FRAME COLLECTIONS | THE SHELFIE

Image source: elementsofstyleblog.com

​For this blog post, we put together a few inspiring frame collections and shared some great tips for arranging your art pieces using "shelfies". Have you guys heard of the “shelfie”? It’s a term quickly spreading through social media that as you might have guessed borrows from the well-known “selfie.”

As you all know, selfie is the act of taking a picture of yourself and posting it on social media. Similarly with so many home-design images of precisely placed objects being shared a new term was born, the shelfie. ​Originally being photographs of items on a shelf, Katie Kurtz of Adorned Homes wrote that, "all digital photos of still-life collections" or displays on social media are now under this designation. So for all you social media and design savvy people, I decided to be on trend and give you some of our favourite ideas for a beautifully framed shelfie. ​​​

Framed on a budget: I think for the most part we all want our homes to feel more expensive, but we want to spend as little as possible while as well utilizing space in an effective and attractive way. It’s a tall order, but we think this example checks all the boxes! The simple trick? Maximize and define your vertical space.
 
By using floating, narrow shelves, bordered by artwork on the wall, create a ‘mini’ gallery of framed pieces making the space purposeful and look like a million bucks!

Image source: artsandclassy.com

​The bedroom is a place that we want to be special but often decide to spend less on because it’s not part of the main living space. A great way too add glamour without breaking the bank is by framing your bed with curtains and adding a distinct picture grouping as a focal point to bring it all together. This gives an illusion of grandeur, which makes it feel like you’ve spent more than you have.

Image source: apartment therapy

​Framed light and airy: If you don't want a space to feel overcrowded but have a lot that you would like to display, try using white frames with matching white mats for a clean and airy feel. Another good rule of thumb is to choose mats that are extra large, which gives much-needed white space to your display. This keeps the active nature of your pieces contained and your display light.

Image source: homestoriesatoz.com & bhg.com

​Though it could be argued that this example is not light and airy, we decided to include it under this category because TVs can easily turn into a beautifully stylized room’s “sore thumb’, which definitely contradicts the light and airy vibe we're going for. To change this, create a seamless design by mounting your flat screen on the wall and strategically hanging artwork around your TV, making it feel like part of the décor.

Image source: remodelista

​Framed mantel: If your mantel is in need of a makeover there are 2 tips to consider: size and nail-free ease. When styling your mantel, arrange items from tallest to shortest or vice versa. Place your highest item in the middle or place your tallest pieces on the mantel ends for balance. After you've decided on your collection and placement, rather than nailing the items into your wall, lean and layer your artwork, frames and mirrors. This makes for less work, which means more time to relax beside your masterful mantelpiece!

Image source: houseandhome.com

​Framed tabletop: Run out of wall space? No problem! Tabletop vignettes are attractive and can easily be refreshed with new treasures or modified seasonally. It’s also fun to play with contrasting wall colour and art choice/frame deign to achieve a bold and unique design as can be seen on the right. 

Image source: larson-juhl & style-files.com

​Framed bathroom: Last but definitely not least the bathroom must be considered. We spend a lot of time in it but often are not sure how to decorate it. Botanicals and classic gold frames are a great option to create an elegant and serene feel that is timeless. Hang your collection right to the ceiling for a stunning result.

Image source: corgi-life.tumbler.com

​Tag @leframeshoppe on Instagram the next time you take a shelfie!