaying them vertically. However, you can also lay the books on their sides for a cool way to show them off.^{[7]
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- This looks best with smaller groups of books—maybe 4-5 in each shelf.
- If you're an avid reader, curate a collection of your very favorite books. If you're more interested in the aesthetics, pick books based on the color scheme you're going for!^{[8]
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Method 7

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Place small planters inside the shelves.

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Fill the planters with succulents, flowers, or trailing plants. Any of those options will create a beautiful display on your wall. Just keep in mind if you're including multiple plants, they'll probably look best if they're similar in size and shape. You may want the planters to coordinate with each other, too, even if they're not perfectly matchy-matchy.^{[9]
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- For instance, you might choose planters that are all about the same size and shape, but painted in a variety of bright colors. Then, fill them all with different succulents for a modern look.
- Or, you could pick an assortment of small planters in different shapes and sizes, but place one of the same leafy plant in each container.
- Go with artificial plants or dried flowers if you don't want to have to worry about watering them!

Method 8

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Show off pretty paper art inside the shelves.

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Stick to smaller art pieces so they'll fit the scale. If the art is framed, try centering it on the wall inside the shelf. That way, you can still place a few objects on the shelf below the piece, if you'd like. If it's unframed art, just prop it up on the shelf among the other decorations.^{[10]
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- This is a great way to show off pretty invitations, sentimental photos, or holiday cards!^{[11]
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- For a cool twist, try lining the back of the shelf with pretty paper, like scrapbook paper or pieces of wallpaper.^{[12]
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Method 9

Method 9 of 10:
Add candles for an elegant touch.

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Place a pretty candle in the center of the shelf. Candles are a timeless decoration, and they complement any style of interior decor. Choose a candle in a color that matches the rest of the room, or go with a scented candle with good cold throw, meaning you can smell it even if it isn't lit.^{[13]
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- To make the candle stand out even more, wrap it with a pretty ribbon or place it in a decorate candle shade.
- Don't light the candle while it's inside the shelf—you could accidentally set the top of the shelf on fire! It's probably okay to light a candle if it's sitting on top of the shelf, but remember never to leave a lit candle unattended.

Method 10

Method 10 of 10:
Include small knick-knacks to show off your personality.

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Pick objects that show off what you're really passionate about. There's absolutely no limit to what you can show off on your shelf. Place your most prized objects in the honeycomb where everyone can see them. They're sure to catch the eye of anyone who visits your home!^{[14]
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- For instance, if you love horses, a small horse figurine would be perfect. If you're a photographer, a vintage camera might be just right for you.
- In a kid's room, you might display a monogram and a couple of vintage toys that are too delicate to play with.