First things first, decide which items of Baby’s you’d like to display on shelves. Lay everything out on the floor to see what you have to work with; this will make the styling process much easier. “When styling a nursery, I always start with books,” notes Stephanie Molster of Stephanie Molster Interiors. She then layers in other items such as toys and photos. “Books, family photos, and of course plush stuffed animals propped on the shelves waiting to be held or to spark the imagination from the crib add a soft playful feel to the room,” adds Kathy Marshall of Kathy Marshall Design. Adds Nicole Zarr of Nicole Zarr & Associates, “I have asked for photos of the parents and grandparents when they were babies that I then put in silver frames.” If you’re working with Nestig’s Spyglass Shelf, consider placing books on the traditional bookshelves and using the ledges to the right to display photos and toys.

Don’t forget about the sentimental touches, either. “Maybe you have a pair of shoes from when you or your partner were babies, or perhaps a locket gifted and inscribed by Grandma,” offers Theresa Ory of Theresa Ory Interiors. “I’ve hung baptismal gowns, rested grandpa’s toy car and placed big brothers' previously favorite stuffy onto nursery shelving.” Nestig’s Starship Shelf can easily accommodate small trinkets of this nature with its individual compartments. 

Of course, shelves also provide valuable storage space for other meaningful things like greeting cards you received when your child was born, and the like. “I lean toward stylish timeless storage boxes in various sizes,” Marshall says. You’ll want to select boxes in a color or style that complements your nursery’s general aesthetic. Boxes and bins are great for practical items, too. “I’m a big fan of baskets for corralling smaller toys and even more useful items like toiletries if your shelves are near a changing table,” says Hope Austin of Hope Austin Interiors. Alternatively, if you opt to purchase Nestig’s Hide and Seek Shelf, you can simply tuck these items behind the closed doors so that they’re nearby yet hidden out of sight!

Artwork is also great on shelves. “Framed vintage nursery rhymes and illustrations from antique children's books always work well,” Zarr says. 

Don’t be afraid to decorate with items that your child will be able to enjoy in a few years; not every inch of your shelves have to contain toys that Baby plays with in this current stage. “I like to display items that will actually be used or referenced in the future,” Molster says. “A nursery should be all about growth!” On that note, why not try a piggy bank? “A piggy bank can be colorful, whimsical, classic, monogramed, an antique, or even handmade,” says Kit Castaldo of Kit Castaldo Design. “It’s an item that can add conversation and grow with the child. A piggy bank can also act as a teaching moment when the time is right. When chosen correctly, it often takes on sentimental value and becomes a cherished treasure in one's life.”