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Guides Joy's House

How to Style a Ledge

If you have a window ledge or short shelf ledge in your home, use it as a chance to add some texture and objects to the space without adding clutter…

So often, ledges become the place to keep random junk or stay empty and accumulate dust! But if you have a window ledge or short shelf ledge in your home, use it as a chance to add some texture and objects to the space without adding clutter. Here are some ideas to inspire you…

Here’s a ledge we have in our studio that’s a modern, clean-edge window sill. It could serve as a functional shelf and get piled high with random things, but we need to be able to keep it somewhat open to access the windows for fresh air or for when they need to be cleaned. So instead, adding a few things in clusters helps to add some texture and style without adding clutter.

Add Plants
Plants always make for a great way to add life and texture to a ledge. While you don’t want a massive plant there, don’t be afraid to have one that has some volume. As long as the planter has a solid area to sit, some leaves that come out from the ledge adds a nice texture and shape to break up the clean lines of the ledge.

Sculptural or Vintage Objects
This is the perfect area to add those objects you’ve collected from travels or from flea markets! They work well when paired or clustered with larger items — like plants or others mentioned below!

Vases Without Flowers
You can make use of some vases as sculptural objects even when they don’t have flowers. I always like to look for those that have a fun shape and can exist on their own without being filled. Then, it’s just a bonus when you do have blooms to fill them.

Create Clusters or Groups
Depending on the length of your ledge, you can add one or more clusters. I like groups of 2 or 3 items together to create a vignette with a range of shapes and sizes. You can add one at a corner or a few of these clusters for longer ledges.

And while this isn’t a ledge—and more of a small counter—it has a similar amount of space and function. You can see some of those same styling tips applied here, too!

Photos by Meiwen See

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