When summer rolls around, I’m always ready to lighten things up…and not just with my wardrobe. My shelves get a seasonal refresh too. It doesn’t take much, but with a few intentional swaps, you can make your home feel breezy, fresh, and ready for longer days and slower evenings.
The best part? You don’t have to start from scratch. I’m a big believer in mixing old and new, and I keep some staples, like vintage finds and plant cuttings, on my shelves year-round. They bring warmth and life no matter the season.
So if your shelves are feeling a little heavy after winter, here are my favorite ideas for styling them for summer, plus a few things I always keep no matter what.
What to Keep Year-Round
1. Antiques and Vintage Finds
If you’ve been here a while, you know I love a good thrifted or inherited piece. Whether it’s a stack of vintage books, or a unique ceramic bowl, these items bring character and contrast to more seasonal decor.
2. Plant Cuttings in Bud Vases
Tiny pops of green go a long way. I always snip clippings from my pothos, monstera, or whatever’s thriving at the moment and pop them into small vases or jars. It’s a simple, affordable way to make your shelves feel alive.
- These bud vases are my absolute favorite. Perfect for propagations…and cute!
- This is a great propagation station that looks good anywhere
3. Neutral Foundation Pieces
Things like white pottery, light wood frames, or simple bowls anchor your shelf styling and make it easy to swap in seasonal touches.
What to Swap Out for Summer
1. Heavy Books for Lighter Reads
Trade dark or bulky books for ones with lighter spines or summer themes like cookbooks, garden guides, or design books with coastal or nature-inspired covers.
Try out one of these if you need some aesthetic books for your shelves.
- “Live Beautiful” by Athena Calderone
- “Pacific Natural” by Jenni Kayne
- This affordable neutral-toned book set
Or just use books you already own!
2. Moody Art for Airy Prints
Swap darker art prints for something that feels a bit lighter and fresher. Coastal landscapes, botanical sketches, or even abstract pastels can give your shelves that relaxed summer feel.
Here are a few simple art prints I love:
3. Faux Greenery for Fresh Florals
Faux greenery works great year-round, but in summer I love adding small jars of real wildflowers or garden clippings. Even grocery store blooms can look stunning in a vintage glass bottle or tiny vase.
If you want low-maintenance, choose airy faux stems that mimic summery plants like eucalyptus, olive branches, or ferns.
- Faux olive branch stems
- I have these faux eucalyptus stems, and they look good with everything!
- Want to try faux flowers? Give these mini summer floral bundles a try
4. Cozy Textures for Light Layers
If your shelves hold baskets or textiles, swap out chunky knits and wool for linen, rattan, or even seagrass. They keep things feeling natural and breathable.
5. Candles in Seasonal Scents or Colors
I love candles year-round, but in summer, I swap heavy amber jars for fresh scents in clear or light ceramic containers. Think citrus, salt air, or coconut—and display them like decor pieces.
Summer candle picks:
- Coconut orange blossom candle
- Citrus mint summer candle
- Fresh sea salt candle
- Coastal-style ceramic candle
Shelf styling doesn’t have to mean a full redo every season. By keeping a few signature pieces and swapping in some light, fresh details, you can easily make your home feel like summer without spending a fortune
If you want a shortcut, I rounded up a few of my favorite shelf styling finds right here. Happy summer decorating!
