Create an intentional and elevated look when you style a hallway shelf or any open shelving in transitional spaces.

I’m so excited to talk about how to make an open hallway shelf feel intentional — not cluttered.

One of the biggest things I did when we moved into our completely custom home was take my time. I was in no rush to decorate the shelves. Honestly, I didn’t even have much shelf decor to begin with. In our previous homes, we didn’t have a lot of open shelving, so it just wasn’t something I had collected over time.

But with this home, we designed it to include quite a bit of open shelving — especially in the great room and down the hallway. And the first thing I did? I left them empty. For almost a year, our great room shelves sat completely blank.

We also have this beautiful white oak hallway shelf — and honestly, it’s stunning just as it is. So I let it be. No pressure to fill it right away.

Today I want to focus specifically on that hallway shelf — how I went about finding pieces that inspired me, and how I let it evolve over time. It’s ever-changing, and that’s what makes it fun.

Designing a Hallway That Feels Intentional

A hallway doesn’t have to be boring. When designing our home, I wanted even the transitional areas to feel thoughtful and beautiful. One of my favorite views is down this hallway, where your eye goes straight to a beautiful, oversized picture window at the end. But on the way there, there are two key “moments” that needed attention: one on the left wall, and one on the right.

Left Wall Styling: Floating Frames With Seasonal Prints

The left side of the hallway was just a blank wall — a perfect canvas. I considered a few options here: a large statement art piece, a mirror with sconces, or even a gallery wall. But once I found these beautiful floating wood frames, I knew they were the right fit.

I originally used them for some digital prints I downloaded right around Christmas. I had them printed at Walgreens, popped them into the frames, and loved how they turned out. More recently, I swapped the prints for simple spring landscapes — a super easy way to refresh the space with the seasons.

Style Tips:

• Choose large-scale frames to make an impact.
• Print high-resolution digital downloads at your local print center.
• Consider artwork that complements your home’s color palette.

Shop the Look:

• Floating Wood Frames
• Seasonal Digital Art Prints
• Dunbar Pendant Light

Eventually, I’d love to use these frames for family photos, but I’m still waiting to have those taken. I chose four of the largest size, and they make such a statement without feeling too heavy or busy.

Right Wall Styling: Art Light and Thoughtful Decor

On the right side of the hallway, we have a gorgeous white oak shelf and an art light above it. I wanted this side to feel more curated — not cluttered. Since we added the light, I knew I’d be placing art here, but I really took my time finding the right pieces.

I’m super intentional when it comes to choosing art. I have to love it the moment I see it. (And if you’ve been following along, you know I have a thing for horses — but I’ve already used a lot of horse art in our home!) I ended up finding two hand-painted pieces that I just fell in love with. They bring so much warmth and personality to the space.

I also like choosing art that could work in other rooms of the house. That way, I can move things around over time and keep the home feeling fresh without always buying new pieces.

To add a little organic touch, I styled the shelf with a brown vase — it adds warmth and texture. You could easily swap in seasonal stems to bring in color throughout the year. And then here I am… adding a horse again. This steel horse sculpture adds a little something. It has a bit of edge but still feels soft in the space, and I love how it balances everything out.

Shelf Styling Tips:

• Layer artwork with sculptural or textured objects.
• Use warm tones and organic materials to soften the space.
• Add height and balance using vases, books, or candles.

Shop the Look:

• Brown Ceramic Vase
• Faux Seasonal Stems
• Steel Horse Sculpture
• Art Light Fixture
• Hand-Painted Wall Art

Below the Hallway Shelf: Textured Stools – Form Over Function (and That’s Okay)

Underneath the oak shelf, I wanted something to ground the space. I spent a lot of time looking for stools — I knew I wanted them to look substantial, with great texture, and to feel intentional rather than just filler.

I looked at benches, baskets, and ottomans before landing on these three stools. They’re exactly what I was hoping for. No, we don’t actually use them in the hallway, but I’ve moved them into our bedroom before, and they’d work beautifully in a great room or entry too. They’re sturdy, timeless, and pieces I know I’ll use for years.

Style Tips:

• Add functional decor like stools or baskets to fill negative space.
• Choose pieces with texture to add warmth and depth.
• Don’t be afraid to mix materials like wood, rattan, or boucle.

Shop the Look:

• Textured Accent Stools
• Decorative Storage Baskets
• Timeless Entryway Bench

Let It Evolve

One of my favorite parts about this hallway is that it continues to evolve. I didn’t decorate it all at once — and I’m glad I didn’t. Taking my time helped me find pieces I really love, and let each element shine on its own.

Whether it’s art that speaks to you or seasonal prints you swap in and out, giving yourself space to experiment and change things up makes a huge difference. Even a hallway can feel warm, layered, and intentional.

Love, Misa